Assistant Professor - Soft Matter/Statistical Physics Theory

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Description

The Department of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a tenure-track, academic year, faculty position in theoretical or computational physics in the area of soft matter, statistical physics, or biomaterials. The department has a vibrant, collaborative group of faculty working in these areas, both theory and experiment. We seek candidates with an ambitious research plan who will complement existing strength in soft and bioinspired matter, statistical physics, and quantum matter, foster new collaborations, and take advantage of the broad research activity of our campus in soft materials. Further information about the Department's research can be found at http://www.physics.umass.edu/.

Requirements

Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent in Physics or a related field, with relevant post-doctoral experience.

Additional Information

Expected start date of this position is September 1, 2025.

We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. We will also consider highly qualified candidates at higher ranks.

Application Instructions

Along with the application, please submit a (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) statement of research plans, (4) statement of teaching interests, (5) contact information for three (3) or more references, and (6) a Statement of Contribution to Inclusive Excellence (see below).

Evaluation of applicants will begin on November 15, 2024 and may continue until a suitable candidate pool has been identified. All questions pertaining to this position can be directed to Benny Davidovitch (bdavidov@umass.edu), Chair of the search committee.

At UMass Amherst and in the College of Natural Sciences, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan. For this reason, we request that all applicants submit a Contributions to Inclusive Excellence Statement that addresses how you see yourself contributing to our community and campus climate and/or our shared goals of building a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse community.

The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University's goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual's record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.