Postdoctoral Fellow - Theory

Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab); Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Arrangements (Remote &/

Job summary

Jefferson Lab's Theory Center invites applications for postdoctoral positions in theoretical nuclear physics starting in fall 2027. These positions are normally for two years, with the possibility of one additional year contingent upon funding and research performance.

Applications received by November 29th, 2026 will receive our full consideration. The Theory Center pursues a world-leading research program in QCD and its applications to hadronic and nuclear physics, supporting the physics

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in an appropriate area of theoretical physics is a prerequisite, together with a record of publications in leading journals and talks at workshops and conferences.
• Preferred: Recognized research program in theoretical and/or computational nuclear and/or hadron physics that overlaps with the JLab scientific program.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to present work at professional meetings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct first class and innovative theoretical and computational research in QCD and hadron physics individually, collaboratively and safely at Theory Center in support of the science program pursued by Jefferson Lab and it's CEBAF facility.
• Disseminate research findings and results through publications of articles in refereed journals, presentations at conferences, workshops and seminars, and through the submission of proceedings.
• Maintain a record of activities, including keeping publication databases up to date and preparing an annual report.
• Contribute to the broad science program of Jefferson Lab, including interactions with JLab users in theory and experiment and outreach activities.

Skills

Clear writing

Public speaking

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in theoretical physics

Job description

At Jefferson Lab,you'llchampioncutting-edgescience and operational excellence while shaping the future of discovery. Join us and make your mark - where excellence meets purpose, andgreat mindstruly matter.

The good-faith pay range for this role is $65,600 - $90,300per year. Actual compensation may vary and may be above the posted range based on factors such as a candidate's skills, experience, education, certifications, and work location.

The Theory Center at Jefferson Lab (JLab) invites applications for postdoctoral positions in theoretical nuclear physics starting in fall 2027. These positions are normally for two years, with the possibility of one additional year contingent upon funding and research performance. Applications received by November 29th, 2026 will receive our full consideration.

The Theory Center pursues a world-leading research program in QCD and its applications to hadronic and nuclear physics, supporting the physics program at JLab and the future Electron-Ion Collider. The Center is actively involved in collaborative projects of the US Department of Energy programs such as SciDAC-5, Topical Collaborations, the Genesis Mission, and the National Quantum Initiative. The Center maintains an extensive network of connections that offer many opportunities for collaboration with leading researchers worldwide. More information about JLab and the Theory Center can be found at https://www.jlab.org/.

What your job will be like:

Conduct first class and innovative theoretical and computational research in QCD and hadron physics individually, collaboratively and safely at Theory Center in support of the science program pursued by Jefferson Lab and disseminate research findings and results through publications of articles in refereed journals and presentations at conferences, workshops and seminars.

In this job you will:

• Disseminate research findings and results through publications of articles in refereed journals, presentations at conferences, workshops and seminars, and through the submission of proceedings.
• Maintain a record of activities, in particular ensuring that the publication database is kept up to date and the submission of an annual report.
• Conduct first class and innovative theoretical and computational research in QCD and hadron physics individually, collaboratively and safely at Theory Center in support of the science program pursued by Jefferson Lab and it's CEBAF facility
• Contribute to the broad science program of Jefferson Lab, such as interactions with JLab users, both in theory and experiment, and participations of Lab's outreach activities.

Additional Responsibilities

Experience

• Required: none
• Preferred: Recognized research program in theoretical and/or computational nuclear and/or hadron physics that overlaps with the JLab scientific program.

Education

• Required: Ph.D. in an appropriate area of theoretical physics is a prerequisite, together with a record of publications in leading journals and talks at workshops and conferences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Able to communicate clearly in writing (e.g. email, memos, explanations, drawings) and explain work to his/her supervisor and others in the group.
• Can represent work associated with specific projects at professional meetings.
• Interacts well with members of the group.

About Jefferson Lab

Join a community with a common purpose of solving the most challenging scientific and engineering problems of our time. The Jefferson Lab campusis located insoutheasternVirginiaamidst a vibrant and growing technology community.

A career at Jefferson Lab is more than a job. You will be part of "big science" and work alongside top scientists and engineers from around the world unlocking the secrets of our visible universe. Managed by SURATech, LLC, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is entering an exciting period of mission growth and is seeking new team members ready to apply their skills and passion to have an impact. You could call it work, or you could call it a mission. We call it a challenge. We do things that will change the world.

Total Rewards at Jefferson Lab

At Jefferson Lab, we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (Paid Parental, vacation, holidays, and sick leave)
• 401(k) Plan - 9% Lab Contribution; 100% vested
• Flexible Work Arrangements (Remote & Alternate Work Schedules available)
• Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
• Live near the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay region with access to nearby beaches,
• mountains, and all major metropolitan centers on the East Coast

SURATech, LLC manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). SURATech is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SURATech is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities (unless doing so will result in an undue hardship). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or contact Human Resources by calling [phone] and selecting option 1 between 8 am - 5 pm EST to provide the nature of your request.

Employment with SURATech is conditional upon DOE approval if at any time during your employment you are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Program or Affiliated activity. Generally, such programs/activities include any foreign-state-sponsored attempt to acquire U.S.-funded scientific research through programs run or funded by the government that target scientists, engineers, students, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs of all nationalities working or educated in the United States. This includes positions or appointments, both domestic and foreign, titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments whether or not remuneration is received and whether full-time, part-time or voluntary.