Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Physics and Astronomy - UTK

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in theoretical nuclear physics, under the supervision of Prof. Chien-Yeah Seng. The position is expected to begin in June 2026 or later. 

The research will focus on precision tests of the Standard Model in hadronic and nuclear processes. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to participate in the Topical Collaboration "Nuclear Theory for New Physics" (NTNP), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Further information about the NTNP collaboration can be found here: https://a51.lbl.gov/~ntnp/TC/.

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

The postdoc will perform theoretical research on one or more topics in precision physics, including but not limited to:

• Hadronic and nuclear beta decays
• Lepton-nucleus scattering
• Electric dipole moments
• Neutrinoless double beta decays

Required Qualifications

• PhD in theoretical nuclear or particle physics, or a closely related field, completed by employment date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong research record in fundamental symmetries, effective field theory, or nuclear ab-initio calculations.   

Work Location

• The research will be performed onsite in Knoxville, TN (primary) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

Compensation And Benefits

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials before November 1, 2025

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Statement of research interests
• Three letters of recommendation

About The Department

The Department has an exemplary research record, with eight professors earning NSF CAREER awards since 2012, eight professors among the world’s top two percent of physicists based on citation count, the award of the prestigious American Physical Society 2021 Bonner Prize, eleven APS Fellows, and four AAAS Fellows. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is Tennessee’s flagship state research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates and a premier graduate institution with a number of nationally and internationally ranked programs and with national and international leadership in numerous fields.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. 
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.  
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. 
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.  
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!