Associate Professor in Particle Theory

Overview

Department of Physics, Theoretical Physics and Corpus Christi College. Applications are invited for the post of Associate Professor (or Professor) in the field of Particle Theory in the Rudolf-Peierls-Centre for Theoretical Physics, University of Oxford. The successful candidate will also be appointed to a Tutorial Fellowship in Physics at Corpus Christi College. The position is available from 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The appointment will be initially for five years at which point, upon completion of a successful review, the post-holder will be eligible for reappointment to the retiring age.

We invite applications from leading researchers in particle theory, specifically in one of the following areas, or in the intersection of those areas:
1) beyond-the-standard model physics in relation to astrophysics, cosmology and particle colliders and
2) formal quantum field theory, for example in relation to holography, scattering amplitudes, conformal field theories and numerical approaches. The post provides an opportunity to build up a world-leading research programme in one of the above research areas, within the vibrant communities at Oxford physics and the Rudolf-Peierls-Centre for Theoretical Physics. In Corpus Christi College, the post holder will have responsibility for admission, tutorial teaching, and support of students reading degrees in Physics.

They will play a role in the running of the College as a trustee and a member of its Governing Body.

The successful candidate will hold a doctorate in particle theory, and will have a proven record of research in particle theory, specifically in the areas of beyond-the-standard-model physics or formal quantum field theory. They will be an excellent teacher and have the interpersonal skills necessary to engage with students and colleagues at all levels.

As part of your application, you will be asked to upload a CV (4 pages), including a list of publications, a supporting statement (1 page) and a research proposal (2 pages). In particular, the research proposal should set out your plans and priorities for research over the next five years. Your three referees should be asked to send their letters, before the Final date to receive applications, to tp-

Applicants should have a doctorate in particle theory and a strong research record in areas such as beyond-the-standard-model physics or formal quantum field theory. They should be an excellent teacher with the interpersonal skills to engage with students and colleagues at all levels.

Only applications received before noon (UK time) on 4 September 2026 can be considered.

We anticipate informal visits of short-listed candidates to Oxford in the autumn term, from October 2026, and formal interviews thereafter.

Enquiries about the post should be addressed to Prof. Andre Lukas,  For information about the College please contact the Corpus Christi Senior Tutor, Prof. David Armstrong at

The University is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Salary (£): £57,986 - £77,366 p.a. plus benefits including a housing allowance of £19,218 p.a., research allowable expenses of £3,008 and a teaching allowable expense of £985 p.a. An allowance of £3,199 p.a. would be payable upon award of Full Professor title.