The Department of Physics at Washington University in St. Louis invites applications for the Edwin Thompson Jaynes Fellowship. We welcome applicants with interests in the research areas of the Department of Physics (Nuclear and Particle Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum Information, Biophysics, and Astrophysics and Cosmology). The Fellowship is a prize fellowship managed by the Department of Physics.           

Successful candidates are expected to propose a tentative research program, and to further develop and refine that program during their fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. The aim of the fellowship is to prepare the candidate(s) in the best possible way for faculty positions at research institutions or staff scientist positions at national laboratories. The awardees will pursue an independent research program, collaborating with one or several faculty members from the Department of Physics, as well as with other postdoctoral and graduate researchers in the department.           

Jaynes Fellowships are anticipated to continue for three years, conditional to satisfactory yearly performance evaluations. Fellows will be assigned a faculty mentor or mentoring committee, as appropriate, to facilitate their scientific growth. Residence at the Department of Physics at Washington University in St. Louis is required. Successful applicants will be initially appointed as postdoctoral fellows and employment in this role is anticipated to begin July 1, 2025.           

The application should include a two-page description of the candidate’s proposed research program listing the name(s) of potential collaborators from among the faculty members of the Department of Physics and a brief description of possible joint research activities. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their research project(s) with potential faculty collaborators before applying for the fellowship.

Applications and reference letters are due at the time of application submission no later than November 15, 2024. The initial annual salary is $67,000 with additional funds available for travel support, research and relocation expenses. Please apply at: https://wustl.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Washington-University-Danforth-Campus/Edwin-Thomas-Jaynes-Postdoctoral-Fellowship---Physics_JR84022

Applications should include:

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae that includes a list of publications.
• A one-paragraph description of the applicant’s individual contribution to up to three publications (1 page maximum). 
• A two-page research proposal specifying how the proposed research fits within the existing departmental research activities.
• The names and contact information for three professional references.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

Candidates must have a PhD completed by July 1, 2025, specializing in one of the fields listed in the position summary and have a record of excellent scholarship, and no more than four years of postdoctoral experience.

About Washington University in St. Louis

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