Leinweber Institute for Theoretical Physics

Our research includes a strong focus on fundamental questions about the new physics underlying the Standard Models of particle physics, cosmology, and gravity; and the nature and applications of our basic frameworks (quantum field theory and string theory) for attacking these questions. Our research also includes a major emphasis on the novel phenomena in condensed matter physics that emerge in systems with many degrees of freedom.

News Spotlight

Xiao-Liang Qi among three Stanford faculty named 2026 American Physical Society Fellows

Xiao-Liang Qi is a professor of physics in the School of Humanities and Sciences. He was nominated by the APS Division of Condensed Matter Physics for “pioneering contributions to the theoretical understanding of topological states of matter and emergent phenomena in quantum many-body systems.”

Job Postings

2027 LITP Postdoctoral Fellows

The Stanford Leinweber Institute for Theoretical Physics (LITP) is searching for postdoctoral fellows for the Leinweber Physics Postdoctoral Fellowship as well as other LITP fellowships.

Job Postings

2027 LITP Postdoctoral Fellows - Condensed Matter

LITP invites applications for postdoctoral fellows in all areas of condensed matter theory, broadly construed. We seek exceptional theorists who will flourish in, and contribute to, the highly interactive and collaborative research environment at Stanford.

Job Postings

2027 Van Bibber Fellowship in Experimental Physics

The 2027 Van Bibber Fellowship is now open for applications. We seek early-career scientists of exceptional ability in the field of experimental physics who have a focus on exploring fundamental particles and interactions. The fellowship will provide support for research in the group of a faculty member of the Stanford Physics department.

Job Postings

2027 Q-FARM Bloch Postdoctoral Fellowship in Quantum Science and Engineering

The Stanford-SLAC Quantum Initiative, Q-FARM, invites applications for the 2027 Bloch Fellowships in Quantum Science and Engineering.

Faculty

"The Hardest Questions in Physics" with Leonard Susskind and Brian Greene

Theoretical physicist Leonard Susskind joins Brian Greene for a conversation on black holes, the nature of reality, and what it means to spend a lifetime chasing the hardest questions in physics.