The Department of Physics at Arizona State University invites applications for one full-time faculty member at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor in Experimental Quantum Science with an anticipated start date of Fall 2027. Hiring at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor rank is anticipated, commensurate with experience. This position is located on the ASU Main Campus in Tempe, Arizona and requires physical presence at the location. Working from another location requires additional approvals, which are not guaranteed.
As part of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Physics department takes pride in having dedicated staff and internationally distinguished faculty focused on educating our students through research-based teaching and cutting-edge experimental and theoretical research. Current research strengths include biological and soft-matter physics; nanoscience, quantum materials and materials physics; cosmology, particle, gravitational and astrophysics; high-resolution electron microscopy; ultrafast and X-ray science; and physics education, with a vibrant community of scholars, teachers, and professionals. Moreover, our unit has evolved over the years in response to the needs of students, pioneering new degrees and online programs, and engaging in cross-cutting interdisciplinary research. The Department is launching a new online Master’s in Physics and, together with the School of Molecular Sciences, a Master’s in Quantum Science and Technology both for Fall 2027.
The Department of Physics seeks an experimental physicist in quantum science, in particular someone advancing quantum sensing and approaches that bridge classical and quantum systems. Research topics of interest include, but are not limited to, superconducting, spin, photonic, phononic, mechanical, atomic, molecular, and quantum-material platforms; quantum transduction and networking; quantum-limited measurement; and applications in fundamental physics, materials, or biological systems. Candidates whose research connects multiple quantum platforms are especially encouraged to apply.
We are especially interested in candidates who can build strong collaborations with existing research groups and bring the department’s strengths together around quantum science. Quantum sensing, quantum materials, and precision measurement naturally bridge our research themes: from next-generation precision detectors for cosmology and fundamental physics, to quantum sensors that probe biological and soft-matter systems, to the physics of quantum and nanoscale materials. The successful candidate will be expected to engage with established efforts such as the Center for Biological Physics, The Cosmology Initiative, and the department’s nanoscience and materials physics groups, as well as with colleagues in the School of Molecular Sciences, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and the Biodesign Institute. The new faculty member will also have access to an exceptional concentration of research infrastructure at ASU, including the Compact X-ray Free Electron Laser (CXFEL) Labs, with femtosecond hard-X-ray and future coherent soft-X-ray capabilities; the John M. Cowley Center for High Resolution Electron Microscopy; the Eyring Materials Center and the ASU NanoFab within ASU’s Core Research Facilities; and MacroTechnology Works (MTW), ASU’s large-scale semiconductor research and prototyping facility, set within Arizona’s rapidly growing semiconductor ecosystem. Applicants are encouraged to describe in their research plans how their program would leverage these facilities and connect with existing groups and centers at ASU.
The successful candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program, engage students through research and effective teaching, participate in service to the university and the profession, build productive relationships with faculty across the ASU campus, and demonstrate strong commitment to the goals of the ASU Charter.
About The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Arizona State University, committed to improving communities on a local, national and global scale. We support the professional development and growth of our faculty and staff in their cutting-edge research to advance these aims. Within The College, our faculty engage with a large curious student body, guiding them as they grow into socially aware, critical thinkers and writers able to succeed in a wide range of careers and to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Advancing the success of our students remains our top priority. To learn more about The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please visit https://thecollege.asu.edu.
About Arizona State University:
ASU exemplifies a new prototype for the American public research university. As articulated in the ASU Charter, ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves. ASU has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution committed to excellence, access and impact – the New American University (https://www.asu.edu/about).
ASU is one of the fastest-growing research enterprises in the United States. The university now exceeds $1 billion in annual research expenditures, placing it among the top 4% of research institutions nationwide according to the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development survey. It is a member of the Association of American Universities, which comprises the nation’s leading research universities.
Moreover, the university has become an innovation powerhouse of leading researchers and transdisciplinary schools making an impact on local and global communities. U.S. News & World Report has named ASU the most innovative school in the U.S. for more than a decade, and hundreds of companies have been launched based on ASU innovations (see https://skysonginnovations.com).
Qualifications
Essential Functions:
o Establish and maintain an independent, externally funded research program.
o Conduct and publish high-quality research in the faculty member’s area of physics.
o Teach undergraduate and graduate physics courses.
o Advise, supervise, and mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, and research trainees.
o Pursue external research funding and manage awarded research projects.
o Collaborate with departmental, university, and external research partners as appropriate.
o Participate in department, college, university, and professional service.
o Contribute to an inclusive, supportive academic environment.
Required Qualifications:
o A Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in physical science or related field by the start of appointment.
o Demonstrated potential to establish a creative, externally funded research program, commensurate with career stage.
o A commitment to excellence in teaching, commensurate with career stage.
Desired Qualifications:
o A program of research in experimental quantum science that will enhance the University’s and the State of Arizona’s quantum initiatives.
o An active record of research accomplishments, commensurate with career stage.
o A research vision that complements existing research groups in the department and makes effective use of ASU’s shared research facilities.
o Potential for leadership in the quantum sciences.
o Demonstrated excellence in teaching, appropriate to career stage, and experience in developing curricula and educational and outreach programs in the quantum sciences.
o Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.
Application Instructions
Apply via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/195358
The application deadline is November 27, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following application materials:
1. A cover letter;
2. A comprehensive curriculum vitae;
3. A complete publication list;
4. An outline of future research plans, including anticipated collaborations and use of ASU facilities (not to exceed three pages);
5. A statement of teaching philosophy and interests, including experience in curriculum development and education and outreach in the quantum sciences (not to exceed two pages).
6. Contact information for three references, including email addresses.
Inquiries and nominations should be directed to: PhysicsFacultySearch@exchange.asu.edu.
ASU is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge. For application link see above.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
A background check is required for employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
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