California Institute of Technology, Physics, Mathematics & Astronomy Division
Position ID:
Position Title:
Heising-Simons Fellows in Quantum Gravity
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Pasadena, California 91125, United States of America
Subject Areas:
Gravitational Physics
Theoretical Physics
Cosmology/Particle Astrophysics
Astrophysics / Astrophysics and Gravitational Physics
String Theory and Mathematical Physics (more...)
Theoretical Physics
Cosmology/Particle Astrophysics
Astrophysics / Astrophysics and Gravitational Physics
String Theory and Mathematical Physics (more...)
Appl Deadline:
2024/12/01 11:59PM
(posted 2024/09/01, updated 2024/08/27, listed until 2025/01/15)
(posted 2024/09/01, updated 2024/08/27, listed until 2025/01/15)Position Description:
Position Description
The Heising-Simons Collaboration on "Observational Signatures of Quantum Gravity" invites postdoctoral applications for up to five Heising-Simons Fellows in Quantum Gravity, to begin around September 1, 2025. The goal of this collaboration is to bring together theorists from diverse backgrounds to develop theoretically well-founded proposals of quantum gravity and explore their possible observational signatures. We believe that connecting formal advances in quantum gravity to the natural world we live in could result in a true breakthrough. We therefore seek a paradigm shift that brings theory and observation together, helping to close the chasm between quantum mechanics and gravity. We will tackle foundational issues, effective descriptions, and observational tests of those effective descriptions. We are committed to inclusive excellence and innovation and thus hope to develop a diverse and thriving collaborative community. This Collaboration uniquely brings together diverse faculty at four Hub institutions: Yanbei Chen (Caltech) Ben Freivogel (University of Amsterdam) Steve Giddings (University of California, Santa Barbara) Cynthia Keeler (Arizona State University) Maulik Parikh (Arizona State University) Erik Verlinde (University of Amsterdam) Kathryn Zurek (Caltech). Our research interests span quantum gravity, particle theory, string theory, gravitational waves, and astrophysics. The collaboration will feature extended visits between the collaboration hubs, and yearly workshops of all collaboration members to discuss open research questions and progress. To learn more about the collaboration visit www.qurios.caltech.edu. The ideal candidate will have technical skills to work in gravity and will be interested in exploring new questions related to possible observability of quantum effects in gravity, manifested in laboratory experiments such as interferometers, cosmological observation, or observation of astrophysical objects such as black holes e.g. via gravitational waves. The appointment requires completion of a PhD and is expected to start as early as September 2025 with competitive compensation and significant research travel support. The initial appointment will be for one year with expected renewal for two additional years. In rare cases the appointment might be extended to a fourth year. The salary range is $74,000. - $82,000 per year. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, qualifications, skills, education, specialty, training, and internal equity. The QuRIOS Collaboration at Caltech also operates within the vibrant theory community of the Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics at Caltech; for more information, see https://www.theory.caltech.edu and https://burkeinstitute.caltech.edu. We invite interested researchers to submit an application here via AJO if applying for a position to a US hub institution (Arizona State, Caltech, Santa Barbara), by January 15, 2025 for full consideration. Applicants to Amsterdam should also apply via a separate AJO ad, and applicants to Arizona State are also encouraged to apply via https://apply.interfolio.com/157277. Links to all advertisements at hub institutions can be found at http://qurios.caltech.edu/. A complete application includes a cover letter, CV, publication list, short statement of past and future research and three letters of reference. Ideally the cover letter (maximum one page) will address the candidate’s creative problem solving ability, technical background, interest in exploring new directions, and collaborative skills. Hiring decisions will be coordinated by the Collaboration, though offers will be extended from individual institutions. Fellows may also specify their preferences of institutions in the cover letter, and some Fellows will have the opportunity to be jointly appointed at more than one institution over the period of the Fellowship. Please address any science questions to Dr. Kathryn Zurek (kzurek@caltech.edu), or other collaboration members, and any administrative questions to Carol Silberstein, carol@theory.caltech.edu. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more about our benefits and who is eligible.As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more about our benefits and who is eligible.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the contact on the job posting.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letters (optional)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Publication list
- Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site )
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info:
Caltech 452-48
1200 E California Bl.
Pasadena CA 91125
1200 E California Bl.
Pasadena CA 91125