The Theory Group in the Physics Division at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking candidates for postdoctoral positions in nuclear theory, to begin as early as Spring 2027.

The positions are for two years, with the possibility of one additional year contingent upon funding and performance. Applications received by November 20, 2026 will receive our fullest consideration.

The Theory Group has four staff members [Ian Cloët, Alessandro Lovato, Anna McCoy, and Yong Zhao] and several postdocs and students. The group has a broad research program in QCD/hadron physics and nuclear structure/reactions, with an emphasis on using artificial intelligence and quantum information science. The group has access to extensive laboratory and national computational resources and collaborates closely with computational scientists in other divisions, including Mathematics and Computer Science (MCS) and the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF).

The group has significant involvement in three SciDAC-5 projects:

1) Femtoscale Imaging of Nuclei using Exascale Platforms

2) Fundamental nuclear physics at exascale and beyond

3) Nuclear Computational Low Energy Initiative (NUCLEI); two Genesis Mission projects: 1) Lattice QCD at the Intelligence Frontier (Phase II), and 2) AI-Enabled Optimization of Quantum Circuit Design for Realistic Nuclear Problems (Phase I); and two Topical Collaborations: 1) 3D quark-gluon structure of hadrons: mass, spin, and tomography, and 2) Nuclear Theory for New Physics.

Further information on our group and its research activities can be found at www.anl.gov/phy/theory. Interested applicants should complete the following three steps:

• Complete the application herein.

• Email a curriculum vitae and a brief (around one page) statement of research interests to Ian Cloët (icloet@anl.gov).

• Arrange for three letters of recommendation to be emailed to the same address.

Any questions about the position may be sent to Ian Cloët (icloet@anl.gov).

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in theoretical physics or a related field (Completed prior to the start date of the postdoctoral position and no more than 5 years of postdoctoral experience)
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

We are seeking a wide candidate pool so welcome applications from all those interested that broadly meet these criteria.

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, 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.