The Department of Energy’s Institute for Nuclear Theory (INT) at the University of Washington invites applications for an INT Junior Fellow position beginning in Summer or Fall 2026. Appointed at the rank of Acting Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, the successful candidate will receive the resources and support needed to advance independent research at the frontiers of nuclear physics during the critical transition period from postdoctoral scholar to professional ranks. While the primary focus of the position is on research, opportunities for teaching and graduate student mentorship are also available.

The INT’s local research interests include QCD, effective field theory, weak interactions and symmetries, relativistic heavy-ion physics, high-energy nuclear physics, many-body theory, nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, lattice gauge theory, and quantum computing. The Institute hosts approximately 450 visiting scientists each year, representing all areas of nuclear physics as well as its intersections with neighboring subfields.

An Acting Assistant Professor is annually renewable for up to four consecutive years, contingent upon continued funding. This is a full-time 9-month position (per year) and is not eligible for tenure. The INT is committed to funding this position for 12 months annually and will provide 3 additional months of summer support each year. The base full-time equivalent salary range for this position will be $82,000 - $86,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

Successful applicants will have a PhD (or foreign equivalent) in Physics, Astrophysics, or another related field, and a strong record of published research in nuclear theory, broadly defined.

Application Instructions

Applications should be submitted at https://apply.interfolio.com/176829 and must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of future research interests, and three letters of reference. Applications received by December 15, 2025, will receive full consideration. Inquiries should be directed to: Vincenzo Cirigliano, cirigv@uw.edu.

Institute for Nuclear Theory

University of Washington
Box 351550
Seattle, WA 98195-1550

Email: intmail@uw.edu

Phone: 206-685-3360