Assistant Professor – Experimental Nuclear Physics

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

9d

About The Position

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in experimental Nuclear Physics starting August 16, 2026. The successful candidate will have a record of accomplishments in experimental high-energy nuclear physics and will be expected to develop an independent and vigorous research program. The current faculty in the department participates in the sPHENIX experiments at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and the EPIC experiment at the future Electron-Ion Collider at BNL. Applications are welcome from all candidates who can strengthen and complement our existing activities. The successful candidate will take a leadership role in one of the experimental collaborations in the Nuclear Physics Experimental efforts at RHIC, LHC or Jefferson Laboratory and the Electron-Ion Collider, and contribute to the continued development of a strong graduate program in high-energy nuclear physics. Of high priority is a commitment to excellence in teaching. The successful candidate must have a collegial, collaborative attitude and willingness to participate in departmental programs and committees. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics or in a related discipline
• Outstanding research record
• Potential for excellence in teaching
• Postdoctoral and/or other substantial experience beyond the Ph.D.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Evidence of strong potential for collaborative world-class research
• Evidence of expertise in modern artificial intelligence/machine learning tools and/or advanced detector technology
• Evidence of a strong publication record in internationally-recognized peer-reviewed journals
• Evidence of strong potential for research mentoring

Responsibilities

• Develop an independent and vigorous research program
• Take a leadership role in one of the experimental collaborations in the Nuclear Physics Experimental efforts at RHIC, LHC or Jefferson Laboratory and the Electron-Ion Collider
• Contribute to the continued development of a strong graduate program in high-energy nuclear physics
• Commitment to excellence in teaching
• Participate in departmental programs and committees

Benefits

• Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees