Assistant Professor of Physics (Two Open Positions)

University of Arkansas • Fayetteville, AR

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is hiring a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Physics as part of a materials science and engineering cluster hire coordinated by the Arkansas Materials Institute. The cluster includes two Physics positions focused on molecular beam epitaxy and scanning tunneling microscopy, and on quantum materials and devices. The position is expected to begin in Fall 2027. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Physics and Materials Science and conduct research in the relevant position-focus area. Duties are allocated as 40% teaching or professional performance, 40% research/scholarly or creative activities, and 20% academic service.

The new faculty member will have access to Arkansas Materials Institute shared facilities, including a cleanroom, electron microscopy, an x-ray facility, and electrical and optical characterization. Other available resources include the MonArk NSF Quantum Foundry and its expert staff, NSF MRI proposal support, national laboratory user facilities, and industry partnerships. The hire will join the Arkansas Materials Institute Early-Career Faculty Cohort, which offers structured professional development, mentors, invited speakers, and opportunities for collaborative projects and proposals across disciplines and colleges.

The Department of Physics has an international reputation in areas including nanoscience and quantum materials, condensed matter physics, computational physics, quantum optics and information, astrophysics, and biophysics. Applications completed by November 16, 2026, are assured full consideration; review begins on that date and continues until the position is filled. The anticipated start is Fall 2027.

Requirements

• Terminal degree (Ph.D.) in Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education, conferred by the date of initial appointment.
• Demonstrated potential for outstanding teaching and mentoring at the graduate and/or undergraduate level.
• Demonstrated potential for research excellence, or evidence of an active research agenda and scholarly activity, focused on molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), or quantum devices.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and/or cross-campus collaborations.
• Strong record of successful publications and a record or experience in external funding in the thematic and/or methodological areas of the position focus.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective undergraduate and graduate classes that complement the current course catalog.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in independent research.
• Evidence of ability to be an active, involved, and collegial member of a collaborative faculty team on campus and in relevant national service organizations.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Physics and Materials Science.
• Conduct research and scholarly or creative activities focused on molecular beam epitaxy and scanning tunneling microscopy, or quantum devices, as applicable to the position.
• Carry out academic service activities.
• Mentor students and contribute to the collaborative academic and research community.

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance.
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families.
• 12 official holidays.
• Immediate leave accrual.
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5% to 10% of employee salary.
• Access to shared research facilities, the MonArk NSF Quantum Foundry, NSF MRI proposal support, national laboratory user facilities, and industry partnerships.
• Participation in the Arkansas Materials Institute Early-Career Faculty Cohort, with professional development, mentoring, and collaboration opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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