Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The MIT Center for Theoretical Physics - a Leinweber Institute

Fellowship ID:

MIT-CTP-LI-POSTDOCFELLOWSHIP [#30698]

Fellowship Title:

Leinweber Physics Postdoctoral Fellowships

Fellowship Type:

Postdoctoral

Location:

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America

Subject Areas:

Physics / Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Theory, Nuclear Theory (nucl-th), particle phenomenology and astroparticle physics, Particle Theory, Particle/Cosmology Theory, quantum gravity, Quantum Science + Quantum Information Science + Quantum Optics + Theoretical Physics, String Theory/Quantum Gravity/Field Theory

Starting Date:

2026/09/01

Appl Deadline:

2025/11/15 11:59PM help popup

* (posted 2025/09/29, listed until 2026/03/28)

Description:

The MIT Center for Theoretical Physics — a Leinweber Institute (CTP-LI) anticipates making offers of up to two Leinweber Physics Postdoctoral Fellowships, to begin September 1, 2026. Information about the CTP-LI can be found at http://ctp.lns.mit.edu/.

The interests of our group cover all areas of quantum field theory, quantum gravity, string theory, cosmology, high energy and particle theory, phenomenology, astroparticle physics, nuclear theory, strong interactions, quantum information science, and research connecting high energy physics, condensed matter physics, mathematics, and other related areas. This is a broad search within theoretical physics, seeking candidates with strong potential for scientific leadership; close alignment with faculty research programs is not a requirement. We welcome applications from candidates with independent research programs, and those working in areas that connect across subfields and research directions in theoretical physics.

There are also postdoctoral positions available in the CTP-LI in specific focus areas: quantum information science / quantum computing (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30701), nuclear theory (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30700), and high energy theory (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30699). If your research aligns with more than one of these areas, or if you are unsure whether your research fits the description for a given position, we encourage you to apply for all CTP-LI positions which might be relevant.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates for the Leinweber Physics Postdoctoral Fellowships must be nominated by a faculty member (or equivalent senior researcher in industry) by 11.59pm US Eastern time on November 1, 2025. Nominators should fill out the short form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18wPbKc5Cj7lZcYEhvJRS2lszAsovqRJwpS5hssG_lAQ/edit]. The nominator should inform the candidate that they have been nominated, and can also be selected by the candidate to provide one of the required letters of recommendation.

After being informed of the nomination by their mentor, nominees should submit their application through AcademicJobsOnline and should include a CV, a statement of research interests, a list of publications, and the names of at least three senior researchers who will provide letters of recommendation. For full consideration, applications should be received by 11.59pm US Eastern time on November 15, 2025, including all letters of recommendation.

The pay range for a 12-month Postdoctoral Fellow position is $ 71,000 -$90,000. MIT provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the Institute reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements. This pay range represents base pay only and does not include any other benefits or compensation.

MIT is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin. View MIT Policy on Non Discrimination and EEOC’s Know Your Rights. Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check, including possible verification of any findings of misconduct (or pending investigations) from prior employers.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

Cover letter
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 description.

Further Info:

http://ctp.lns.mit.edu/

Center for Theoretical Physics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue, 6-307
Cambridge, MA 02139