Postdoctoral Appointee - Nuclear Theory

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 70,758 - 117,925; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, is offering postdoctoral positions in nuclear theory starting as early as Spring 2026. The appointment is for two years, with a potential one-year extension based on performance and funding.

Candidates should have a recent PhD in theoretical physics, possess a strong research record, and be interested in AI applied to nuclear physics. Applications must be submitted by November 28, 2025, for full consideration.

Qualifications

• Completed PhD (within the last 0–5 years) in theoretical physics or a related field.
• No more than five years of postdoctoral experience.
• Strong research record and clear plan for independent research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct theoretical nuclear physics research.
• Publish and present results.
• Collaborate with group members and external partners.

Skills

Theoretical physics knowledge

AI/quantum information methods

Collaborative work

Effective communication

Education

PhD in theoretical physics or related field

Job description

Overview

The Theory Group in the Physics Division at Argonne National Laboratory is offering postdoctoral positions in nuclear theory, starting as early as Spring2026. The appointments are for two years, with the possibility of an additional year contingent upon funding and performance.

Research Focus

The group conducts research in QCD/hadron physics and nuclear structure/reactions with increasing emphasis on artificial intelligence and quantum information science. The group participates in three SciDAC‑5 projects: (1) Femtoscale Imaging of Nuclei Using Exascale Platforms; (2) Fundamental Nuclear Physics at Exascale and Beyond; and (3) Nuclear Computational Low Energy Initiative (NUCLEI). It also collaborates on 3D quark‑gluon structure of hadrons and nuclear theory for new physics.

Responsibilities

Postdoctoral researchers will conduct theoretical nuclear physics research that aligns with the group's priorities, publish and present results, collaborate with group members and external partners, and contribute to grant authorship and project documentation. You are expected to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Recent or soon‑to‑be completed PhD (within the last 0–5years) in theoretical physics or a related field.
• No more than five years of postdoctoral experience.
• Strong research record and a clear plan for independent research.
• Experience or strong interest in AI/quantum information methods applied to nuclear physics is desirable.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively.

Application Process

1. Complete the internal application.
2. Submit a curriculum vitae and a one‑page statement of research interests to IanCloët ([e-mail]).
3. Arrange for three letters of recommendation to be emailed to the same address.

Applications received by 28November2025 will receive full consideration.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected salary range is $70,758.00–$117,925.00, subject to business considerations and internal equity. Comprehensive benefits are offered as part of the total rewards package. For details, visit the Argonne employee benefits page.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity employer, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized basis. Applicants may be required to obtain a government access authorization.