Postdoctoral Research Associate

USNH Employees should apply within Workday through the Jobs Hub app The Prescod-Weinstein Group at the University of New Hampshire has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher whose interests will be in dark matter/astroparticle physics and early universe cosmology, with a planned start of June 2026 (negotiable). There is planned funding available for two years. Duties/Responsibilities This postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in a theoretical and computational research program focused on axion physics and cosmic microwave background (CMB) cosmology. This research program is led by Professor Prescod-Weinstein and will be conducted in partnership with researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. While the postdoctoral researcher will be officially located at the University of New Hampshire, they will be expected to spend time at SLAC in California. They will also have access to SLAC computing resources, as needed. This research program involves use of field theory, perturbation theory, and computational techniques in cosmology. The applicants should have a Ph.D. in Physics or Astrophysics and are expected to demonstrate promise and a growing record of accomplishment in theoretical high energy physics, astrophysics, and/or cosmology, ideally with an already established facility with standard cosmological codes and comfort with the basics of axions and/or scalar field theory. Requirements Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience: PhD in Physics or Astrophysics Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: This research program involves use of field theory, perturbation theory, and computational techniques in cosmology. The applicants should have a Ph.D. in Physics or Astrophysics and are expected to demonstrate promise and a growing record of accomplishment in theoretical high energy physics, astrophysics, and/or cosmology, ideally with an already established facility with standard cosmological codes and comfort with the basics of axions and/or scalar field theory. The appointment will be for two years, pending satisfactory performance in annual reviews. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with cosmological codes, python, and/or C/C++ Applicant Instructions Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the Resume/Cover Letter section of your application: A cover letter identifying how they are a match for this research program. CV that includes a list of publications. Statement of research experience/background and interests. (up to 5 pages) Three letters of recommendation to be uploaded through the UNH website. These can be tailored to this specific position but do not have to be. Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed. For full consideration, applicants should submit all materials to the UNH site by March 9, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. The appointment will be for two years, pending satisfactory performance in annual reviews. For more information, prospective applicants are welcome to contact Prof. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein at chanda.prescod-weinstein@unh.edu. Compensation Pay Range: $60,000 The rank of the selected candidate will depend upon the candidates qualifications. The University of New Hampshire is located in Durham, NH, about 70 miles from the major research hub of Boston, which can be reached by the Amtrak train that stops just steps away from the physics and astronomy department. Please be advised that this position is supported by external sponsor funding. As such, continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of those external funds. If, for any reason, the sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be subject to modification or termination in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshires lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry. EEO Statement The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status. The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources Location: Durham Salary Grade: Faculty 01 Are you an employee of KSC, PSU, UNH or the system office? Apply internally within Workday through the Jobs Hub app. The University System of New Hampshire is the largest provider of postsecondary education in the Granite State. With approximately 30,000 enrolled students annually and more than 90,000 alumni living in state, the institutions of the University System - the University of New Hampshire - Durham, the University of New Hampshire School of Law, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Plymouth State University, and Keene State College - have a direct impact on hundreds of thousands of New Hampshire citizens every year.