Position Summary
The Center for Quantum Leaps and the Department of Physics at WashU in St. Louis invites applications for a postdoctoral position with a start date of around August 15, 2026.
The appointment will be for 1 year, with a subsequent extension to a second year depending on performance. The postdoc will work primarily with Shaffique Adam on the theory of electronic properties of twisted 2D materials looking at properties like superconductivity and strongly correlated physics.
The postdoc will be part of a stimulating environment for quantum condensed matter, quantum information, and atomic, molecular, and optical physics with ample opportunity to collaborate with other theorists (Zohar Nussinov, Alexander Seidel, Li Yang, and Chuanwei Zhang) and experimentalists (Erik Henriksen, Sheng Ren, Xi Wang, and Chong Zu) at the Department of Physics. Exceptional candidates should simultaneously apply for the Jaynes Prize Fellowship that will provide more research independence.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.
Related Links:
The Center for Quantum Leaps: https://quantumleaps.wustl.edu/.
Department of Physics: https://physics.wustl.edu/.
Jaynes Prize Fellowship: https://physics.wustl.edu/jaynes-fellowship.
Shaffique Adam: https://physics.wustl.edu/people/shaffique-adam.
Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):
- The postdoc will work primarily with Shaffique Adam on the theory of electronic properties of twisted 2D materials looking at properties like superconductivity and strongly correlated physics.
Salary Range:
Base pay is commensurate with experience.
Applicant Special Instructions:
Interested candidates should submit an application that includes as a single PDF file: (i) a short cover letter, (ii) a curriculum vitae with a complete list of publications, (iii) a short statement of research accomplishments and interests, and (iv) the names and contact information of three senior colleagues who have agreed to provide letters of recommendation. For full consideration, applications should be received prior to January 31, 2026. Late applications will be considered until the position is filled. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
Required Qualifications:
- Candidates must have a Ph.D. in theoretical physics (or closely related field) prior to starting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with techniques like diagrammatic perturbation theory and/or building effective continuum models for moiré systems is highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.