Assistant Professor - Physics

Tennessee Tech • Cookeville, TN

3d

About The Position

Tennessee Tech seeks an Assistant Professor of Physics with a Ph.D. in physics or equivalent, strong research credentials, excellent pedagogical skills, and a strong commitment to undergraduate education. Teaching includes introductory physics and/or astronomy service courses, some in a studio format, laboratories, and upper-division physics and/or astrophysics courses. The university seeks a candidate who can strengthen its new astrophysics concentration, while encouraging applicants from all research subfields. Department strengths include nuclear physics, fundamental symmetries, and physics education research; local opportunities include developing observational astronomy and ion beam facilities. The successful candidate will engage undergraduates in research at all levels and establish an active research program with student participation while seeking external grant support.

The position also contributes to recruitment, student advising, outreach, and college and university service. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; employment visa sponsorship or transfer is unavailable. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Applications must be submitted online with the specified materials by December 15, 2026, for full consideration; the position remains open until filled.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in physics or equivalent.
• Strong commitment to undergraduate education.
• Strong research credentials.
• Ability to engage undergraduates in research at all levels.
• Excellent pedagogical skills, including good command of spoken and written English.
• Currently legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in astrophysics.
• Prior teaching experience.
• Postdoctoral experience.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory service courses in physics and/or astronomy, laboratories, and upper-division physics and/or astrophysics courses.
• Establish and maintain an active physics research program with undergraduate student participation.
• Actively seek external grant support.
• Support departmental recruitment efforts, student advising, and outreach activities.
• Participate in college and university service.

Benefits

• Accumulation of one sick leave day per month.
• Thirteen University holidays.
• Medical insurance with shared cost between the employee and university.
• Life insurance with shared cost between the employee and university.
• Retirement benefits.
• Optional 401(k).
• Educational benefits.
• Deferred income and benefits over 12 months.

What This Job Offers

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