Postdoctoral Research Associate - Theoretical Nuclear Physics and Quantum Computing

Iowa State University - College of Design; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plans

Vacation and leave

Onsite childcare (Ames)

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing program

WorkFlex

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance theoretical nuclear physics and quantum computing research. The role emphasizes ab initio Hamiltonian methods and high-performance computing.

This one-year appointment with renewal possible upon funding, invites independent and collaborative work, oral and written dissemination, and contributions to proposals at the intersection of nuclear physics and quantum information.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in theoretical nuclear/particle physics by start date.
• Experience in ab initio nuclear theory or Hamiltonian light-front field theory.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct theoretical nuclear physics research with emphasis on ab initio Hamiltonian methods.
• Develop computational techniques in light-front quantized field theory or microscopic nuclear structure.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Contribute to proposals and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Skills

Ab initio nuclear theory

Hamiltonian light-front field theory

Publications in peer-reviewed journals

Education

Ph.D. in Theoretical Nuclear Physics or closely related field

Tools

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Quantum computing concepts

Job description

Position Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Theoretical Nuclear Physics and Quantum Computing

Appointment Type

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct theoretical nuclear physics research with an emphasis on ab initio Hamiltonian methods and their applications to quantum computing. The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced computational approaches in light-front quantized field theory or microscopic nuclear structure theory to investigate fundamental properties of atomic nuclei and strongly interacting quantum systems. This position is expected to be funded for one year, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon the availability of funding. Responsibilities include performing independent and collaborative research, developing innovative theoretical and computational techniques, publishing results in peer-reviewed journals, presenting findings at scientific conferences, and contributing to research proposals and interdisciplinary collaborations. The position offers opportunities to work at the intersection of nuclear physics, quantum information science, and high-performance computing.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Theoretical Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics, or a closely related field by the position start date.
• Experience in ab initio nuclear theory or Hamiltonian light-front field theory.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement, including publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using high-performance computing (HPC).
• Experience with quantum computing.

Department/Program & College Description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Iowa State University is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the universe through excellence in research, education, and innovation. The department maintains nationally recognized theoretical and experimental research programs in astrophysics, condensed matter physics, high-energy physics, and nuclear physics, providing a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment for discovery. Faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students work together to address fundamental scientific questions using advanced computational, experimental, and analytical approaches.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• WorkFlex options for some positions.
• WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work.

Pay and Employment Details

• Proposed Start Date: December 2, 2026
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12
• Time Type: Full time
• Pay Grade: Post Docs
• Original Posting Date: October 19, 2026
• Posting Close Date: November 1, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R20105

Location and Community

Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].