Assistant Professor, Physics

The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Physics seeks applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position, starting in August 2025. Duties include teaching a variety of undergraduate physics and materials science/engineering courses; contributing to a new materials science and engineering program; conducting research capable of attracting extramural funding and involving undergraduates; and participating in service activities.
 
The Department of Physics comprises of six faculty members and offers a BS degree in physics and BA degrees in physics and physics teaching. In addition, a dual BS physics/engineering degree program is offered, and the department contributes to a new materials science & engineering program. The Department of Physics also participates in a MA science education program and an online physics endorsement program for teachers. The department prides itself on the quality of its instruction and the early involvement of undergraduates in research. Outreach to high school students is also emphasized. Current research includes condensed-matter physics (experimental and computational), computational biophysics, and science education. Research collaboration is extensive among faculty both within and outside the department. Computing resources include a computer cluster (8 CPUs, 4 GPUs, 32 cores per unit) connected with high-speed networking for parallel computing applications. Major experimental research equipment includes atomic force microscope, scanning electron microscope, scanning tunneling microscope, focused ion-beam microscope, Physical Property Measurement System, and tube furnaces. Additional information can be found at www.physics.uni.edu.
 
The University of Northern Iowa provides a high-quality educational experience, purposefully guiding students to find and develop their strengths and prepare them for success after college. Building on its historic excellence in teacher education, the University has developed outstanding programs in business, natural and health sciences, engineering technology, humanities and fine arts, and social and behavioral sciences with advanced degrees available in select programs. UNI enjoys national recognition for its high educational standards. U.S. News and World Report has ranked UNI second among Midwest public universities for many years. The university’s size – over 9,200 students – allows it to offer faculty, facilities and academic choices of a large university, while retaining a friendly, small-college atmosphere. For more information about UNI and the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area in which it is located, visit www.uni.edu and livethevalley.com.
 
Required Qualifications: Earned PhD in physics with expertise in experimental condensed-matter or materials physics; the potential to establish a productive research program that can involve undergraduate students; and qualifications to teach physics and materials science/engineering courses through the advanced undergraduate level required.
 
Preferred Qualifications: Postdoctoral research experience; teaching experience at the undergraduate level; research experience in quantum matter or soft matter; and ability to strengthen departmental recruitment, retention and outreach efforts preferred.
 
For more information, please contact Ali Tabei, Search Committee Chair, at 319-273-2475 or by e-mail at seyed.tabei@uni.edu. Applications received by 11/30/2024 will receive full consideration. Pre-employment background checks required. Curriculum Vita; research plan; statement of teaching philosophy; and cover letter required when applying.
 
UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.