Assistant Professor of Physics

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time tenure track faculty position in the College of Arts and Sciences in Physics. We are open to a broad variety of disciplines, with a preference toward experimentalists and others who show promise for an active research program involving undergraduate students. Initial appointment to this position will be for a term of four years, beginning in the fall semester of 2025, and will carry the rank of Assistant Professor.

The Physics and Astronomy department graduates approximately 15 majors per year, with concentrations in either physics, astrophysics, or materials physics. The department has an authorized tenure/tenure-track faculty size of 7.5 full-time-equivalent. Faculty research interests include infrared molecular spectroscopy, novel magnetic nanomaterials, atomic physics, extragalactic chemical evolution & star formation, simulations of galaxy formation and supermassive black holes, and numerical modeling of gravitational wave sources and spacetime structure. Approximately 80% of Oberlin’s Physics and Astronomy students do research during their time at Oberlin. This student research takes place during the semester, the summer, and Oberlin’s month-long Winter Term. We have a strong track record of maintaining external support, primarily through the RUI and MRI programs from the National Science Foundation.

The Department and the College actively support new faculty with mentoring and professional development opportunities, as well as research through startup support and internal grants for conference travel and student research stipends. Oberlin is situated on the outskirts of Cleveland, combining a cozy small-town atmosphere with the cultural amenities of a major city.

The incumbent will teach the standard teaching load (4.5 courses per year). Teaching assignments in our department generally span the undergraduate physics curriculum, involving introductory and advanced courses for majors, lab courses as appropriate, and general-audience and seminar courses associated with faculty interests.

The incumbent will also be expected to engage in sustained scholarly research and/or other creative work appropriate to the position and participate in the full range of faculty responsibilities, including academic advising, mentoring undergraduate research and service on committees.

Among the qualifications required for appointment is the PhD degree (in hand or expected by first semester of academic year 2025). Candidates must demonstrate interest and potential excellence in undergraduate teaching as well as the ability to perform high-quality physics research. Successful teaching experience at the college level is desirable.