Assistant Professor of Physics

Two Tenure-Track Faculty Positions

Condensed Matter & Materials Physics

Department of Physics and Astronomy and Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies

Applications are invited for two full-time, academic-year tenure-track Assistant Professor positions at the University of Maine (UMaine) in the Department of Physics and Astronomy (physics.umaine.edu) within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (umaine.edu/las/), with a joint appointment in the Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies (FIRST, umaine.edu/first/). Applicants should have expertise in experimental and/or computational/theoretical condensed matter physics, materials science, and sensor technologies. While all research specialties will be considered, preferred research areas include physical/chemical sensors, micro/nano devices, quantum sensors/information, soft condensed matter, biosensors, and nanobiophysics. Candidates are expected to develop a collaborative research program that complements ongoing funded efforts in the research and development of semiconductors, sensors, quantum computing, and information technologies. The candidates will join an interdisciplinary team of researchers in FIRST, and will have opportunities to collaborate with the newly formed interdisciplinary materials science and engineering faculty doing research in diverse fields, from chemistry and materials science to mechanical and electrical engineering. There are opportunities to participate in other multidisciplinary research activities at UMaine, such as environmental science and engineering, biomedical engineering, composite materials, biophysics, condensed matter theory, artificial intelligence, and information technology. Application materials from candidates should show a clear potential for research, teaching, technical communication, and scholarly excellence. Candidates are expected to develop creative research that leads to extramural funding, scholarly publications, and training of undergraduate, MS, and PhD students. Candidates should commit to teaching excellence at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The position also requires active engagement in service to the profession, University, and the State.

The candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics or a related field by date of hire and have established a strong research record, including publications, consistent with the above description, and a record of successful teaching commensurate with their experience. Postdoctoral work, a record of successful performance in collaborative settings, familiarity with and/or openness to active engagement teaching strategies, and evidence of dedication towards mentoring women and/or other populations that are underrepresented in physics are preferred.

The Department of Physics & Astronomy offers Ph.D., M.S., B.S., and B.A. degrees in physics as well as an M.E. and an ABET-accredited B.S. degree in engineering physics. The Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies (FIRST) (https://umaine.edu/first/) conducts interdisciplinary research in advanced materials, thin films, and sensor-related science and engineering to provide solutions for societal advancement and economic wellbeing.

Interested candidates should submit a complete application package that includes a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and plans (not to exceed 3 pages) and a statement of teaching interests and educational philosophy (not to exceed 2 pages), pdf copies of three most significant publications, and names and contact information for three professional references to https://umaine.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobid=82652. Appropriate background checks are required. General correspondence regarding this position should be sent to the search committee chair, Dr. Sam Hess, at samuel.hess@maine.edu and/or by phone at (207) 581-1036. Review of candidates for the position will begin October 30th, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is September 3, 2024.