Position Description

The School of Natural Sciences at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, will have several openings for members in theoretical physics and astrophysics for the academic year 2025-2026. The positions are at a postdoctoral or higher level in the areas of astrophysics, theoretical biology, mathematical physics, quantum field theory, particle phenomenology, string theory and quantum gravity. Postdoctoral members are selected on their ability to conduct independent research, but they frequently collaborate with each other, with faculty members at the Institute or Princeton University, and with researchers at other institutions. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Postdoctoral member appointments range from three to five years. Long-term members have five-year appointments with a stipend that is above post-doctoral level. In addition to exceptional qualifications for pursuing his or her individual research, the successful candidate for a long-term membership should be interested in mentoring, and possibly collaborating with, other post-doctoral members. Long-term members in astrophysics are designated Bahcall fellows.

We also have an available position in Computational Astrophysics for the academic year 2025-2026. This is in addition to the regular postdoctoral membership positions.  The position will be to support development of advanced numerical methods for astrophysical fluid dynamics and numerical relativity, and to plan, execute, and analyze large scale numerical simulations of MHD turbulence in accretion disks and compact object mergers on the upcoming Horizon computer system scheduled to be installed at the Texas Advanced Computing Center in 2026. Click here for the full job ad on the AAS register: https://aas.org/jobregister/ad/dcd48d17

We will also have openings for Visiting Professors. Applicants for these openings should hold a faculty or equivalent position and normally should be within ten years of receiving their Ph.D. Support will be provided to spend a period between one term and one year at the Institute while the faculty is on sabbatical or other leave from their home institution. Visiting Professors are expected to conduct their own research and to help make the research environment at the IAS stimulating to the other members of the School. 

A small number of senior scientists can usually be accommodated on Sabbatical leave. Appointments range from a few months to a full academic year. Stipend support varies with the length of the visit and the amount of support being provided by the visitor's home institution, or by an outside fellowship.

Most members are housed on campus. IAS housing is subject to availability which is finalized in the spring.

Physics and Astrophysics applicants must apply through AcademicJobsOnline (click on this link for application). Required materials are: CV that includes a publication list, research statement, three separate PDF files of recently written papers, and three letters of recommendation. Research statements should be limited to three pages in length, include current and future research interests, and formatted with one-inch margins. All materials should be uploaded directly through the AJO website. Visiting Professor and Sabbatical applications do not require reference letters.

Physics and Astrophysics applications must be received by November 15.

Biology applicants should not apply through AdacemicJobsOnline. All interested applicants to Biology should submit the following required materials: CV, publications list, research statement and three letters of recommendation to audrey@ias.edu . Visiting Professor and Sabbatical applications do not require reference letters. There is no deadline for biology applications.