Employment Opportunities

Assistant Professor Positions in Physics (Open Search) and XFEL Science

Department of Physics

Arizona State University

The Department of Physics at Arizona State University (https://physics.asu.edu/) invites applications for two (2) full-time, tenure-track faculty appointments with an anticipated start date of August 2024. Hiring at the Assistant Professor rank is anticipated, but exceptional candidates may be considered for appointment as Associate Professor commensurate with experience.

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 areas 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.

One position is open to all fields and topical areas of experimental and theoretical physics – in synergy with existing strengths of the department and/or expanding its profile into new forefront directions. Current centers and initiatives include The Cosmology Initiative, the John M. Cowley Center for High Resolution Electron Microscopy, the Center for Biological Physics, and the ULTRA Materials Energy Frontier Research Center, among others (https://physics.asu.edu/research/initiatives-centers). To further grow as a vibrant and interactive physics department, we are particularly interested in applicants whose initiative and vision will bring about new frontiers of physics to the University.

For the second position, candidates working in forefront physics (experimental or theoretical) linked to or enabled by X‑ray free electron lasers (XFELs), including the two accelerator-based X-ray light sources under development at ASU, are particularly encouraged to apply. The Compact XFEL (CXFEL) Labs facility at ASU (https://biodesign.asu.edu/cxfel/) will generate femtosecond hard-X-ray pulses, and coherent soft X-rays in the few-fs to attosecond regime, coupled to tailored AMO, bio, and materials science endstations. Research directions may include (but are not limited to) attosecond and molecular physics, coherent X‑ray imaging, interfacial and/or nanoscale dynamics, non-equilibrium light-driven phenomena, macromolecular crystallography, and advanced accelerator or high-intensity laser physics.

The successful candidates 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.

Minimum qualifications:

•              A Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in physical science or related field by start of appointment.

•              Demonstrated potential to establish a creative, externally-funded research program, commensurate with career stage

•              Commitment to excellence in teaching, commensurate with career stage

•              Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students and communities to advance the values of the ASU Charter (https://newamericanuniversity.asu.edu/about/asu-charter-mission-and-goals)

Desired qualifications:

•              A program of research that will bring about new frontiers of physics to the University, in         science enabled by XFELs or any other topical area of physics

•              An active record of research accomplishments, commensurate with career stage

•              Potential for leadership in their subfield

•              Demonstrated excellence in teaching, commensurate with career stage

•              Skills and experiences meeting the goals of the ASU Charter

To apply, please submit the following materials to  http://apply.interfolio.com/133312  (open search) and/or   http://apply.interfolio.com/133332 (XFEL science search) : (1) a cover letter; (2) contact information for three references, including email addresses; (3) a comprehensive curriculum vitae; (4) a complete publication list; (5) an outline of future research plans (not to exceed three pages); (6) a statement of teaching philosophy and interests (not to exceed two pages). Candidates whose research fits both the open search and XFEL science categories can apply to both positions.

The application deadline is November 1, 2023. If not filled, applications to the positions will be evaluated every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed. Inquiries and nominations should be directed to: [email protected].

About Arizona State University

Arizona State University 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. During the past two decades, the scale and scope of its research activity has increased nearly six times over. With $677 million in research expenditures in the 2021 fiscal year, ASU ranked sixth among 750 institutions in the U.S. without a medical school, according to the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development rankings. 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. For the eighth year in a row, U.S. News & World Report named ASU the most innovative school in the U.S. ASU was also ranked in the Top 10 among U.S. universities granted patents for inventions in 2022, and more than 200 companies have been launched based on ASU innovations, attracting more than $1.2 billion in external funding (see https://skysonginnovations.com).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU’s full nondiscrimination statement (ACD 401) is located on the ASU website at https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX.

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

If you are interested in working as a hourly Teaching Assistant/Grader, please provide the following to Jaya Krishnamurthy at [email protected] . Failure to provide all information will delay employment. These positions do not include tuition benefits. 

• Resume
• Hours of availability
• List of physics courses taken 
• Disclose if you have a second job on campus. Be sure to include how many hours you're working.