Assistant Professor of Physics

Oberlin College & Conservatory•Oberlin, OH

45d

About The Position

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time tenure track faculty position in the College of Arts and Sciences in Physics. A second tenure-track position is pending final administrative approval; if authorized, the second position would have the same features as listed here. We are open to a broad variety of disciplines, with a preference toward experimentalists and/or applied physicists, and those who show promise for an active research program involving undergraduate students. Initial appointment to this position will be for a term of four years , beginning fall semester of year 2026, with an additional three years upon reappointment, and will carry the rank of Assistant Professor. Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a private four-year, highly selective national liberal arts college that is also home to an outstanding Conservatory of Music. Together, the two divisions enroll approximately 2900 students. The College views a diverse, equitable, and inclusive educational environment as contributing to the excellence of its academic program, and was the first college in the US to admit Black Students and women. Among liberal arts colleges, Oberlin is a national leader in successfully placing graduates into PhD programs. Oberlin is situated on the outskirts of Cleveland, combining a cozy small-town atmosphere with the cultural amenities of a major city. The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cinematheque, Karamu House, several educational institutions, and scores of restaurants, bars, music venues, and theaters add to the cultural and educational opportunities of the region. The Physics and Astronomy department graduates approximately 15 majors per year, with concentrations in either physics, astrophysics, or materials physics. The department has an authorized tenure/tenure-track faculty size of 7.5 full-time-equivalent. Faculty research interests include infrared molecular spectroscopy, novel magnetic nanomaterials, atomic physics, extragalactic chemical evolution & star formation, simulations of galaxy formation and supermassive black holes, and numerical modeling of gravitational wave sources and spacetime structure. Approximately 80% of Oberlin's Physics and Astronomy students do research during their time at Oberlin. This student research takes place during the semester, the summer, and Oberlin's month-long Winter Term. Current faculty have a strong track record of maintaining external support, primarily through the RUI and MRI programs from the National Science Foundation. Applicants are encouraged to visit www.oberlin.edu/physics for more information about the department, and https://www.oberlin.edu/arts-and-sciences/departments/physics-and-astronomy/guidance-faculty-applicants for guidance on shaping strong application materials.

Requirements

Among the qualifications required for appointment is the PhD degree (in hand or expected by first semester of academic year 2026).
Candidates must demonstrate commitment to and potential excellence in undergraduate teaching, as well as the ability to perform high quality physics research.
Oberlin is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the distinctiveness and excellence of our academic community through their research, teaching, and service.
The incumbent will bring understanding of or experience working with underrepresented and diverse academic populations.
Oberlin recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran's status, and/or other protected status as required by law.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will teach the standard teaching load (4.5 courses per year).
Teaching assignments in our department generally span the undergraduate physics curriculum, involving introductory and advanced courses for majors, lab courses as appropriate, and general-audience and seminar courses associated with faculty interests.
The incumbent will also be expected to engage in sustained scholarly research and/or other creative work appropriate to the position and participate in the full range of faculty responsibilities, including academic advising, mentoring undergraduate research, and service on committees.
The Department and the College actively support new faculty with mentoring and professional development opportunities, including a paid pre-tenure leave for those on the standard six-year tenure track, startup support, and internal grants for conference travel and research.

Benefits

Within the range established for this position, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a competitive benefits package.

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