Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Physics and Astronomy - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is hiring a postdoctoral research associate in theoretical particle physics and phenomenology to work with Assistant Professor Innes Bigaran. The successful candidate will conduct research in areas including neutrino and charged-lepton phenomenology, physics beyond the Standard Model, effective field theory, and future collider physics. Topics of interest include high-energy muon collider physics, neutrino interactions at current and future experiments, lepton flavor and lepton number violation, neutrino mass models, and connections between low-energy precision measurements and high-energy searches. Experience in neutrino–nucleus scattering across a range of energies is not required, but would be advantageous.

The position offers substantial flexibility for the candidate to develop and lead independent research projects while collaborating with Professor Bigaran, students, researchers at UT Knoxville, and external collaborators. The candidate will have opportunities to engage with the broader particle and nuclear physics communities at UT Knoxville and researchers at collaborating national laboratories. The role is initially funded for two years, with an anticipated renewal for a third year subject to satisfactory performance and university policies. Research travel and participation in conferences and workshops will be supported.

The role is based in Knoxville. For best consideration, applicants should submit a CV including publications, a cover letter, and three letters of recommendation before December 24, 2026.

Requirements

• PhD in theoretical particle physics or a closely related field, completed by the employment start date.
• Demonstrated research experience in particle physics or a closely related area.
• Strong analytical and/or computational skills relevant to theoretical particle physics.
• Ability to conduct independent research and contribute effectively to collaborative projects.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to prepare research results for publication and presentation.

Nice To Haves

• Research experience in neutrino physics, charged-lepton flavor or precision physics, physics beyond the Standard Model, effective field theory, collider phenomenology, future collider physics including muon colliders, neutrino mass models, or connections between low-energy precision observables and high-energy searches.
• Experience with computational tools commonly used in particle phenomenology.
• Interest in developing research that connects multiple experimental frontiers or energy scales.
• Experience collaborating with experimental physicists or translating theoretical models into experimentally testable signatures.
• Interest in mentoring students and contributing to a collaborative research environment.
• Experience with, or interest in developing experience in, neutrino–nucleus scattering across a wide range of energies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research in theoretical particle physics and phenomenology.
• Develop and lead research projects in areas related to neutrino physics, charged-lepton phenomenology, physics beyond the Standard Model, effective field theory, and/or future colliders.
• Perform analytical and computational calculations relevant to particle-physics phenomenology.
• Collaborate with researchers at UT Knoxville and external collaborators.
• Contribute to the preparation and publication of research articles.
• Present research results at seminars, workshops, collaboration meetings, and international conferences.
• Participate in the intellectual activities of the particle theory and broader high-energy physics community at UT Knoxville.
• Contribute to mentoring graduate and undergraduate students and to a collaborative research-group environment.
• Develop independent research directions consistent with the broader scientific goals of the group.

Benefits

• Support for research travel and participation in conferences and workshops.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree