Description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy (https://physics.wvu.edu/) at West Virginia University invites applications for an Assistant Professor in condensed matter theory/computation to start in August 2022. This is a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position with full benefits.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy consists of 25 tenured/tenure-track faculty, one teaching associate professor, one teaching full professor, 16 research faculty and postdoctoral researchers, 90 Ph.D. graduate students, and 70 undergraduate physics majors. The department’s strengths are in astronomy, condensed matter physics, physics education research, and plasma and space physics. The condensed matter group has interests in fundamental approaches to electronic, magnetic, mechanical, optical, quantum and topological properties of bulk and low-dimensional materials. Research in these areas spans from atomic-level growth, materials characterization and modeling of physical mechanisms to applications in catalysis, electronics, multiferroics, neuroscience, photonics, quantum optics, renewable energy and superconductivity.

WVU is an R1 research land grant university located within 90 minutes of Pittsburgh and 3.5 hours from the Washington/Baltimore area. Morgantown has been recognized as one of the most livable small cities in the U.S. There are extensive recreational opportunities, excellent public schools, and a supportive University environment in which to develop a visible and productive career. The WVU Dual Career Program is available to assist candidates with suitable employment opportunities for spouses or partners.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will complement the Department’s strengths in condensed matter physics with an emphasis on theory/computation research and be able to collaborate with data science groups beyond the department, possibly in areas such as classical and/or quantum artificial intelligence. The applicant must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in physics or a closely related field by July 31, 2022; an outstanding publication record; and a strong commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and service. The applicant is expected to establish an externally funded, nationally competitive research program. The normal teaching load is two courses per semester or course equivalents. Teaching responsibilities will include one lecture course per semester in core areas of the physics curriculum (1-1 teaching load) and one course per semester equivalent associated with advising undergraduate and graduate students in research. The candidate will also be expected to serve the community, university, and profession. Those with postdoctoral experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must upload a CV, teaching statement (maximum two pages), research statement (maximum four pages) as a single pdf. Three or more letters of recommendation should also be submitted through WVU Careers. Review of applications will begin January 31st, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. For more information, please contact the chair of the search committee at [email protected].

WVU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The university values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.