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

University of Tennessee • Knoxville Township, IA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in theoretical particle physics and phenomenology working with Assistant Professor Innes Bigaran. The successful candidate will pursue research in areas including neutrino and charged-lepton phenomenology, physics beyond the Standard Model, effective field theory, and future collider physics. Topics of particular interest include high-energy muon collider potential, 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 with neutrino–nucleus scattering across a wide range of energies is advantageous but not required.

The role offers substantial flexibility to develop and lead independent research projects while collaborating with Bigaran, students, and researchers at UT Knoxville and elsewhere. The candidate will have opportunities to engage with the wider particle and nuclear physics communities at UT Knoxville and researchers at collaborating national laboratories. The position is initially funded for two years, with 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 position is located in Knoxville. Applicants should submit a CV including publications, a cover letter, and three letters of recommendation. For best consideration, materials should be submitted 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.
• Research experience in charged-lepton flavor or precision physics.
• Research experience in physics beyond the Standard Model.
• Research experience in effective field theory.
• Research experience in collider phenomenology.
• Research experience in future collider physics, including muon colliders.
• Research experience in neutrino mass models.
• Research experience connecting 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 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 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.
• Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and development and training opportunities.
• UT Benefits are referenced; specific benefits are not detailed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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