Postdoctoral Researcher - Theoretical Physics

Postdoctoral Researcher
- Theoretical Physics

Job Title:

Postdoctoral Researcher
- Theoretical Physics

Location:

Syracuse, NY

Campus:
Syracuse, NY

Commitment to On-Campus

Experience:

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus.

Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range: $62,400 - $65,000

Pay Determination:
Salary offers at Syracuse University will be based on education, experience, and relevant skills, as well as the academic or professional discipline of the position in the context of the home department, school, or college. Salary offers may also be influenced by prior relevant work or industry experience, where applicable. Faculty pay ranges are for 8.5 months' salary unless otherwise specified.

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Hours:

Determined by supervisor

Job Type: Full-time

Rank:
Post Doc

Unionized Position Code: UA

Job Description:

The J. M. Schwarz Theory Group develops theoretical and computational approaches for emergent phenomena in living and nonliving matter, including rigidity transitions, physical learning, collective cellular intelligence, multiscale mechanics from chromatin to tissues, and adaptation in active soft matter. For this postdoc position, the candidate will pursue several projects based on joint funding with Professors Alison Patteson and Jenny Ross, namely, (1) uncovering the emergent, multiscale structure of cellular collectives, down to the chromatin scale, and how such systems adapt under high compression, (2) determining how liquid–liquid phase separation forms, reorganizes, and potentially adapts, in nonequilibrium, enzymatically active environments.

Therefore, candidates with backgrounds in soft matter physics, statistical physics, biological physics, complex systems, machine learning for physical systems, applied mathematics, or related disciplines should apply. Please see jmschwarztheorygroup.org for additional details about ongoing work in the group, including answering questions such as "Can sand learn?" and "How do cancer cell collectives learn to remodel their extracellular matrix to enable breakout?"

There will also be opportunity for collaboration with other faculty, students, and postdocs in the Syracuse Soft and Biological Matter Group as well as additional national and international collaborators. The position will begin preferably in September 2026, and has a duration of one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200 United.

Qualifications:

PhD in Physics, or a related field, is required by the time of appointment as well as a background in soft matter physics, statistical physics, biological physics, complex systems, machine learning for physical systems, applied mathematics, or related disciplines.

Responsibilities:
Investigate the emergent, multiscale structure of cellular collectives down to the chromatin scale, and how such systems adapt under high compression. Study how liquid-liquid phase separation forms, reorganizes, and potentially adapts in nonequilibrium, enzymatically active environments. Collaborate with Professors Alison Patteson and Jenny Ross as part of joint funding. Opportunity to collaborate with faculty, students, and postdocs in the Syracuse Soft and Biological Matter Group as well as national and international collaborators.

Application Instructions:
Please include a cover letter, a CV, a reference list (that includes a list of at least three letter writers), and a brief description of your research interests.

About Syracuse University:
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870;

a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University's 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

About the Syracuse area:
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area…