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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Targeted Simons Research Group on Dark Matter Dynamics

Trustees of Princeton University

Princeton, NJFull-time$65–70K/yrSeen 1w agoSeen in employer's feed 1 day ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$65–70K/yr
Location
Princeton, NJ
Role Type
Research
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Visa required • Visa sponsorship

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Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Doctorate

Job overview

Princeton University invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate or more senior position with the Targeted Simons Research Group on Dark Matter Dynamics. The group develops theoretical frameworks connecting dark matter particle physics models with galactic predictions. The successful candidate will conduct research linking numerical simulations, dark matter phenomenology, and observations, collaborating across working group nodes. The appointment is primarily in person on Princeton’s campus, with an expected start between Summer and Fall 2027.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Hydrodynamical SimulationsN-Body SimulationsSimulation DevelopmentDark Matter PhenomenologySmall-Scale Structure Observables

Qualifications

Doctorate in Physics, Astronomy, or Related FieldSimulation ExperiencePublication in Simulation Research

Full job description

Compensation

$65,000.00 - $70,000.00

Hours Per Week

40

Number Of Positions

1

Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Targeted Simons Research Group on Dark Matter DynamicsLocation: Princeton UniversitySalary Range or Pay Grade: Starting Salary for PDRA: $65,000 - $70,000/year and for ARS: $75,000 - $80,000/year Description We invite applications for a postdoctoral position with the Targeted Simons Research Group on Dark Matter Dynamics at the rank of postdoctoral research associate or a more senior rank. The primary mission of this working group is to build a theoretical framework that translates particle physics models of dark matter with new forces into galactic predictions. The successful candidate will contribute to this effort through research connecting numerical simulations, dark matter phenomenology, and current/future observations.The work location will be primarily in-person on campus at Princeton University, or subject to approval at an off-campus location where the research project is being undertaken. The successful candidate will collaborate closely across several working group nodes, with a particular emphasis on interactions with Rutgers University and Stony Brook University.The expected start date is between Summer and Fall 2027, with flexibility to accommodate the selected candidate’s availability.The term of the appointment is based on rank. Positions at the postdoctoral rank are for one year and multi year at the more senior rank, with the possibility of renewal based on funding and meeting all other requirements.This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B Visa requiring consular processing; other Visa sponsorships (including H-1B not requiring consular processing) may be available, as appropriate.This position is subject to the University's background check policy. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University. Qualifications The successful candidate will work closely with Alyson Brooks (Rutgers), Rouven Essig (Stony Brook), Mariangela Lisanti (Princeton), and other members of the collaboration to develop and lead research efforts that advance the scientific goals of the Targeted Simons Research Group on Dark Matter Dynamics. Candidates should have a Doctorate degree in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field, by the start of the appointment with the ideal candidates further demonstrating in their application: Simulation Experience: Experience working with hydrodynamical or N-body simulations, including at least one publication in this area. Preference will be given to candidates with experience developing and executing new simulations. Subject Matter Expertise: Working knowledge of dark matter phenomenology and/or small-scale structure observables for dark matter (e.g., dwarf galaxies, streams, lensing). Application Instructions Applicants must apply online and must include the following: A Research Statement (maximum of 2 pages, excluding references). This statement should (i) describe how the applicant’s past research and relevant experience prepare them for this position, and (ii) outline how their research interests and expertise will contribute to the collaboration's scientific goals. The statement should specifically address the research directions described in this advertisement and highlight prior collaborative experiences, scientific creativity, and demonstrated potential for research independence. A curriculum vitae (including a list of publications) Contact information for three references. Letters of reference will be collected from shortlisted candidates. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Pay Transparency DisclosureThe University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.The University also offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information. Apply HereEqual employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilitiesPI287855038

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

287855038

How this job compares

Set against the 827 open Postdoctoral Researcher jobs on Olive Jobs, counted October 31, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$65–70K/yr
  • New Jersey median$80K/yr23 salary ranges
  • US median$70–80K/yr402 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $68K, is 16% below the New Jersey median midpoint ($80K) — in the middle half of Postdoctoral Researcher salary ranges in New Jersey.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 23 open Postdoctoral Researcher jobs in New Jersey and 827 across the US. Under 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in New Jersey
Experience
Postdoctoral Researcher postings that state a minimum ask for 1 year of experience at the median; the middle half ask for 0 to 3 years (57 postings).
Education
This posting asks for a doctorate or professional degree; 685 of the 827 open Postdoctoral Researcher jobs (83%) ask for a doctorate or professional degree.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on October 31, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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