Assistant Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy at University of California, Davis

Salary range: The expected salary range is $124,300 to $148,900 based on experience. Off-scale salaries and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Open date: October 2, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Nov 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Sunday, Nov 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in hard condensed matter experimental physics. We seek candidates with an outstanding research record and the potential to establish a highly visible, externally funded program. Candidates from all areas of experimental condensed matter physics are encouraged to apply. Areas of interest include quantum materials and emergent phenomena;

strongly correlated and topological systems; superconductivity and magnetism; low-dimensional, nanoscale, and mesoscopic systems; nonequilibrium and ultrafast phenomena; quantum transport and devices; and novel experimental techniques, instrumentation, or materials platforms. We especially welcome research that complements or expands existing strengths and fosters collaboration across UC Davis.

The successful candidate will develop an independent, internationally recognized research program; teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels; mentor students; contribute to the condensed matter community; and participate in departmental, university, and professional service. Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in physics or a closely related field by the time of application.

UC Davis offers a collaborative environment with strengths in quantum materials, materials synthesis, spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, low-temperature physics, optical and transport measurements, nanostructures, and quantum phenomena, together with a strong condensed matter theory community and interdisciplinary connections across Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and other departments.

Faculty have access to extensive shared infrastructure, including the Center for Nano-Micro Manufacturing (CNM2), the Advanced Materials Characterization and Testing Laboratory (AMCaT), and a departmental helium recovery and liquefaction facility, as well as major national user facilities including the Advanced Light Source and Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and SSRL and LCLS at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The successful candidate will join a mature experimental and theoretical condensed matter community while helping shape its next phase through new scientific directions, techniques, and capabilities.

Inquiries may be addressed to CME Search Committee Chair, Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA, or by e‑mail to phy-cmesearch. For further information about the department, please visit the physics homepage.

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Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Candidates must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent in physics or related area. A successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the potential to develop a world-class research program, achieve excellence in teaching students at all levels, and possess a strong…