Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Physics and Astronomy - UTK
Content + Source + Freshness • 15 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
High value opportunity due to strong emphasis on research with potential for collaboration and significant contributions to theoretical nuclear physics.
- Cutting-edge research in theoretical nuclear physics
- Strong collaboration with national laboratories
- Chance to impact and publish in a competitive field
- Potential job security tied to grant funding
Pros
- Engagement in cutting-edge research in nuclear physics
- Collaboration with leading researchers and access to DOE resources
- Strong potential for publication and academic networking
Cons
- Dependence on grant funding for position stability
- Highly specialized field with competitive job market
- Intense focus required, leading to potential work-life balance challenges
Who it's for
Post-Doctoral • On-site
Good fit
- PhD holders in physics looking for research roles
- Candidates with a strong publication record
- Researchers focused on theoretical advancements
Not recommended for
- Candidates without a PhD or research experience
- Recent graduates seeking non-research roles
- Individuals looking for less intensive academic environments
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Physics and Astronomy - UTK
Job Description
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in theoretical nuclear physics, under the supervision of Prof. Chien-Yeah Seng. The position is expected to begin in June 2026 or later.
The research will focus on precision tests of the Standard Model in hadronic and nuclear processes. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to participate in the Topical Collaboration "Nuclear Theory for New Physics" (NTNP), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Further information about the NTNP collaboration can be found here: https://a51.lbl.gov/~ntnp/TC/.
This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.
Responsibilities
The postdoc will perform theoretical research on one or more topics in precision physics, including but not limited to:
- Hadronic and nuclear beta decays
- Lepton-nucleus scattering
- Electric dipole moments
- Neutrinoless double beta decays
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- PhD in theoretical nuclear or particle physics, or a closely related field, completed by employment date.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong research record in fundamental symmetries, effective field theory, or nuclear ab-initio calculations.
Work Location
- The research will be performed onsite in Knoxville, TN (primary) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Compensation and Benefits
- Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
- Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions
For best consideration, applicants should submit the following materials by November 1, 2025
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- List of publications
- Statement of research interests
- Three letters of recommendation, sent directly by the letter writers to Prof. Chien-Yeah Seng (cseng@utk.edu)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
About The Department
The Department has an exemplary research record, with eight professors earning NSF CAREER awards since 2012, eight professors among the world’s top two percent of physicists based on citation count, the award of the prestigious American Physical Society 2021 Bonner Prize, eleven APS Fellows, and four AAAS Fellows. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is Tennessee’s flagship state research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates and a premier graduate institution with a number of nationally and internationally ranked programs and with national and international leadership in numerous fields.
About Us
Job Info
- Job Identification 4973
- Job Category Research
- Posting Date 19/09/2025, 21:42
- Job Schedule Full time
- Locations 1408 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)
EEO/AA STATEMENT / NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the (EEO). Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the EEO office.
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