Physics Faculty Position

Open-Rank Faculty Position in Physics (Assistant, Associate or Full Professor)

The Department of Physics at the Florida Polytechnic University is seeking applicants for the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor.

The appointment will begin on August 15, 2026.

The Department of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University offers Bachelors of Science degrees in Engineering Physics and Physics, supporting these degrees with common coursework for traditional physics majors and a design sequence for sophomores and juniors. The Department also plays an important service role in offering introductory physics courses.

This hire position is part of a strategic expansion of the university, with a special emphasis on quality Physics 1 & 2 instruction, improving core degree offerings, and extending the department’s research presence.

Successful candidates should possess:

• a broad teaching capacity that supports undergraduates at the university,
• a commitment to teaching at all levels in the curriculum,
• the ability to mentor physics and engineering physics majors, and
• theoretical or experimental expertise that complements our current faculty who specialize in astrophysics, computational physics, condensed matter, nuclear physics, and optics.

Assistant Professor: Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field earned before the start date.

Associate Professor: Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field earned before the start date; currently hold rank of Associate Professor or eligible to apply for Associate Professor at current institution.

Full Professor: Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field earned before the start date; 6 years of experience at the rank of Associate Professor or equivalent.

• Evidence of effective teaching.
• Relevant research or industry experience.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent and interdisciplinary funded applied research.
• Active participation in professional activities and organizations.
• Experience with students’ academic advising and mentoring.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with a broad campus community.

Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Positions are open until filled (or recruitment canceled); review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled.
• Employment is contingent upon proof of the legal right to work in the United States, which must be provided prior to employment. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.

All Applicants are required to submit the following in PDF format to the Florida Polytechnic Careers Website:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Research Interests
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• List of at least 3 professional references (names and contact information)
• Unofficial copy of the Ph.D./M.Sc. transcript

Florida Polytechnic University opened for classes in 2014‑15 and is the twelfth university in the Florida State University System. The University was created as an exclusively STEM‑focused public university that offers high‑value undergraduate and graduate degrees and has intentional industry connections focused on economic development of the high‑tech I‑4 corridor. Dedicated to preparing students for the competitive STEM workforce, Florida Polytechnic University blends traditional subject‑matter mastery with problem solving and laboratory experiences to provide students with learning opportunities applicable to both the workplace and a lifelong learning career.

Florida Polytechnic University delivers its courses in small class sizes, emphasizes a positive student‑to‑faculty experience, and is dedicated to both its teaching and research mission.

Lakeland, home to Florida Polytechnic University’s ultra‑modern campus, is located along the I‑4 High Tech Corridor halfway between Tampa and Orlando. The central Florida community combines small‑town comfort with big‑city culture and is home to 11,000 high‑tech businesses;
Polk County alone has more than 600,000 residents, four universities and one state college. Lakeland is just a 45‑minute drive from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, professional sports teams, and thriving performing arts centers. With no income tax in Florida and a high standard of living, Lakeland and Central Florida continue to rise among the best places to live and work.

This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute §435.04.