Jefferson Lab

    Come join our team at Jefferson Lab, where great minds matter.

    2 YEAR TERM POSITION
    Posting Date: 12/16/25
    Salary Range: $64,200 - $96,400 (PD)
    Work Location Type: Dedicated On-site (100% on-site work)

    The Theory Center at Jefferson Lab (JLab) has an immediate opening for Postdoctoral Research Fellow position, focusing on theory and algorithmic developments of generative AI for QCD global analysis of hadron structure in support of the Jefferson Lab 12 GeV program and the future Electron-Ion Collider.

    Information about JLab and its Theory Center can be found at https://www.jlab.org/theory.

    In this role you will:

    • Perform theoretical calculations and methodological developments related to hadron structure (PDFs, TMDs, GPDs, etc.).
    • Design, run, and interpret large-scale computational analyses using experimental data from JLab and other facilities
    • Collaborate with senior scientists, postdocs, and students to advance project objectives
    • Prepare and maintain reproducible analysis workflows, documentation, and software tools
    • Present research results at group meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences
    • Publish peer-reviewed papers reporting new theoretical, computational, or phenomenological findings
    • Contribute to related Laboratory Directed Research & Development (LDRD) and collaboration activities, including cross-team coordination
    • Actively participate in seminars at the Theory Center


    JSA will not sponsor H1B visas for this position

    Qualifications We Require:

    • A Ph.D. in theoretical, nuclear, particle or computational physics is required
    • A strong publication record in the above research areas is a prerequisite


    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

    • Ability to lead theory and algorithmic developments of generative AI for QCD global analysis of hadron structure
    • Able to communicate clearly in writing and explain work to a supervisor and others in the group.
    • Ability to interact well with staff in the Theory Center and the JAM Collaboration.
    • 2 or more years research in QCD global analysis, preferred
    • 2 or more years software development to support QCD global analysis, preferred
    • 2 or more years record of publications in journals and talks at conferences, preferred

    All applicants must apply for the position through the JLab Careers Page and upload the following documents:

    1. A cover letter
    2. CV / Resume
    3. Full name and current contact information of three references
    4. A statement of research interests
    5. A publication list attached to your resume or uploaded with your application

      About Jefferson Lab

      Join a community with a common purpose of solving the most challenging scientific and engineering problems of our time. The Jefferson Lab campus is located in southeastern Virginia amidst a vibrant and growing technology community.

      A career at Jefferson Lab is more than a job. You will be part of “big science” and work alongside top scientists and engineers from around the world unlocking the secrets of our visible universe. Managed by Jefferson Science Associates, LLC; Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is entering an exciting period of mission growth and is seeking new team members ready to apply their skills and passion to have an impact. You could call it work, or you could call it a mission. We call it a challenge. We do things that will change the world.

      Total Rewards at Jefferson Lab

      At Jefferson Lab, we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

      • Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans • Flexible Spending Accounts
      • Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (Paid Parental, vacation, holidays, and sick leave)
      • 401(k) Plan – 9% Lab Contribution; 100% vested • Flexible Work Arrangements (Remote & Alternate Work Schedules available)
      • Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
      • Live near the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay region with access to nearby beaches, mountains, and all major metropolitan centers on the East Coast

      Jefferson Science Associates, LLC (JSA) manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). JSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

      JSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities (unless doing so will result in an undue hardship). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting @jlab.org or contact Human Resources by calling (757) 269-7100 and selecting option 1 between 8 am – 5 pm EST to provide the nature of your request.

      Employment with JSA is conditional upon DOE approval if at any time during your employment you are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Program or Affiliated activity. Generally, such programs/activities include any foreign-state-sponsored attempt to acquire U.S.-funded scientific research through programs run or funded by the government that target scientists, engineers, students, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs of all nationalities working or educated in the United States. This includes positions or appointments, both domestic and foreign, titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments whether or not remuneration is received and whether full-time, part-time or voluntary.