Postdoctoral Fellow - Theory​/QCD Global Analysis

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:
Hybrid (combination of on and off-site work based on business needs)

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• 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

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

• Ability to lead theory and algorithmic developments of generative AI for QCD global analysis of hadron structure.
• Ability 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:

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.

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…