The University of Kansas (KU) seeks an Assistant Professor in theoretical condensed matter physics (modeling) in the Department of Physics and Astronomy to begin 8/18/2023. This position is a full-time, academic-year appointment.

The KU condensed matter physics group has research programs on nanomaterials, renewable energy, low-dimensional physics, superconductivity, organic semiconductors, ultrafast laser spectroscopy, and computational condensed matter physics. The group also plays a key role in promoting university-wide material research efforts. Qualifying candidates must have a doctorate degree in physics or a closely related. A strong record of research and commitment to excellence in teaching are required. Candidates with research interests in areas of theoretical condensed matter physics that are related to modeling and compatible with and complementary to the existing efforts in the department are particularly encouraged to apply. In particular, expertise in the development and utilization of analytical and numerical physics models to determine the structural, thermal, electronic, and optical properties, as well as the growth mechanisms, of nanostructured, energy, or quantum information materials is desired.

About the University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university, an R-1 institution and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Our university consistently earns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university (engaging in $275 million of externally funded research annually).

KU has 21 programs ranked in the U.S. News & World Report top 25 among public universities, including #1 rankings for graduate programs in public administration and special education. KU has 65 ranked graduate programs and is ranked 24th in best value among public institutions in 2022. KU offers 5,000 courses, 400 degree and certificate programs, and more than 200 fields of study. The University values global engagement with more than 150 programs of international study and cooperative research and offers more than 130 study abroad programs.  Student enrollment for the Lawrence-Edwards was 23,958 representing all 50 states and 112 countries.

At KU we make it our mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world.  We aspire to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society.  KU’s strategic plan Jayhawks Rising is focused on objectives to accomplish this vision through three mission-based priorities of student success, healthy and vibrant communities, research, and discovery.

KU’s research residential campus is in the center of a vibrant and culturally-rich community — a quintessential college town. Visitors, students and new employees from outside the area enjoy discovering the many wonders of Lawrence, including a thriving downtown, diverse local and regional events, area lakes, vibrant arts and music scenes, and an indelible history.  Home to nearly 95,000 people, Lawrence is located 45 minutes west of Kansas City and 30 minutes east of Topeka, the state capital. Along with the music, arts, culture and sports experiences offered at KU and in Lawrence, the short drive to Kansas City provides quick access to historic jazz clubs, museums, world-class music and theatre venues, and professional sports teams.

At the University of Kansas, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are an important part of our culture and university strategic plan. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are encouraged, noting the value that differences bring to our organization, students, staff, faculty, and community. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

About the College

The College emphasizes interdisciplinary, experiential learning and global awareness, houses a vibrant university wide Honors Program that highlights undergraduate research and service activities, and has created strong affiliations with outstanding cross-disciplinary research centers. Faculty and academic staff have emphasized the importance of continuing and expanding on relationships with centers and entities including the Biodiversity Institute, Kansas Biological Survey, Kansas Geological Survey, the Hall Center for the Humanities, the Life Span Institute, the Institute for Policy and Social Research, the Spencer Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum. These relationships have brought a broad range of disciplines together to pursue and conduct sponsored research and education at the international, national, state, regional and local levels, and have created employment structures in which faculty and academic staff share appointments to emphasize collaboration. College faculty and research staff are welcomed as members in all KU’s designated research centers and institutes. The College is home to internationally recognized scholars and scientists who brought in $44M in research funding in FY 2021, nearly 30% of the total funded research at KU Lawrence.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop and conduct a vigorous research program in condensed matter physics.

2. Teach two courses in physics per academic year at the graduate or undergraduate levels.

3. Participate in service work for the Department, College, and University.

4. Supervise undergraduate, M.S., and Ph.D. students.

5. Participate in national professional conferences and meetings, publish research results in major journals of the discipline, and conduct other activities appropriate to the discipline.

For complete announcement and to apply online, go to https://employment.ku.edu/academic/23364BR.

A complete online application includes the following materials: (1) Cover letter; (2) Curriculum vitae; (3) research agenda (max. 5 pages); (4) teaching philosophy statement (max. 2 pages); and (5) the names, email and contact information for three professional references. Reference letters will only be requested for short-listed candidates.

In addition to the materials above, learning about each applicant’s contribution and engagement in areas of diversity is important part of KU’s mission. As a result, applicants will be presented the following question at the time of application: Describe your experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds and explain how those experiences reflect your value of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Applicants are also encouraged to include or expand upon how they have contributed to building a culture of belonging through DEI initiatives within the required application materials provided.

First Review of applications will begin October 31, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. Position inquiries can be directed to Dr. Hartwin Peelaers ([email protected]).

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses)