Assistant Professor of Physics (Two Open Positions)
About The Position
The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Department of Physics is hiring two tenure-track assistant professors as part of a materials science and engineering cluster hire coordinated by the Arkansas Materials Institute. The Physics positions focus on molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and on quantum materials and devices. The appointments are expected to begin in Fall 2027. The cluster supports the University’s investment in the Arkansas Materials Institute, whose mission is to translate materials discoveries into real-world solutions. Research growth areas include materials for artificial intelligence, quantum materials, energy, biosystems, and electronics and photonics. New faculty will have access to shared facilities including a cleanroom, electron microscopy, an x-ray facility, and electrical and optical characterization resources. They will also have access to the MonArk NSF Quantum Foundry and its expert staff, NSF MRI proposal support, national laboratory user facilities, and industry partnerships. Each hire will join the Arkansas Materials Institute Early-Career Faculty Cohort, which offers structured professional development, invited speakers, and opportunities for joint projects and proposals, alongside departmental mentoring. The Physics Department has an international reputation in nanoscience and quantum materials, condensed matter physics, computational physics, quantum optics and quantum information, astrophysics, and biophysics, including neuro-physics. The department has more than twenty regular faculty, teaching faculty, research faculty, and postdoctoral associates. Faculty mentor graduate and undergraduate students. In 2025, the department reported more than $3.5 million in research expenditures and published well over 100 refereed journal articles. The appointee will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Physics and Materials Science, pursue research and scholarly activities in the position’s focus areas, and contribute academic service. Duties are allocated 40% to teaching or professional performance, 40% to research/scholarly or creative activities, and 20% to academic service. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position is a designated research position regulated by the Arkansas Research Education Protection Act of 2025; additional background information will be requested and may be reviewed before an offer is issued.
Requirements
- A terminal degree (Ph.D.) in Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field from an accredited institution, 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 the 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.
- Undertake academic service activities.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
