Appointment Type:
Faculty

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University (ISU) is seeking candidates for a tenure-track faculty position in theoretical condensed matter physics at the Assistant Professor level.  We are seeking candidates able to carry out a successful original research program in areas pertinent to quantum materials, broadly defined, with expertise in analytical and/or numerical approaches to many-body physics.  We are especially interested in candidates whose research expertise complements the strong existing efforts in correlated and critical materials both in the Department and at the Ames National Laboratory, and whose research expertise could potentially be applied to problems in critical materials, clean energy, and emerging technologies.  These include problems in magnetism, superconductivity, topological materials and materials for quantum information, but candidates in all subfields are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities include conducting research, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, mentoring students, and providing service to the department, university, and profession.  This position is part of a strategic initiative to build ISU’s research strength and degree programs in key areas, including critical materials. 

Required Minimum Qualifications: 

PhD in condensed matter physics, or a related discipline. The degree must be conferred by the date of appointment.

Potential to carry out a successful original research program in condensed matter theory

Preferred Qualifications: 

Demonstrated record of high-quality publications, and achievement in original scientific research

Potential for excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate physics

Potential for collaboration with existing experimental and theoretical groups in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Ames National Laboratory

Demonstrated ability in research on the physics related to critical materials, clean energy, and emerging technologies, including problems in magnetism, superconductivity, topological materials and materials for quantum information, or expertise with research techniques applicable to these topics

Relevant postdoctoral experience

Potential for obtaining external research funding

Potential to carry out a successful original research program in condensed matter theory

Department/Program & College Description:  The Department of Physics and Astronomy has active world-class research programs in Astronomy/Astrophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, High-energy Physics and Nuclear Physics.  The department has multiple joint faculty with the Ames National Laboratory , a government-owned, contractor-operated national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) operated by, and located on the campus of, Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.  The Ames National Laboratory operates the Critical Materials Institute (CMI), a DOE Energy Innovation Hub working on materials critical to the success of clean energy.  Professors also participate in the Center for the Advancement of Topological Semimetals (CATS) Energy Frontier Research Center and the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center.  This position would extend a broader departmental theory cluster, whose current junior faculty members have received NSF CAREER and DOE Early Career awards.  Further information about the physical sciences at ISU and Ames National Laboratory may be found at http://www.physastro.iastate.edu and https://www.ameslab.gov/dmse .

Department Unit/Website:  https://www.physastro.iastate.edu/

Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2024

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
09 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae

2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

3) Summary of prior research and future research plans

4) Statement on teaching philosophy and specific teaching interests

5) Contact Information for Three References

Once your application is submitted, recommendation letters will be requested from your references.  Review of your application will not begin until at least two letters are received.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans;
• Generous leave plans;
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa);
• Life insurance and long-term disability;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Wellbeing program.

Original Posting Date:
October 4, 2023

Posting Close Date:
November 30, 2023

Job Requisition Number:
R13093