Postdoctoral Positions

Dedman College is accepting the following applications for postdoctoral positions to begin Fall 2025/Spring 2026:

Chemistry. Position Nos. 00052467 and 00054980. The Matthews Research Group in 91×ÔÅÄ’s Department of Chemistry focuses on using and developing accurate theoretical methods to study molecules, reactions, clusters, and extended systems, and is a member of the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry program and the SMU Center for Research Computing. We specialize in ab initio methods based on quantum mechanics, combining concepts and techniques from chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. In particular, we are looking for postdocs to participate in funded projects related to computational soft x-ray spectroscopy using equation-of-motion coupled cluster techniques and reduced- scaling coupled cluster methods for high accuracy/low cost theormochemistry and excited state electronic structure calculations, using SMU’s state-of-the-art ManeFrame III and NVIDIA SuperPOD computing systems. Qualified candidates from multiple backgrounds (e.g. chemistry, physics, computer science, mathetics) are welcome to apply and should have expertise and interest in one or more of the following areas: QM/MM embedding (esp. ASEC/APEC) and quantum embedding methods. Theoretical development of coupled cluster methods, analytic gradients, density fitting (or RI/CD) methods, or other related techniques. Computational x-ray spectroscopy and dynamics. Tensor factorization, non-linear optimization, and/or machine learning. High-accuracy thermochemistry and kinetics. High-performance computing (esp. GPGPU). Candidates should submit a cover letter which includes the candidate’s research background and interests and a current CV via Interfolio () and arrange for two letters of recommendation. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Chemistry. Position Nos. 00052516 and 00053660. The Zoltowski lab at 91×ÔÅÄ is a highly interdisciplinary research group focused on using a combination of biophysical, cell biology, chemical, and theoretical approaches to interrogate complex biological networks regulating sensing and adaptation to environmental variables. Our particular focus is on members of the Light- Oxygen-Voltage and Cryptochrome protein families that regulate circadian rhythms or are involved in magnetoreception in migratory organisms. We are currently looking for well qualified postdoctoral researchers interested in working on diverse projects ranging from structural biology, computational biology, and drug discovery. Qualified candidates from multiple backgrounds (e.g. chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics) are welcome to apply and should have expertise and interest in one or more of the following areas: Experience expressing proteins in insect or mammalian cell culture. Experience with structural biology techniques such as, crystallography, Cryo-EM, NMR, spectroscopy, HDX-MS. Experience using molecular dynamic simulations to interrogate allostery. Molecular and/or cell biology experience with drug screening assays, including, but not limited to Fluorescence Polarization, high-throughput screening, alphascreen. Extensive protein biochemistry and molecular biology experience. Optogenetics Candidates should submit a cover letter which includes the candidate’s research background and interests and a current CV via Interfolio and arrange for two letters of recommendation via Interfolio ().

Physics. Position No. 00053766.The Cosmology and Astrophysics group at 91×ÔÅÄ (SMU) seeks to hire an outstanding postdoctoral research fellow in cosmology with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). The successful applicant will carry out original research and play an important role in the analysis of DESI data. Opportunities to make substantial original contributions are high. DESI science includes a broad and exciting menu of measurements that will collectively provide the most sensitive probe of the expansion history of the universe over the redshift range 0<z<3.5. The successful applicant will also take a strong role in DESI Operations. DESI is a Stage IV dark energy spectroscopic survey utilizing 5000 robotically positioned fibers on the Mayall 4 m at Kitt Peak National Observatory. DESI is currently in Year 3 of an initial 5 year survey which will gather an unprecedented sample of almost 40 million galaxy spectra, each covering 360 - 980 nm. Primary goals are to extract strong cosmological constraints from baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) and redshift space distortion (RSD) measurements. These are complemented by a host of other sensitive astrophysical and cosmological studies. Survey sensitivity relies on the optimal and efficient operation of the telescope. The Cosmology & Astrophysics group at SMU is currently strongly involved on DESI in science analysis via the simulations of mock galaxy catalogs to support BAO and RSD measurements. We focus on halo occupation and semi-analytic modeling of emission line galaxies and quasars to produce high fidelity mocks. More broadly, the SMU astrophysics and cosmology effort also includes CMB cosmology, line intensity mapping at high redshift, supernova cosmology at low redshift, and transient science with Simons Observatory, CMB-S4, COMAP, FYST, ROTSE and others. Our department also hosts a strong experimental and theoretical particle physics effort at LHC, Fermilab and the EIC. We seek a highly motivated applicant who has obtained, or is about to obtain, a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy or related fields. Experience with cosmology, galactic astronomy and/or spectroscopy is highly valued. Software development experience is a plus. For further information, contact Prof. Robert Kehoe (kehoe@physics.smu.edu). Interested applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a list of publications resulting from significant contributions, a description of research interests and skills including a brief description of mentoring experience, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to Interfolio at . Review of applications will begin on February 20, 2024. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by March 15, 2024, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.

Physics.  Position No. 00053542. Post Doctoral Fellow in Physics. The successful candidate will join the theoretical high-energy particle physics group at 91×ÔÅÄ. The initial appointment will be for a period of two years, with the possibility of extension to a third year (2+1). The applicant will work with PI Tobias Neumann on projects centered on higher-order perturbative calculations in particle physics phenomenology, with a significant focus on developments for and applications of the Monte-Carlo code MCFM. The successful candidate will have opportunities to present their work at international conferences and workshops, supported by a yearly travel budget of $8,000. Candidates should have experience in perturbative methods, particularly at the interface of numerical and analytic techniques. Desired areas of research focus and expertise include one or more of the following: Collider physics and the calculation of higher-order corrections. Development and application of Monte Carlo programs. Techniques for multi-loop integrals, including their numerical automatization. Parton-shower matching techniques. Advanced infrared subtraction methods and resummation. Opportunities to contribute to research on higher-order calculations for first-principle Parton Distribution Function (PDF) determinations (expertise in higher-order calculations and multi-loop integrals is foundational for this area).  Applicants should demonstrate expertise in at least one of the primary listed areas. The SMU physics department has an active ATLAS group with interests in Standard Model Analysis, in particular Higgs, di-Higgs and multi-boson final states. Other theoretical and experimental interests in the department revolve around nuclear structure determination (including nuclear PDFs) and galactic and cosmological measurements and modeling. As part of the MCFM collaboration, close collaboration exists with Fermilab, providing further opportunities for interaction and research. Salary and Benefits: The annual salary for this position is $60,000. SMU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans. More information can be found on the SMU HR benefits page: /businessfinance/hr/benefitsandwellness/healthandotherbenefits. Start Date: The start date is negotiable, with a preference for as soon as possible (August 1, 2025), but no later than January 31, 2026. Priority Consideration Date: Review of applications will begin immediately. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by July 21, 2025, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled. Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Physics with a specialization in theoretical high-energy particle physics or theoretical nuclear physics, completed by the start date of employment. Demonstrated experience in perturbative methods for particle physics phenomenology. Proven expertise in one or more of the following: collider physics, higher-order corrections, development of Monte Carlo programs, multi-loop integrals, resummation, infrared subtraction methods. Strong programming skills relevant to computational physics (e.g., Modern Fortran, C, C++, etc.). A track record of research publications in peer-reviewed journals.  Contact for Inquiries: For further questions about the position, please contact Tobias Neumann at tneumann@smu.edu. Application Instructions: Applicants should submit the following materials online via Interfolio at : A cover letter. A curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications. A research statement (typically 2-3 pages). Three (3) academic reference letters are to be submitted directly by the recommenders via the Interfolio system. 

Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

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