Postdoctoral Scholar, Physics

The University of Nevada Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

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The Department of Physics at the University of Nevada Reno invites applications for a postdoctoral position in our theoretical research group focused on advancing quantum technology through the development of 229-Thorium nuclear clocks. This project is inherently interdisciplinary integrating atomic nuclear solid-state physics and materials science. Our primary objective is to establish theoretical frameworks that complement ongoing experimental work involving ion traps and solid-state hosts with the aim of realizing the first nuclear optical clock.

Candidates should possess a strong foundation in either atomic theory condensed matter theory and/or quantum chemistry or demonstrate a willingness to acquire relevant expertise rapidly. Proficiency in coding numerical modeling and experience with periodic DFT codes or MOLCAS are desirable attributes.

The start date is flexible with opportunities available as early as Spring 2026. The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of renewal contingent upon performance.

Finalists for this position must meet the sponsors requirements for participation.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of a doctoral degree in Physics or Chemistry is required.

• The doctoral degree must have been completed within the five years immediately preceding the first date of appointment as a postdoctoral fellow at the University.

• The individual cannot have held previous positions in the professional ranks.

• The candidate hired into this position must agree in writing to:

  • Not collaborate with a foreign institution association person or any other entity from a strategic competitor (currently China Russia Iran North Korea) on this research project

  • The research does not involve any international or domestic collaborations outside of UCLA and UNR unless explicitly approved

Compensation Grade

Postdoctoral Scholar

To view the salary schedule for this position please visit: Salary Schedules. Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.

Perks of Working at UNR

• Health insurance options including dental and vision - Health Insurance

• Generous annual and sick leave life insurance Faculty Benefits

• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options. E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center

• Reno is proud to be a University town! Many local businesses offer discounts to WolfCard holders

• Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through lifes difficult moments. Mountain EAP is located in Reno and specializes in counseling and advising services for personal or interpersonal issues.

• Faculty Senate is the principal representing body for faculty. Its membership includes representatives from each academic and administrative major unit of the University. Faculty Senate

• No state income tax!

Faculty Dual Career Assistance Program

The University of Nevada Reno recognizes the importance of addressing dual-career couples professional needs. We offer a dual career assistance program to newly hired faculty spouses/partners that provides resources and assists them to identify career opportunities in Northern Nevada. Dual Career Assistance Program

Department Information

The Department of Physics at the University of Nevada Reno specializes inatomic molecular optical and chemical physicshigh energy density and plasma physicscondensed matter physics astrophysics andatmospheric sciences. Please see here for more information: Information

Beth Jacobsen at or

Please note once you submit your application the only attachment/s viewable to you will be the attachment/s to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment/s to the cover letter references additional documents sections of the application will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment/s will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments prior to the committee review of applications please contact the candidate helpdesk at

Attach the following attachments to your application

1) Resume/CV

2) Cover Letter

3) Contact Information for Three Professional References

4) Statement of research background and interests

Posting Close Time

This posting will close at 12:00 am on the date listed below. The posting will no longer be available to apply to after 11:59 pm the day prior.

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty members first day of employment.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.

As part of the hiring process applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

For positions that require driving evidence of a valid drivers license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.

Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

The University of Nevada Reno is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a persons age (40 or older) disability whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities) gender (including pregnancy related conditions) military status or military obligations sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information national origin race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles afros bantu knots curls braids locks and twists) color or religion (protected classes).

About Us

The University of Nevada Reno is a leading public research university committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Founded in 1874 as Nevadas original land-grant university the University serves more than 23000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 63 countries.

Classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 (Very High Research) university it is also recognized in the Carnegie Community Engagement classification. The University is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the Best National Universities and Best National Public Universities. It also ranks in the top tier of the WSJ/Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the New York Times Top Colleges for Economic Diversity.

Since 2009 nearly $1 billion has been has invested in advanced labs facilities and residence halls on the main campus. The University is home to Nevadas first medical school the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine and the Wayne L. Prim Campus at Lake Tahoe where education research and creative work thrive in a stunning mountain setting. The University delivers on its original land-grant mission with outreach across the state through the University of Nevada Reno Extension Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Nevada Small Business Development Center the Nevada Seismological Laboratory and Wolf Pack Athletics.

The main campus is in Reno Nevada a burgeoning global technology hub with a vibrant midtown and downtown. Found where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe the beautiful 290-acre main campus is also a Nevada State Arboretum. The Universitys physical infrastructure is expanding with ongoing construction of the newly named John Tullock Business Building set to open in fall 2025. Groundbreaking is also planned for a new State Public Health Laboratory Building on campus alongside the recent acquisition of 16 parcels near campus known as University Village to provide affordable housing for graduate students and early career faculty.

Collaborating with world-renowned organizations the University fosters innovation through initiatives such as the Digital Wolf Pack partnership with Apple which ensures equitable access to technology for students providing new incoming freshman or transfer students with an iPad Air and accessories. Googles TechWise initiate is an 18-month program that fully supports undergraduate students in becoming entry-level software engineers by graduation.

In 2023 the U.S. Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Nevada led by the University of Nevada Reno was named one of the inaugural 31 RegionalTechnology and InnovationHubs (TechHubs).Nevada was selected from a competitive pool of 489 applicants from across the United States and its Tech Hub will strengthen Americas lithium batteries critical elements and other electric vehicle materials industry sectors within the state.

Through its commitment to high-impact education world-improving research and creative activity and outreach thats transforming Nevadas communities and businesses the University continues its 150-year tradition of benefitting our state nation and world.

The University recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. The inclusive and engaged community on campus recognizes the added value that students faculty and staff from different backgrounds bring to the educational experience.

Today the University delivers on its original land-grant mission of access to education and knowledge by investing in the academics facilities support engagement and vibrant campus life that promote our diverse students cognitive growth and academic achievement all while remaining one of the best values in American higher education.

For more information please visitthe Universitys website.

University of Nevada Reno