The Utah State University Department of Physics invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in experimental physics. Preference will be given to candidates who will strengthen existing experimental efforts in the department. Current experimental activities include atmospheric and space physics, physics of materials in extreme environments, and nanoscale structures in electronics and photonics. A competitive package is available to support the establishment of an active research laboratory. Expectations of the position include teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, mentoring student research, establishing and maintaining a funded research program, and regularly publishing scientific results. Serious consideration will be given to applicants who show promise of excellence in these areas and who clearly describe how their research will strengthen current departmental activities. The minimum qualification is a PhD in physics or a closely related field.

Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Review of applications will begin on January 8, 2024. Inquiries about the position may be addressed to Dr. Boyd Edwards, search co­­mmittee chair, at boyd.edwards@usu.edu.

The estimated start date for this position is August 1, 2024.

Responsibilities will include experimental physics research, pursuing internal and external research funding, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, teaching and service. Along with other duties as assigned by the Department Head.

Minimum Qualification:

• Successful candidates must have completed a PhD in physics or a related field as of the employment date.

Preferred Qualification:

• Preference will be given to applicants who show promise of excellence in research and teaching, and who clearly describe how their research will strengthen current departmental activities.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10” with the document type "Cover Letter"
3. Statement of Research Accomplishments and Plans to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10” with the document type "Research Statement"
4. Statement of Teaching and Mentoring Experience and Philosophy to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10” with the document type "Teaching Philosophy"
5. The names and email addresses of three professional references. (Please do not upload letters of recommendations under "Documents 1-10". Your references will be sent an email directly from USU asking them to provide a letter of recommendation on your behalf)

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

The Department of Physics has a diverse research portfolio in experimental, observational, computational, and theoretical physics that is supported by 19 faculty members, 6 research staff, 3 postdoctoral fellows, 5 support staff, 85 undergraduate majors, and 26 graduate students. This moderate size fosters an environment of collegiality, small class sizes, and meaningful research experiences for students. Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s only land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, inclusion, and outreach supported by 900 full-time faculty members, 25,000 undergraduate students, and 3100 graduate students. USU is a Carnegie R1 research institution and the recipient of the 2020 Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments by the Council on Undergraduate Research.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 7/2023

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023