Southern Methodist University, Physics Department

Position ID:

SMU-Physics Department-POSTDOC [#31222]

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Fellow in Theoretical High-Energy Physics

Position Type:

Postdoctoral

Position Location:

Dallas, Texas 75205, United States of America

Subject Area:

Physics / High Energy Theory

Appl Deadline:

2025/12/15 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2025/11/16, listed until 2026/02/28)

Position Description:

Position Description:

The successful candidate will join the theoretical high-energy particle physics group at Southern Methodist University. The initial appointment will be for a period of two years, with the possibility of extension to a third year (2+1), contingent on performance and funding.

The applicant will work with PI Tobias Neumann on a research program pushing the frontiers of precision in theoretical particle physics. The group's research is organized along two primary, synergistic thrusts: 1) advancing the precision of collider cross-sections for the HL-LHC, with a focus on developing and applying methods for higher-order perturbative calculations; and 2) pioneering the next generation of first-principles Parton Distribution Function (PDF) determinations with multi-loop matching calculations for lattice QCD.

The successful candidate will have ample opportunities to present their work at international conferences and workshops, supported by a generous yearly travel budget.

Desired areas of research focus and expertise:

Candidates should have deep expertise in modern perturbative methods, with a strong track record at the interface of analytic and numerical techniques. The successful candidate will be a creative and driven theorist who will drive progress on one of the group's two primary research frontiers:

● Precision Collider Phenomenology: Advancing the precision of predictions for the HL-LHC through the development of perturbative methods and applications. This includes work on higher-order QCD and electroweak corrections, advanced infrared subtraction and resummation techniques, and parton-shower matching.

● First-Principles Hadron Structure: Pioneering the next generation of Parton Distribution Function (PDF) determinations through calculations of perturbative matching kernels for lattice QCD. This involves adapting state-of-the-art multi-loop techniques to the novel challenges of the LaMET framework and exploring innovative formalisms like the gradient flow.

A candidate with a strong background in modern perturbative calculations is well-suited for either research thrust. While expertise in a specific area is valued, an interest in the intellectual cross-pollination and shared computational challenges between these two frontiers is highly encouraged.

Applicants should demonstrate expertise in at least one of the primary listed areas.

The SMU physics department has an active ATLAS group with interests in Standard Model Analysis, in particular Higgs, di-Higgs and multi-boson final states. Other theoretical and experimental interests in

the department revolve around nuclear structure determination (including nuclear PDFs) and galactic and cosmological measurements and modeling. As part of the MCFM collaboration, close collaboration exists with Fermilab, providing further opportunities for interaction and research.

Benefits: SMU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans. More information can be found on the SMU HR benefits page: https://www.smu.edu/businessfinance/hr/benefitsandwellness/healthandotherbenefits

Start Date: The start date is negotiable, with a preference for as soon as possible (July 1, 2026).

Priority Consideration Date: Review of applications will begin immediately. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by December 13, 2025, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled.

High-Energy Theory Postdoc Deadline Accord: Our group adheres to the “The January 31 High Energy Theory Postdoc Accord”. To ensure an equitable process for all applicants, we pledge to follow the common acceptance deadline of January 31st. No offers will require a decision before this date.

Qualifications:

● A Ph.D. in Physics with a specialization in theoretical high-energy particle physics or theoretical nuclear physics, completed by the start date of employment. ● Demonstrated experience in perturbative methods for particle physics phenomenology. ● Proven expertise in one or more of the research areas listed above. ● Strong programming skills relevant to computational physics (e.g., Modern Fortran, C, C++, Computer algebra frameworks, etc.). ● A track record of research publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Contact for Inquiries: For further questions about the position, please contact Tobias Neumann at tneumann@smu.edu.

Application Instructions:

Applicants should submit the following materials online via Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/177782:

● A cover letter. ● A curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications. ● A research statement (typically 2-3 pages). ● Three (3) academic reference letters are to be submitted directly by the recommenders via the Interfolio system.

Background Check Statement: Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

SMU Nondiscrimination Statement: SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

We are not accepting applications for this job through AcademicJobsOnline.Org right now. Please apply at https://apply.interfolio.com/177782 .

Contact: SMU Physics Department, +1 (214) 768-2495

Email: email address

Postal Mail:

: Department of Physics
Fondren Science Bldg., Box 0175
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX 75275-0175

Web Page: http://www.physics.smu.edu/web/