Job Details

Postdoctoral Positions in Theoretical High Energy Physics

The T-2 group (Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology) in the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory invites applications for one or more postdoctoral positions in Theoretical High Energy Physics, to begin in the Fall of 2026. The group has four full time staff members in High Energy Physics (Daniele Alves, Tanmoy Bhattacharya, Michael Graesser, and Rajan Gupta). We conduct research on a broad set of topics, including particle phenomenology, dark matter, gauge/gravity dualities, lattice gauge theory, neutrino physics, quantum field theory, and quantum information science. The group also actively engages with colleagues in nuclear physics, astrophysics, experimental high energy physics, materials science, and quantum information theory. Candidates in these areas, as well as in other interdisciplinary areas overlapping with high energy physics, are encouraged to apply. A LANL postdoctoral researcher in the Theoretical High Energy Physics group is expected to perform high-quality research, travel to give talks and seminars, participate in workshops and conferences, as well as engage with LANL theoretical high energy particle physics staff, postdocs, students, and other members of T-2.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• A Ph.D. in Physics or closely related field by the beginning of the postdoctoral appointment (but no earlier than January 2021 per LANL policy).
• A strong publication record.
• A record of presentations at academic institutions, workshops, or conferences.

Desired Qualifications:

Note to Applicants: The below blurb is required for ALL job ads Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Individuals interested in being considered for a regular postdoctoral position with the LANL HEP theory group should submit their application (CV, research statement, and a list of publications) to this site by December 1, 2025. Applicants should arrange for at least three letters of reference to be uploaded to the Academic Jobs Online site found at . This position is for 2+1 years, with the third year contingent upon performance and funding. The LANL HEP Theory group is a signatory of the High Energy Theory Postdoc Accord: . In addition to regular appointments, applicants may be considered for Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships (Feynman, Hoffman, Oppenheimer, and Reines) and Director's funded postdoctoral positions through a lab-wide competitive selection process. Distinguished Fellowships are selected once a year. The application deadline to be considered for Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships is September 15, 2025. Director's funded postdoctoral positions are selected four times a year and the deadlines for maximum consideration are September 15, 2025, December 1 2025, March 1 2026, and June 1 2026. Please see for further details on the postdoctoral program at Los Alamos National Laboratory, including eligibility requirements.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. Further inquiries should be sent to Michael Graesser at ...@lanl.gov.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Where You Will Work: Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details:

• Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2.
• No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance.
• HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, 712.11. These requirements include ongoing drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
• New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
• Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader.
• Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process.