Postdoctoral Researcher – Simons Working Group on Axions

1000scholars; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel funds

Benefits

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in the Simons Working Group on Axions, to begin Fall 2027. The role is up to three years, with competitive salary, benefits, and funds for travel.

Researchers will work at the interface of theoretical particle physics, nuclear astrophysics, and astroparticle physics, with opportunities for extended visits to partner institutions.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, astrophysics, or a related field by the start date.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research within the Simons Working Group on Axions.
• Collaborate with colleagues across institutions.
• Present findings at seminars and conferences.

Education

PhD in physics or closely related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Leinweber Institute for Theoretical Physics (LITP) at the University of California, Berkeley invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in the Simons Working Group on Axions, to begin in Fall 2027. This is one of up to five postdoctoral positions across the Working Group's institutions: UC Berkeley (Benjamin Safdi), Princeton University (Adam Burrows), the University of Washington (Masha Baryakhtar), LAPTh/CNRS in Annecy, France (Francesca Calore), and Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland (Tobias Fischer). Researchers are expected to work at the intersection of theoretical particle physics, theoretical nuclear astrophysics, and astroparticle physics.

Research Focus

The Simons Working Group on Axions (https://www.simonsfoundation.org/mathematics-physical-sciences/targeted-simons-research-groups/) is a multi-institutional collaboration supported by the Simons Foundation that aims to develop and implement novel astrophysical probes of the quantum chromodynamics axion and axion-like particles. Areas and methods of particular emphasis are supernova simulations, black hole superradiance, cosmological axion simulations, and, more broadly, theoretical calculations of axion effects in extreme astrophysical and cosmological systems. Researchers will be given broad discretion to work on related projects with Working Group members and researchers at the Working Group institutions. Supported postdocs will be able to travel frequently to the other Working Group institutions and to make extended visits.

Employment Details

Position will be awarded for up to three years. In addition to a competitive salary, the position includes benefits and funds for travel.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary


• Benefits


• Funds for travel

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, astrophysics, or a related field by the start date

Deadline

Deadline for applications is November 20, 2026.

Equal Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer; women and minorities are encouraged to apply.