University of California, Santa Cruz, SCIPP

Position ID:

UCSC-SCIPP-POSTDOCSCHOLAR [#31133]

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Scholar in High-Energy Theoretical Physics

Position Type:

Postdoctoral

Position Location:

Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States of America

Subject Area:

Physics / High Energy Theory

Appl Deadline:

2025/12/01 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2025/11/06)

Position Description:

POSITION OVERVIEW Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar in High-Energy Theoretical Physics Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC salary scales set the minimum pay based on the individual’s Experience Level, which is determined by the number of months of postdoctoral service at any institution. See the salary scale titled, Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee / Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow / Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct - Fiscal Year. A reasonable estimate for this position is $69,073-$77,030. Percent time: Full-time (100%) Anticipated start: Start date is negotiable, but is preferred to be September 1, 2026. Position duration (maximum duration of service in a Postdoctoral title): Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are full-time and the initial appointment is for a minimum of two years. Reappointment is anticipated following a satisfactory performance review and contingent upon the availability of funding. The total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at any institution. Job Location: Santa Cruz, California

The Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics (SCIPP) at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in High-Energy Theoretical Physics. SCIPP is an organized research unit within the University of California system. SCIPP's scientific and technical staff are and have been involved in several cutting-edge research projects for more than 25 years. The primary focus is experimental and theoretical particle physics and particle astrophysics, including the development of technologies needed to advance that research. Under the direction of Professor Edgar Shaghoulian, the postdoctoral scholar will conduct research on topics in high-energy theoretical physics. These include quantum aspects of black holes, AdS/CFT, quantum cosmology, and formal aspects of quantum field theory. Additionally, the scholar will be expected to publish in scientific journals, interact with and assist Ph.D. students, and conduct independent research. The theoretical high-energy physics group also includes faculty members Wolfgang Altmannshofer, Stefania Gori, Howie Haber, and Stefano Profumo, in addition to several postdocs and graduate students.

Applicants with any of the following qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply: - Strong background in quantum gravity and formal aspects of quantum field theory - Strong quantitative skills - Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)

Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics: https://scipp.science.ucsc.edu/

QUALIFICATIONS

● Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in physics, astrophysics, or related field. Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of initial appointment. ● Research experience in quantum gravity and quantum field theory.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS All documents and materials must be submitted as PDFs. ● Cover letter that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position. ● Your most recently updated C.V., which must include a list of publications (please include DOI links or the URLs of PDFs). ● Statement of Research - Provide a statement (not to exceed three pages) of your research interests. ● Three non-confidential letters of recommendation. APPLICATION WINDOW Full consideration will be given to applications completed by December 1, 2025. Applications received after this date will be considered only if the position has not been filled. ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct. ● “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer. ● UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy ● UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties ● APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti- Discrimination Policy. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor. If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at jobaccommodations@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-4602. Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1. Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution. Postdocs and their qualified family members are eligible to participate in the UC Postdoctoral Scholars Benefits Plan(PSBP), which includes medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment, disability insurance, and workers’ compensation, provided by Gallagher Benefits Services. Complete information is available at https://c2mb.ajg.com/uc/home/. The University of California also offers a number of programs to support employee work-/life balance. For information, please visit https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/work-life-support/. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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 position description.

Further Info:

https://scipp.science.ucsc.edu/

Stefano Profumo, Professor
University of California
1156 High St
c/o SCIPP - Natural Sciences II

Santa Cruz, CA 95064