Assistant Professor of Physics

Description

The Department of Physics and Astrophysics at the University of North Dakota seeks an assistant professor in physics with research interests in experimental physics with preferred focus on quantum optics, quantum materials, and/or quantum communication/data transfer/computing. This is a 9-month, tenure track position contingent on availability of funding. The Physics and Astrophysics Department is housed in the College of Arts & Sciences and currently offers a BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Physics and minors in Physics and Astrophysics.

The successful candidate will have an exceptional record of research accomplishments including published peer-reviewed papers. Furthermore, the successful candidate will demonstrate outstanding promise for establishing a sustainable research program that will attract external funds. Applicants should be strongly committed to teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota. It is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having high research activity. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, UND has grown into a prominent scientific research university and was recently ranked among the top 100 public and top 25 most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report and is widely regarded as among the top universities in the American Northern Plains region. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study with nearly 14,000 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law. The School of Medicine has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.

UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public school system, high quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top five Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

Position Benefits

Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), basic life insurance, employee assistance program, retirement plans with generous employer contributions.

Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.

Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks here!

Duties & Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will be expected to establish a nationally recognized research program with significant external funding in experimental physics with preferred focus on quantum optics, quantum materials, and/or quantum communication/data transfer/computing. Alignment of research interests with UND goals with respect to national security / space is expected.
• The successful applicant will receive a contract with an approximate effort distribution of 25% teaching; 70% research; 5% service for the first 2–3 years. Teaching responsibilities include graduate and/or undergraduate courses in physics with an anticipated load of two courses per academic year and supervision of graduate and undergraduate research.
• All faculty are expected to contribute service within the department, college, university, and community. UND and the College of Arts & Sciences value diverse perspectives and seek applicants who are committed to helping students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed. 

Required Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including evidence of the ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to work with and engage diverse students and colleagues within and outside the Department of Physics and Astrophysics.
• Ability to adapt to current methods of teaching, including online delivery.

Minimum Requirements

• Earned PhD in Physics or a closely related field by 8/15/2023
• Successful completion of criminal history records check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in experimental physics with preferred focus on quantum optics, quantum materials, and/or quantum communication/data transfer/computing
• Experience in a postdoctoral research position and/or equivalent experience
• A proven record of peer-reviewed publications
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level
• Experience in seeking and administering federal grants or potential to do so  
• Alignment with UND’s Grand Challenges: National Security & Space, Big Data, Energy and Sustainability, and/or Autonomous Systems
• Experience working collaboratively on multi-disciplinary research teams
• Experience with interdisciplinary collaborative teaching

Minimum Hiring Salary

Competitive salary and start-up package.

Contract Period/Start Date

Position is full-time, benefited and exempt. Dates of initial contract are August 16, 2023 to May 15, 2024. Summer teaching may be available but is neither guaranteed nor required.

To Apply

For full consideration, applications must be received by 15^th November, 2022 and include the following materials:

• Cover letter
• Professional vita or resumé
• Copies of all college transcripts, unofficial copies are acceptable. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts upon hire.
• A 2–3-page statement of the candidate’s research plans. The plans may include reference to completed work if appropriate but should be forward looking.
• A 1-page statement outlining teaching experience, teaching philosophy, and student outreach and mentoring activities
• Contact information for three references who can attest to candidate’s qualifications for this position.

Position is open until filled.

Questions can be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Prof. Nuri Oncel at  nuri.oncel@und.edu.