Postdoctoral Research Scholar - Theoretical Physics - AY2025-26 (#170014)
Arizona State University
Arizona State University: Office of the University Provost Downtown: College of Integrative Sciences and Arts: School of Applied Sciences and Arts
Location
Open Date
Sep 24, 2025
Description
The School of Applied Sciences and Arts with the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University invites applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible, Postdoctoral Research Scholar position. This is a fixed-term, fiscal year (12 month) appointment with a flexible starting date. This position will be fully supported by an NSF grant. Renewal of this position for another year is based upon satisfactory performance and availability of resources.
The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively with Dr. Igor Shovkovy on the project titled "Field theory in strong magnetic fields and its applications” and related topics in theoretical physics relevant to studies of heavy-ion collisions, neutron stars, and the primordial plasma in the early Universe. The primary responsibility will be high-quality research utilizing theoretical tools and techniques of quantum field theory, kinetic theory, and hydrodynamics. The ability to combine analytical and numerical methods is a plus. There is no teaching responsibility.
The School of Applied Sciences and Arts in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University delivers applied sciences and liberal arts courses to students from all majors at the Polytechnic and Downtown Phoenix campuses. It has more than 170 full-time faculty who serve nearly 4,500 students majoring in career-focused, applied-learning programs, including undergraduate applied biology majors in pre-veterinary medicine, pre-dental, and sustainable horticulture; applied physics; applied quantitative science; interdisciplinary studies; science, technology, and society; history of science, technology and innovation; communication; and more.
The School of Applied Sciences and Arts leads ASU's Writers' Studio, which provides first-year composition courses to all ASU Online students. It also offers the nation’s first degree in military and veterans studies led by ASU’s Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement (OVMAE). The OVMAE is committed to the robust support of veteran, military-affiliated and dependent students. The school is also home to the Latinx Oral History Lab, which offers undergraduate research and storytelling opportunities. The School of Applied Sciences and Arts is a partner in advancing knowledge and technology while championing a sustainable future for the cultures, communities, animals and environments of the East Valley and beyond.
To learn more about the School of Applied Sciences and Arts, please visit https://cisa.asu.edu/school-of-applied-sciences-and-arts.
ASU's College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (CISA) seeks student-centered faculty who engage students in practical, interdisciplinary learning and demonstrate a commitment to community-engaged scholarship and service. Faculty in CISA are innovators in teaching and learning, preparing students to lead with purpose and make meaningful contributions in a dynamic world.
CISA is a leader in applied and career-connected learning, with continuous innovation in teaching, curriculum development, veteran initiatives and AI integration. CISA has more than 9,000 students at all levels and 361 faculty members with 84 programs across three campuses and online. We understand there are many paths to achieving a university education. We build degree programs and pathways that are flexible and relevant, providing opportunities for students to discover their passion, develop lifelong transferable skills and enjoy employment success. CISA is committed to ASU’s Charter of inclusive excellence, access and impact, where all faculty, staff, and students can thrive.
Arizona State University, ranked the No. 1 “Most Innovative School” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 10 years in succession, has forged the model for a New American University. Repeatedly ranked No. 1, ASU has topped more than 20 lists in the last three years: No. 1 in the U.S. for global impact (Times Higher Education) and No. 1 in the U.S. for sustainable practices (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education). ASU is a comprehensive public research institution, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves. ASU operates on the principles that learning is a personal and original journey for each student; that they thrive on experience and that the process of discovery cannot be bound by traditional academic disciplines. Through innovation and a commitment to accessibility, ASU has drawn pioneering researchers to its faculty even as it expands opportunities for qualified students, attracting some of the highest-quality students from all 50 states and more than 130 nations.
To learn more about ASU and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, visit http://about.asu.edu/and http://cisa.asu.edu.
Essential Functions:
- Conduct cutting-edge research in theoretical physics.
- Apply methods of quantum field theory, kinetic theory, and hydrodynamics to address project objectives.
- Use analytical and numerical approaches to solve research problems in theoretical physics.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in theoretical physics or a closely related field at time of appointment
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in theoretical physics research
- Evidence of publications in scientific journals
- Evidence of communicating research through presentations
Application Instructions
To apply, candidates must submit the following materials electronically to Interfolio:
- A letter of interest (maximum two pages) that:
- Addresses how you meet the required and desired qualifications
- Describes your scholarly research agenda and research experience
- Current curriculum vitae
- Information for three professional references (name, organization, position title, e-mail, phone number)
The initial application deadline is October 31, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. If you have position-related questions, please contact Dr. Igor Shovkovy at igor.shovkovy@asu.edu. For application process-related questions, please contact Dr. Igor Shovkovy at igor.shovkovy@asu.edu.
Official transcripts are required prior to employment.