Assistant Professor of Physics

at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, United States

Job Description

The Department of Physics at Illinois State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level, with a research focus in Computational or Theoretical Physics. Exceptional candidates in all areas of physics will be considered, with preference given to those working at the interface of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Information/Quantum Materials or Astrophysics/Astronomy. We seek candidates who will establish a vigorous, externally funded research program that actively involves undergraduate and graduate students. The physics department at ISU has 11 tenure track faculty, and 5 non-tenure track faculty, hosts a vibrant Physics BS program, nationally recognized Teacher Education BS program and an MS program. The department has an on-site scanning electron microscopy facility, planetarium, and a machine shop, with access to the university managed high performance computational cluster. The position will support instruction of physics courses for the newly established College of Engineering.

We seek candidates who are highly qualified and motivated to teach undergraduate and graduate physics courses as well as other courses to support the Department. A successful candidate will also be expected to pursue cross-functional, integrative curriculum development and incorporate a pedagogical approach to involve students in learning through high levels of engagement.

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

The Department of Physics (PHY) has built a strong reputation for scholarly work in the field of computational, biophysics, nano-materials, photonics, astrophysics, particle, plasma physics and applied molecular spectroscopy.  For more information about our program visit: Department of Physics | Illinois State

Illinois State University: IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.

Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.