Summary

The Lederman Fellowship at Fermilab is intended to attract exceptional postdoctoral candidates who have demonstrated outstanding ability in research and who, in addition, have a strong interest in education and outreach. Lederman Fellows are free to choose any area in Fermilab's broad experimental program for performing their research, including neutrino physics, research on the CMS experiment at the LHC and proposed future colliders, astroparticle physics, intensity frontier experiments such as Mu2e, quantum information science, and quantum sensor research. In recognition of Leon Lederman's commitment to the teaching of physics at all levels, Fellows are also expected to participate for a fraction of their time in education. An example would be the Saturday Morning Physics program or other outreach. Candidates not selected for the Lederman Fellowship may be considered for other Research Associate opportunities at Fermilab.

Job description

About the Role

The Lederman Fellowship at Fermilab is intended to attract exceptional postdoctoral candidates who have demonstrated outstanding ability in research and who, in addition, have a strong interest in education and outreach. Lederman Fellows are free to choose any area in Fermilab's broad experimental program for performing their research, including neutrino physics, research on the CMS experiment at the LHC and proposed future colliders, astroparticle physics, intensity frontier experiments such as Mu2e, quantum information science, and quantum sensor research. In recognition of Leon Lederman's commitment to the teaching of physics at all levels, Fellows are also expected to participate for a fraction of their time in education. An example would be the Saturday Morning Physics program or other outreach. Candidates not selected for the Lederman Fellowship may be considered for other Research Associate opportunities at Fermilab.

The Lederman Fellowship is a 3-year appointment with the possibility for an extension of up to two (2) additional years.

Skills and Attributes for Success

Candidates should have obtained a Ph.D. in experimental particle physics, astrophysics, or a closely related field after September 1, 2025, or should expect to obtain a Ph.D. in one of the same fields by September 1, 2027.
Demonstrated exceptional ability in research.
Ability to participate in physics outreach.
Abides by all environment, safety, and health regulations.

Requirements

Ph.D. in experimental particle physics, astrophysics, or a closely related field obtained after September 1, 2025, or expected by September 1, 2027
Demonstrated exceptional ability in research
Ability to participate in physics outreach
Abides by all environment, safety, and health regulations

Benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision
Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid time off
Life insurance
Short-term disability insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Retirement benefits
Onsite day care

Company overview

Fermilab, officially known as Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, is a premier particle physics and accelerator laboratory located in Batavia, Illinois. Operated by the Fermi Research Alliance LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy, Fermilab is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the fundamental nature of matter and energy. The laboratory operates world-class particle accelerators, including the Tevatron (formerly the world's highest-energy particle collider) and currently hosts the Muon g-2 experiment and the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). Fermilab's research focuses on neutrino physics, dark matter studies, quantum science, and accelerator technology development. As one of the leading particle physics laboratories globally, Fermilab collaborates with thousands of scientists from institutions worldwide and plays a crucial role in international high-energy physics research. The laboratory also maintains strong educational outreach programs and contributes to technological innovations with applications beyond fundamental science.