BCAS - Assistant Professor in Precision Timing), Physics & Astronomy - 529953

The University of Alabama • Alabama, AL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Alabama is seeking applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in physics related to precision timing, quantum photonics, and positioning, navigation, and timing. We are especially interested in candidates who use precision time and frequency science as a foundation for new photonic, quantum, and precision navigation and timing (PNT) systems. Particularly competitive research programs will connect physics to deployable hardware, including quantum photonic interconnects, integrated optical or electro-optic devices, clock-interface hardware, photonic microwave systems, timing transfer, synchronization, resilient PNT, or sensing and communication systems for space, hypersonic, or GNSS-denied environments. Candidates with expertise in atomic, molecular, and optical physics, optical clocks, spectroscopy, precision metrology, quantum sensing, or applied photonics are also strongly encouraged to apply, particularly where that work connects to practical timing, navigation, or quantum-system challenges. This position is intended to strengthen the University of Alabama’s growing precision navigation, timing, and frequency program by building on substantial existing infrastructure, equipment, sponsored research activity, and interdisciplinary collaborations in timing, navigation, hypersonics, quantum systems, and space PNT. The successful candidate will be positioned to develop an externally funded research program that connects fundamental physics to mission-relevant timing, navigation, sensing, communications, and synchronization hardware while engaging with the Alabama Collaborative for Contemporary Education in Precision Timing (ACCEPT), faculty across Physics and Astronomy, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Computer Science, Materials Science, and related units, and the broad ecosystem of companies, defense laboratories, and government partners associated with the program’s advisory board.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field.
• Postdoctoral or comparable research experience.
• Scholarly publications.
• Research experience relevant to precision timing, quantum photonics, PNT, optical or atomic systems, or closely related areas.
• Demonstrate the potential to develop a high-quality, externally funded research program.
• Demonstrate the potential to contribute effectively to teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Nice To Haves

• Academic, industrial, national laboratory, or government research experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop an externally funded research program that connects fundamental physics to mission-relevant timing, navigation, sensing, communications, and synchronization hardware.
• Engage with the Alabama Collaborative for Contemporary Education in Precision Timing (ACCEPT).
• Collaborate with faculty across Physics and Astronomy, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Computer Science, Materials Science, and related units.
• Contribute effectively to teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree