Assistant Professor

The Department of Physics at the University of Florida invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-accruing position at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning August 16, 2024. The targeted research area is precision interferometry and optical instrument science, generally, with a focus on gravitational wave detector instrumentation.

The Florida gravitational wave group is actively involved in the LIGO, LISA and Cosmic Explorer collaborations, carrying out research across the spectrum from theory and data analysis, through technology development, instrument modeling and design, to direct hardware contributions to detectors. The experimental group currently leads projects in Cosmic Explorer optical design, the ongoing A+ upgrade to LIGO, and performance testing of the LISA Telescope, as well as a wide range of simulation studies, all of which include postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students. We seek candidates with experience in experimental optics and an interest in gravitational wave research, with the ability to collaborate in small and large groups. The new faculty member is expected to develop innovative projects, enhance our group’s efforts, and attract external research funding. Applications are encouraged from scientists with interests in Cosmic Explorer, the Einstein Telescope, LISA, LIGO, Virgo, KAGRA, and similar precision optical experiments.

The successful candidate will be able to teach effectively at the graduate and undergraduate levels, as well as provide service to the department, the university, and the profession. Applicants should demonstrate a clear potential for supervising graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, while contributing to and diversifying the educational mission of the department. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

The 50 faculty in the Department of Physics lead innovative research in many fields of physics. The UF Physics department maintains well-equipped and well-staffed machine and electronics shops, to which the successful applicant will have access. The department enjoys a multitude of synergies internally and with many other university units and global initiatives. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. To learn more, please visit the department website, https://www.phys.ufl.edu .   

UF is Florida’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive university, with an enrollment of over 50,000 students. UF is located in Gainesville, a city and metropolitan area of 350,000 residents located in North-Central Florida. UF was ranked the Number 1 public university in the United States by the Wall Street Journal in its “2024 Best Colleges in the U.S.” report. Gainesville is 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, 67 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and within a 2-hour drive of large metropolitan areas (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville). The beautiful climate and extensive nearby parks and recreational areas afford year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and nature photography. UF’s large college sports programs, museums, and performing arts center support a range of activities and cultural events for residents to enjoy. Alachua County schools are highly rated and offer a variety of programs including magnet schools and an international baccalaureate program. Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at Visit Gainesville .

The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.

Employment Benefits include:

Health Insurance: UF participates in state- and university-sponsored benefits programs for individuals, families, and domestic partners, and offers voluntary insurance that includes vision, dental, long-term disability and more.

Retirement Options: Attractive options include Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, State University System Optional Retirement Program, Florida Retirement System Investment Plan, and Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan.

Leave: UF staff enjoy a generous paid leave plan as well as access to a sick-leave pool, parental leave, and leave payouts.

Post-Doctoral experience.

For full consideration, applications must be submitted online. Click on Apply Now at the top of this posting.

A complete application includes (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae with publication list, (3) a research statement, (4) a statement of teaching philosophy, (5) a statement describing the broader impacts of past and planned professional activities, and (6) contact information for at least three confidential reference providers. Reference providers will be provided an upload link once an application is submitted, so early completion of an application is highly recommended. To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by November 28, 2023, and the position will remain open until filled. Only complete applications will be reviewed at this time. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and/or hiring authority. For more information, please contact Paul Fulda (paulfulda@ufl.edu).

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/ .

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law. If an accommodation due to disability is needed in order to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

The Department of Physics is committed to promoting an environment that welcomes all abilities, classes, ethnicities/races, gender identities and expressions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service.