About the Opportunity This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. JOB SUMMARY The Theoretical High Energy Physics group at Northeastern University in Boston has a Fall 2026 opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with the recently established Simons Collaboration on the Physics of Learning (physicsoflearning.org). The Simons Collaboration is harnessing the fundamental sciences to break AI out of its black box using techniques from mathematics and theoretical physics. The postdoctoral researcher will be under the supervision of Prof. James Halverson. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the scientific mission of the collaboration, bringing their technical expertise to bear on problems in AI. Proposals for new scientific directions are welcomed, and the researcher will have an opportunity to collaborate with anyone in the Collaboration. Required application materials: CV Research Statement (3pg max) Three letters of recommendation MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science. A strong track record of research accomplishments in technical fields, ideally involving combinations of theoretical physics, mathematics, and machine learning. While machine experience is not a strict requirement for the job, we anticipate that the strongest candidates will have clear research ideas relevant for the collaboration, as well as excellent ML programming and mathematical skills. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES Assist in initiating, executing, and completing research projects; Prepare and write research papers; Disseminate the research at international workshops and conferences; and Train graduate students. Position Type Research Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 108S Expected Hiring Range: $59,425.00 - $83,935.00 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change. Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The systemwhich includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwideserves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The universitys residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeasterns personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectorsaligned around solving todays highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.
