About the role
Job Description
As part of an initiative to build on existing strengths and to expand the Center for Neutrino Physics, the Department of Physics at Virginia Tech (http://www.phys.vt.edu) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty position in Theoretical Neutrino Physics, broadly defined across key disciplinary theoretical areas:
- Neutrino phenomenology and model building
- Neutrino astrophysics and cosmology
- Theory-data interfaces (including simulation, inference, and AI/ML)
Virginia Tech’s Center for Neutrino Physics provides an intellectually vibrant environment, where faculty pursue a broad range of research in neutrino physics and related fields. The Center’s culture fosters collaboration across theory and experiment; nuclear, particle, and astrophysics; as well as basic and applied science. Current theoretical research activities of the Center include neutrino phenomenology, neutrino astrophysics, and dark matter. Current experimental activities include DUNE/protoDUNE, MicroBooNE, SBND, ICARUS as part of the SBN program at Fermilab, CHANDLER, the Mobile Antineutrino Demonstrator, COHERENT, CUORE/CUPID, KamLAND-Zen, and DarkSide/Argo.
Position responsibilities
Expectations for this position include: The development of a vigorous and externally well-funded research program, effective instruction in physics at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and to actively participate in department, college, and university governance. The faculty handbook (available at https://faculty.vt.edu/academic-personnel/academic-policies-and-resources/faculty-handbook.html) provides a complete description of faculty responsibilities at Virginia Tech. Questions regarding the position may be directed to the chair of the Search Committee, Ian Shoemaker, at neutrino-theory-search-g@vt.edu.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in physics or a closely related field by date of hire and must have postdoctoral experience at the time of the appointment.
The position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and meetings.
They should demonstrate a strong record of accomplishments and creativity in theoretical neutrino research; a desire to advise and teach a student body which is from a wide range of backgrounds, and a vision of scholarship and service that aligns with the University's strategic priorities.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Hours per week
40 hours - exempt position
Review Date
11/9/2026
Additional Information
Candidates should apply at https://jobs.vt.edu (Posting #538160). The application package must include (i) a cover letter, (ii) curriculum vitae with publication list, (iii) a statement of ongoing and planned research, (iv) a brief description of teaching philosophy, and (v) applicants should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be directly emailed to neutrino-theory-search-g@vt.edu. Review of applications will begin on November 9, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled; to ensure full consideration, complete application packages and reference letters should be received by November 9, 2026. The expected position starting date is August 10, 2027. The successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Jacqueline Woodyard at woodyaj@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.