Job Details

AY 2025-2026 Position No. 00055017 Postdoctoral Fellow in Physics

Position Number: 6726880
Location: Dallas, TX
Position Type: Science - Physics

AY 2025-2026 Position No. 00055017 Postdoctoral Fellow in Physics
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

Location: Dallas, TX
Open Date: Nov 15, 2025

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).

Qualifications:
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.

Application Instructions:
To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/177782

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.

Priority Consideration Date: Review of applications will begin immediately. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by December 15, 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.

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

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

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.