Postdoctoral Associate, High Energy Theory Group

Position Description

Postdoctoral Associate, High Energy Theory Group

The Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences and Education (CLASSE) at Cornell University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to join Cornell's high energy theory group, with an anticipated start date in fall 2027.

Cornell's high energy theory group conducts research across a broad range of areas, including electroweak symmetry breaking, collider physics, flavor physics, particle physics beyond the standard model, lattice gauge theory, quantum gravity, string theory, cosmology, quantum field theory, and quantum information. Faculty members include Yiming Chen, Csaba Csaki, Paul Ginsparg, Yuval Grossman, André LeClair, Peter Lepage, Liam McAllister, and Maxim Perelstein.

The Postdoctoral Associate will pursue an independent research program focused primarily on quantum gravity, including investigations in the quantum aspects of black holes and cosmology, and related questions in quantum field theory and string theory. The Postdoctoral Associate will collaborate with faculty and other members of the high energy theory group and contribute to an interactive research environment. Applications that align with the research areas of the theory faculty will be considered.

A Ph.D. in a related field is required by the start of the appointment. Candidates should have demonstrated the ability to produce high-quality research.

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement (statement of research interests)
• Publication List
• Three letters of recommendation

Deadline and More Information

All materials should be submitted by December 15, 2026, for consideration.

This is a full-time (40 hour/week), fixed-term position with benefits. The initial appointment period will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years, contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funding. The starting salary will be in the range of $65,00-$75,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

The position is based in Ithaca, New York.

About Us

The Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences and Education (CLASSE) studies our world and universe using x-rays and high energy electron and proton beams. CLASSE develops organic solar cells and studies the folding of long DNA strands at its CHESS national x-ray user facility, studies the Higgs boson with the Large Hadron Collider, and glimpses the early universe with the Atacama Cosmology Telescope. Learn more about CLASSE’s research and discoveries.

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary unless otherwise noted)
• Unique applicable skills.