About the Department:

The Department of Physics and Astronomy includes over 40 faculty members, 100 undergraduate students (BS), and 80 graduate students (MS and PhD). Our faculty and students collaborate with local, national, and international research institutions, including the Applied Research Lab, Argonne National Laboratory, CERN, Naval Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Space Telescope Science Institute, and the US Naval Observatory. For more information on the department, see http://physics.gmu.edu.

George Mason University, a Carnegie Research I institution, is Virginia's largest and most diverse university with more than 39,000 students representing all 50 states and more than 135 countries. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, Mason is part of the Washington DC metropolitan area offering easy access to the scientific and political resources of the nation’s capital.

George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position:

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow conducts theoretical research in ultracold quantum gases, and the many-body physics of interacting atoms in optical lattices or optical tweezer arrays.

Responsibilities:

• Performs theoretical research on quantum many-body physics: analytical or numerical calculations;
• Conducts data analysis and visualization, prepares manuscripts and presentations; and
• Reads the literature and formulates research questions. 

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in a related field;
• PhD in physics or related field;
• A strong background in quantum many-body physics, either in analytical/field-theoretical methods or in numerical approaches; and
• Knowledge and research skills in quantum many-body physics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in exploring the interface of condensed matter physics and ultracold atoms;
• Previous experience in cold atoms in optical lattices or open quantum systems is preferred; and
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are desired.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Postdoctoral Research Fellow at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information; additionally, the following materials will be required as well: current CV, a publication list, a research statement, and three letters of recommendation.

Posting Open Date: December 17, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  January 24, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes