Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of New Hampshire

1d • $60,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Prescod-Weinstein Group at the University of New Hampshire has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher whose interests will be in dark matter/astroparticle physics and early universe cosmology, with a planned start of June 2026 (negotiable). There is planned funding available for two years. This postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in a theoretical and computational research program focused on axion physics and cosmic microwave background (CMB) cosmology. This research program is led by Professor Prescod-Weinstein and will be conducted in partnership with researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. While the postdoctoral researcher will be officially located at the University of New Hampshire, they will be expected to spend time at SLAC in California. They will also have access to SLAC computing resources, as needed. This research program involves use of field theory, perturbation theory, and computational techniques in cosmology. The applicants should have a Ph.D. in Physics or Astrophysics and are expected to demonstrate promise and a growing record of accomplishment in theoretical high energy physics, astrophysics, and/or cosmology, ideally with an already established facility with standard cosmological codes and comfort with the basics of axions and/or scalar field theory. The appointment will be for two years, pending satisfactory performance in annual reviews. Please be advised that this position is supported by external sponsor funding. As such, continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of those external funds. If, for any reason, the sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be subject to modification or termination in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

Requirements

• PhD in Physics or Astrophysics
• Demonstrate promise and a growing record of accomplishment in theoretical high energy physics, astrophysics, and/or cosmology
• Ideally with an already established facility with standard cosmological codes and comfort with the basics of axions and/or scalar field theory

Nice To Haves

• Experience with cosmological codes, python, and/or C/C++

Responsibilities

• Play a key role in a theoretical and computational research program focused on axion physics and cosmic microwave background (CMB) cosmology.
• Conduct research in partnership with researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.
• Spend time at SLAC in California.
• Use field theory, perturbation theory, and computational techniques in cosmology.

Benefits

• USNH Employee Benefits

What This Job Offers

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