Assistant Professor - Department of Physics

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Department of Physics at Colorado State University (CSU) invites applications for a Tenure-track Assistant Professor position. We welcome applicants working in theoretical and computational condensed matter Physics. The appointed individual is expected to actively participate in the teaching/mentoring/advising of undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, including classroom teaching. They are also expected to build and operate a forward-looking and internationally recognized research program. Participation in department and university service and administrative governance, engagement in scholarly/professional endeavors, and fulfilling general faculty responsibilities is expected. These activities are vital to the teaching, research, and service missions of Colorado State University. 

For full consideration, applications and materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. MST, December 3, 2026. This position will remain open until filled.

Work authorization visa sponsorship may be available based on the specific situation, including cost, for the selected final candidate.

Work Unit Description:

The Department of Physics is an academic department within the College of Natural Sciences. It has 21 faculty members with research programs primarily in the areas of atomic, molecular, and optical physics; high-energy and particle astrophysics, and condensed matter physics.

Essential Job Duties: 

• Teach and mentor students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including course and curriculum development.
• Conduct and publish research, pursue external funding, and contribute to scholarly advancement in the field.
• Provide service to the department, university, profession, and community in support of CSU’s mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment background check (required for all new hires).

Supervision:

• Graduate Research Assistants.
• Undergraduate Research Assistants.
• FTE will vary and will be commensurate with the scope of the research program.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• PhD or equivalent terminal degree in Physics of a related field.
• Evidence of research productivity and potential to establish a sustainable scholarly program in the research area of theoretical and computational theoretical physics (e.g., publications, presentations, grant activity).
• Evidence of ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong record demonstrating potential to contribute to teaching/mentoring/advising of undergraduate and graduate students. 
• A strong record of scholarly/professional preparation and record of past research accomplishments.
• A proposed research plan that is innovative, aligns with the interests of the Department and College, is of quality and has a high likelihood of success, can lead to an internationally recognized research program with external funding.  
• Potential to contribute to service for the university, the profession of physics, and the public.

Application Instructions:

Please read the following instructions carefully and submit all required application materials. 

To apply, please upload one single PDF containing all required application materials listed below, in the order provided. Your materials should clearly outline your work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications and demonstrate how your background aligns with the required and preferred qualifications outlined in the posting.

• Cover Letter that addresses specific interests in CSU and its Department of Physics;
• A complete curriculum vitae;
• A teaching statement, limited to 3 pages;
• A research statement, limited to 4 pages (references do not count towards the page limit).

Important: System limitations allow for a 5MB document upload. You will not be able to modify or add documents after submitting your application, so please carefully review your materials before submitting. Failure to submit the required materials as instructed may affect consideration of your application. 

If you advance to the semifinalist stage, you will receive an email with instructions to provide the contact information for three professional references. To help avoid delays in the search process, please complete this step as soon as possible.

Once you submit your references' contact information, each reference will receive an email with instructions for submitting a letter of recommendation. We will notify you with the deadline of when letters should be submitted at this stage in the hiring process.    

Please note: For semi-finalist candidates, submitted letters of recommendation, along with application materials, will be made available to the faculty of the Department of Physics for review. 

Please direct questions about the application process to Jacob Roberts at [email protected].

Salary Range

$91,000 - $95,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Statement of Teaching/Research Philosophy

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.