The Utah State University Department of Physics invites applications for a tenure-track assistant
professor position in experimental physics. Preference will be given to candidates who will strengthen
existing experimental efforts in the department. Current experimental activities include atmospheric
and space physics, physics of materials in extreme environments, and nanoscale structures in
electronics and photonics. A competitive package is available to support the establishment of an active
research laboratory. Expectations of the position include teaching at both the undergraduate and
graduate levels, mentoring student research, establishing and maintaining a funded research program,
and regularly publishing scientific results. Serious consideration will be given to applicants who show
promise of excellence in these areas and who clearly describe how their research will strengthen
current departmental activities. The minimum qualification is a PhD in physics or a closely related field.
The Department of Physics has a diverse research portfolio in experimental, observational,
computational, and theoretical physics that is supported by 19 faculty members, 6 research staff, 3
postdoctoral fellows, 5 support staff, 85 undergraduate majors, and 26 graduate students. This
moderate size fosters an environment of collegiality, small class sizes, and meaningful research
experiences for students.
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s only land-grant and space-grant university, with a
strong commitment to excellence, access, inclusion, and outreach supported by 900 full-time faculty
members, 25,000 undergraduate students, and 3100 graduate students. USU is a Carnegie R1 research
institution and the recipient of the 2020 Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments by the
Council on Undergraduate Research.
The position is based at USU’s main campus in Logan, Utah, about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City.
Logan is a peaceful college town of 54,000 inhabitants located in Cache Valley, a picturesque mountain
valley that is home to rich outdoor and cultural actoivities. The Logan metropolitan area claimed the top
spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation based on job
growth, wage growth, high-tech industry diversity, broadband access, and housing affordability.
U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and
health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including
five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts.
Applications may be submited here. Complete applications include (1) a cover leter, (2) a curriculum
vitae, (3) a statement of research accomplishments and plans, including a description of how these
plans will strengthen current departmental activities, (4) a statement on teaching and mentoring
experience and philosophy, (5) a statement of commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and outreach,
and contact information for at least three confidential leters of reference. Individuals from historically
underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities, and protected
veterans are encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin on January 8, 2024. Inquiries about
the position may be addressed to Dr. Boyd Edwards, search commitee chair, at
[email protected].