Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Columbia Physics Department invites applications for the 2026 EKA Postdoctoral program for outstanding young scientists with research interests in any area of physics pursued at Columbia. The positions are co-sponsored by the Ernest Kempton Adams fund and a Columbia faculty member and come with travel and research funds. The positions may begin at any time between April 1, 2026 and Sept 1, 2026 and are for an initial term of one year extendible for up to two additional years, contingent on satisfactory performance and funding. We anticipate making two offers in 2026: one in theoretical/computational physics and another in experimental physics. Preference will be given to candidates with research interests in the areas of Astrophysics (including cosmology), Atomic/Molecular/Optical, and Condensed Matter Physics. It is expected that additional positions will be available in 2027. We will give preference to candidates who have obtained their degree in 2025, but are open to all candidates who received their PhD as early as 2023.

Applicants are encouraged to contact potential Columbia faculty sponsors in advance.

The Columbia Physics Department is home to 35 faculty members, 110 graduate students and approximately 60 postdoctoral fellows pursuing active experimental and theoretical research across many subfields of modern physics. EKA funds originate from a gift made in memory of Ernest Kepton Adams by his family. Recipients of the EKA postdoctoral position will be joining a distinguished tradition of EKA supported visits and research. EKA-supported visitors to Columbia include Max Planck, Hendrik Lorentz and, more recently, Michael Berry and Immanuel Bloch. Enrico Fermi's Physical Review article reporting the observation, made at Columbia, of fission acknowledges support from EKA funds.

PhD in Physics.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.