Postdoctoral Positions
Apply to be an AJL-ICMT Postdoctoral Researcher
The Anthony J. Leggett Institute for Condensed Matter Theory (AJL-ICMT) of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign announces several postdoctoral openings for Fall 2027.
We proudly announce an opening for an Anthony J. Leggett Postdoctoral Fellowship in Condensed Matter Theory. This postdoctoral fellowship is made possible by generous funding from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The fellowship is renewable for up to three years. Applications for this position are encouraged from outstanding individuals working in broad areas of Condensed Matter Physics and Quantum Information Science.
We also announce Gordon and Betty Moore Postdoctoral Fellowship positions in Condensed Matter Theory and Quantum Materials supported by funding through the EPiQS program. These fellowships at AJL-ICMT, sponsored by the Gordon and Betty Moore foundation, provide especially wide latitude in choosing research activities, and fellows are encouraged to be broadly engaged with condensed matter research activities at Illinois.
The Department of Physics of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the preeminent Physics Departments in the world. Historically and consistently ranked among the top ten Physics departments in the US, and we are highly ranked in Condensed Matter Physics. Condensed Matter Physics has a long tradition of excellence at Illinois, dating back to work of John Bardeen, Leon Cooper, and J. Robert Schrieffer in the first theory of superconductivity, and of Anthony J. Leggett on the theory of superfluid 3He.
The Institute was established in 2007 with support from the University of Illinois. In the Fall of 2023, it was renamed the Anthony J. Leggett Institute for Condensed Matter Theory (AJL-ICMT). AJL-ICMT faculty members work in broad areas of research in Condensed Matter Physics and Quantum Information. Collaborating with theorists and experimentalists across a wide range of disciplines embodies the Urbana-style of physics. We are looking for strong candidates in strongly correlated materials, topological matter, non-equilibrium physics, quantum information science, and all related fields. Current AJL-ICMT faculty working in these areas include Barry Bradlyn, David Ceperley, Bryan Clark, Karin Dahmen, Tom Faulkner, Eduardo Fradkin (AJL-ICMT Director), Rafael Fernandes, Taylor L. Hughes, Jong Yeon Lee, Philip Phillips, Michael Stone, Smitha Vishveshwara, and Lucas K. Wagner.
Postdoctoral researchers at Illinois interact with other theorists at Illinois, with the superb and large experimental condensed matter group, including members of the Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, the Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology (IQUIST) center, and have access to unparalleled facilities for computation through the National Center for Supercomputing Applications.
Applicants for our postdoctoral openings should go online at https://my.physics.illinois.edu/join/ to submit their application, which must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, statement of research interests, and the names and email addresses of three references. A single application will suffice for consideration for both fellowship positions and any available non-fellowship positions at AJL-ICMT in similar or related fields. If you have any questions or need assistance or accommodation in completing this application, please contact Thierry Ramais, ramais@illinois.edu. Applications should be received by October 15, 2026, for full consideration.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Eduardo Fradkin
Director, Anthony J. Leggett Institute for Condensed Matter Theory
efradkin@illinois.edu