Assistant Professor, Theoretical Physics

Position Description

The Physics Department of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, located in Cambridge, MA, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in theoretical high-energy, nuclear, gravitational, and/or quantum physics, beginning July 1, 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. We encourage applicants doing relevant research at any energy scale, including particle theory in and beyond the Standard Model; nuclear astrophysics; cosmology, dark matter and astroparticle physics; quantum field theory; QCD and strong interactions; string theory, classical and quantum gravity, holography, and mathematical physics; and theoretical quantum information science.

The successful candidate will be a member of the MIT Center for Theoretical Physics — a Leinweber Institute (CTP-LI). MIT also hosts the NSF Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions (IAIFI), which includes many CTP-LI faculty.

Faculty members in the MIT Department of Physics conduct research, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, supervise graduate and undergraduate participation in research, and engage in service to MIT and the broader scientific community. We seek candidates with a strong record of accomplishment in theoretical physics research who are committed to innovation and leadership across all these areas. A Ph.D. in physics or a physics-related discipline is required by the start of employment. Preference will be given to applicants at the Assistant Professor level.

The application deadline is December 1, 2026. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a statement of research interests and goals (up to 3 pages), and a statement on teaching, mentoring, advising, service and/or activities promoting an inclusive work environment (up to 2 pages) to AcademicJobsOnline.org. Applicants should also arrange for three letters of reference to be uploaded by the deadline. Any inquiries should be directed to Professor Aram Harrow, Search Committee Chair, at ctp-facultysearch@mit.edu.

9 Month Academic Salary Pay Range: $143,000 - $154,000

MIT provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the Institute reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements. This pay range represents base pay only and does not include any other benefits or compensation.

MIT is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin. View MIT Policy on Non Discrimination and EEOC’s Know Your Rights.
Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check, including possible verification of any findings of misconduct (or pending investigations) from prior employers.