The Department of Physics in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences invites applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible Postdoctoral Research Scholar position to join the Simons Foundation funded “Targeted Simons Research Group on Cosmic Magnetism” with an anticipated start date between January 1 and September 1, 2027.
The position will be embedded in a collaborative, multi-institutional Targeted Simons team working on all aspects of cosmic magnetic fields. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative theoretical research on the generation of magnetic fields in the early universe, their evolution and observation. The postdoctoral fellow will participate in the activities of the Targeted Simons Research Group and Professor Vachaspati’s group at ASU and will contribute to the dissemination of research results and to the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.
This is a fixed-term, fiscal year (twelve month) appointment with no tenure implications, but with the possibility of extension annually based on satisfactory performance for a total of three years. Candidates must be within five years from receipt of their doctoral degree. This position is located on the ASU Main Campus in Tempe, Arizona and requires physical presence at the location. Working from another location requires additional approvals, which are not guaranteed.
Campus/Location: Tempe Campus
Salary Range: $68,000 - $72,000
About the Department of Physics:
Internationally recognized as leader in their fields, our physics faculty are leading research projects and cross-disciplinary collaborations to take on today’s most challenging questions and global issues. The Physics Department offers an exceptionally strong curriculum in its BA/BS and graduate programs with a wide selection of on-ground and online courses. We foster scientific curiosity, hands-on engagement, critical thinking, problem solving and pedagogy. Our faculty are deeply involved in our students’ learning and their well-being, and in preparing them for successful careers. Our programs are supported by a team of dedicated and caring staff who ensure smooth operations. Whether modeling the smallest particles in the universe, tracking the path of a single molecule in a living cell, understanding the atomic structure and properties of complex new materials or exploring new energy sources in the lab, the Department of Physics’ research areas and interdisciplinary collaborations are at the forefront of today’s most compelling questions. ASU is the first university to offer an online Physics degree. https://physics.asu.edu/
About The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Arizona State University, committed to improving communities on a local, national and global scale. We support the professional development and growth of our faculty and staff in their cutting-edge research to advance these aims. Within The College, our faculty engage with a large curious student body, guiding them as they grow into socially aware, critical thinkers and writers able to succeed in a wide range of careers and to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Advancing the success of our students remains our top priority. To learn more about The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please visit https://thecollege.asu.edu.
About Arizona State University:
ASU exemplifies a new prototype for the American public research university. As articulated in the the ASU Charter, ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.
Qualifications
Essential Functions:
- To analyze the generation of cosmic magnetic fields, analytically and/or numerically, in the context of high energy particle physics and cosmology.
- To study the evolution and observational signatures of cosmic magnetic fields.
Required Qualifications:
- A Ph.D. or an equivalent degree in physics, astrophysics or a related discipline by the time of the appointment.
- Evidence of effectively communicating research through conference presentations and/or journal papers.
Desired Qualifications:
- Expertise in high energy physics and cosmology.
- Experience with large-scale computations.
- Experience working on cosmic magnetic fields.
- Commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities, and to advancing the ASU Charter.
Application Instructions
The application deadline is December 1, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following application materials:
- cover letter;
- current curriculum vitae with publication list;
- contact information for three references;
- summary of research experience and interests.
Contact: Tanmay Vachaspati, Professor: tvachasp@asu.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
A background check is required for employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
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