Contact: heliudson.bernardo[AT]uleth.caLocation: Lethbridge, Canada
Applications are invited for two funded Master of Science (MSc) positions in Theoretical Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, under the supervision of Prof. Heliudson Bernardo.
One position is expected to begin in Winter 2027, in January 2027, and the second in Fall 2027, in September 2027.
The January 2027 position is open only to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, and other applicants who meet the University of Lethbridge’s definition of a domestic applicant. The September 2027 position is open to both domestic and international applicants.
Graduate students are supported by a combination of teaching and research assistantships and scholarships, which is generally sufficient to cover tuition and living expenses. Information about the department, research areas, and its graduate program can be found at http://www.uleth.ca/artsci/physics-astronomy http://www.uleth.ca/graduatestudies/
Application deadlines:
Winter 2027 position: To receive full consideration, applications should be received no later than September 15, 2026.
Fall 2027 position: Applications received by December 1, 2026 will receive full consideration. Review may continue after this date until the position is filled.
This preliminary selection process identifies candidates whom Professor Bernardo is prepared to support as prospective supervisor. Selection through this process does not constitute an offer of admission. Selected candidates must submit a separate formal application to the University of Lethbridge School of Graduate Studies and satisfy all University admission requirements.
Research areas:
Potential research topics include cosmology, quantum gravity theory and phenomenology, foundations of quantum mechanics, and physics in curved spacetimes. The specific research project will be developed jointly, taking into account the student’s preparation and research interests.
The successful students will join the theoretical-physics research environment at the University of Lethbridge and will have opportunities to interact with researchers associated with the Quantum Horizons Alberta and the broader Canadian theoretical-physics community.
Qualifications:
Applicants should hold, or expect to complete before the proposed starting date, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree or equivalent in physics, theoretical physics, mathematical physics, or a closely related discipline. Applicants must also meet the formal admission requirements of the University of Lethbridge MSc program.
A solid foundation in core undergraduate physics and mathematics is expected. Previous exposure to general relativity, quantum field theory, cosmology, differential geometry, numerical methods, symbolic computation, or scientific programming will be an asset but is not an absolute requirement. Applicants are not expected to have completed every advanced subject listed above.
How to apply
Applicants should email a single PDF file to: heliudson.bernardo@uleth.ca
The email subject should be : MSc application – Winter 2027 – [Applicant’s surname] or MSc application – Fall 2027 – [Applicant’s surname]
The PDF should contain:
1. A statement of purpose of no more than two pages describing the applicant’s research interests, relevant preparation, motivation for pursuing graduate research, preferred starting term, and reasons for applying to this research group.
2. A curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Unofficial academic transcripts. Scanned or electronic copies are acceptable at this preliminary stage.
4. The names, institutional affiliations, and email addresses of three potential academic referees.
Reference letters should not be submitted with the initial application. Letters will be requested directly from the referees of shortlisted candidates.
The University of Lethbridge and Prof. Bernardo’s research group are committed to an equitable, inclusive, and accessible recruitment process. Applications are encouraged from candidates with varied educational, cultural, and personal backgrounds, including members of groups historically underrepresented in physics.