Contractual Nuclear Physics Postdoctoral Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for the position of Group Leader for the Low-Energy Nuclear Physics Research Group (LER) within the Physics Division. LER is the largest research group in the division, comprising 11 Ph.D. scientists and approximately 7 postdoctoral researchers. The group conducts world-leading research in nuclear structure, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental symmetries, and nuclear data. LER also plays a critical role for the ATLAS National User Facility, where it provides support for ATLAS Users, conducts its own research program, and develops and operates advanced detector systems.
ATLAS is supported by the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Physics and hosts 300-500 users annually from universities and national laboratories in the U.S. and worldwide. ATLAS offers both stable beams and unique rare isotope beams from either the nuCARIBU facility or the in-flight production facility RAISOR.
The LER group is primarily funded by the DOE Office of Nuclear Physics. Key responsibilities for the Group Leader include:

• Manage research priorities, long-term planning, and budget allocations
• Respond to DOE initiatives and information requests
• Mentor, develop, and evaluate staff
• Foster a robust culture of safety and inclusive excellence
• Collaborate with the Physics Division Director, ATLAS Scientific and Operations Directors, and other group leaders to develop strategic plans and set priorities
• Build productive relationships with funding agencies, academic institutions, and the broader research community

The Group Leader is also expected to develop and lead a world-class research program that aligns with DOE priorities in low-energy nuclear physics outlined in the 2023 Nuclear Science Advisory Committee Long Range Plan for Nuclear Science.
Additional information about the LER group can be found at www.anl.gov/phy/low-energy-physics-lep.
Position Requirements
The successful candidate must have a Ph.D., an internationally recognized research career in Nuclear Physics, demonstrated leadership and administrative experience and ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
Applicants should apply to this requisition and submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your interest in the position, and a detailed research statement (up to two pages).
If you have questions about the position, please contact Ian Cloët (icloet@anl.gov), chair of the search committee and Deputy Director of the Physics Division. Applications received by 2 March 2026 will be given full consideration.
Job Family
Research Development (RD)
Job Profile
Physics Leader 2
Worker Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $157,940.00 - $256,639.50.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.