Wilson Fellowship Associate Scientist

Fermilab; Batavia (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Fermilab invites applications for the Wilson Fellowship from Ph.D. physicists with at least two years of post-Ph.D. experience.

The fellowship supports early-career researchers to pursue self-directed experimental physics work within the Fermilab particle physics program in Batavia, IL. Successful candidates will join a broad program including collider and cosmic physics, neutrinos, muons, and quantum information science, with emphasis this year on neutrino, muon, and collider physics.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or related field.
• 2+ years of post-PhD research experience.
• Experience in experimental particle or cosmic physics.
• Strong publication record and conference presentations.
• Leadership demonstrated through projects or measurements.

Responsibilities

• Carry out independent research within Fermilab's experimental program.
• Lead and conduct experimental measurements and analyses.
• Publish results in professional journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Independent research

Experimental measurements

Communication

Leadership

Education

PhD in Physics

Job description

The Wilson Fellowship at Fermilab seeks applications from Ph.D. physicists of exceptional talent with at least two (2) years of experience beyond Ph.D. The Fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis and is intended to support outstanding assistant professor-level physicists early in their careers. It provides unique opportunities for self-directed research in experimental physics through work on the Fermilab particle physics experiment of the candidate's choice.

The Fermilab experimental program includes collider and cosmic physics, studies of neutrinos, muons, and research at the intersection of high energy physics and quantum information science, as well as R&D and planning for future experiments. This year we are particularly interested in applications focused on neutrino, muon and collider physics.

As an organization, Fermilab is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining talent and cultivating a work environment that supports scientific, technological, and operational excellence. Fermilab and the Wilson Fellowship Committee value candidates who show potential for growth and scientific leadership. Candidates from outside particle physics or with non-traditional career paths are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates are expected to respect and value individual differences.

The appointment is for an initial term of three (3) years with the possibility for renewal for an additional two (2) years upon completion of a successful review after the first two (2) years; thereafter, the potential exists for eventual appointment without term limit.

Successful candidates are expected to abide by all environment, safety, and health regulations.

Qualifications and Essential Job Functions:

• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research. Ph.D. in Physics or relevant subject. 2+ years of experience beyond Ph.D.;
• Demonstrated experience in experimental particle, cosmic physics or related fields.
• Established ability to lead and conduct experimental measurements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as demonstrated by presentations at conferences and a strong record of publications in professional journals.
• A distinguishing characteristic of Wilson Fellows is leadership demonstrated through intellectual, organizational, or technical accomplishments.

Work Arrangement:

Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should apply via AcademicJobsOnline: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/33040

Each candidate should submit:

• Cover Letter;
• Curriculum vitae;
• Research statement not to exceed three (3) pages giving a focused description of the proposed research program as a Wilson Fellow;
• Broader Impact Statement not to exceed two (2) pages. Examples of topics might include discussion of mentoring, outreach and education and/or broader impacts to the scientific community in HEP or interdisciplinary fields through advocacy and engagement;
• Three letters of reference (exactly 3) via AcademicJobsOnline.

Applications, including letters of reference, must be complete by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Friday, Dec. 4, 2026.

For information about this position, please contact Jonathan Paley ([e-mail]) or visit https://www.fnal.gov/pub/forphysicists/fellowships/robert_wilson/index.html

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.