Assistant Professor of Physics

Tenure-Track Position in Space Physics or Physics

The Physics Department and the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks invite applications to fill a joint tenure-track position in space physics or physics aligned with the mission of the Geophysical Institute and the Physics Department. The successful applicant will become a faculty member in the Physics Department of the College of Natural Science and Mathematics and will join the Geophysical Institute.

Candidates should hold a PhD in Physics, Space Physics, Geophysics, or related areas. Expectations for this position include conducting research in space physics, aeronomy or other areas of geophysics, teaching courses in physics, mentoring and advising graduate students in the Physics Department, and supporting the University's wider mission through service and outreach. Approximately 40% teaching/mentoring, 50% research and 10% service will make up the duty expectations of this position.

The Physics Department offers a full range of physics courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels and the successful applicant is expected to teach across the physics curriculum. Current research activities should support any of a variety of research activities of the Geophysical Institute. The successful applicant will be committed to pursuing external funding to continue or establish their research program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The Geophysical Institute has an instrumentation laboratory, a machine shop, and an electronic shop. In addition, UAF is the home of the Geophysical Institute's Research Computing Systems, which can provide resources for large-scale computing needs. Opportunities exist for collaboration with other departments within the College of Natural Science and Mathematics, other groups within the Geophysical Institute, and other units from the wider University.

Ideally, we would like for the successful candidate to be able to start at the beginning of the 2027 Spring semester.

To thrive in this role, candidates must have experience working with a diverse student population, supporting student retention, and assisting students in achieving academic and professional success. They must also have an advanced understanding of the fundamentals and principles of physics or geophysics, excellent oral and written communication, engagement and collaborative skills, outstanding pedagogical skills, ability to design and teach courses in distance online and in-person modalities, and the ability to integrate physics with social sciences, arts and/or humanities.

The ability to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into your teaching is highly desirable. Individuals who are self-motivated, student-centered, and believe in excellence through teaching, research, collaboration, adaptability, and creativity will flourish within UAF's CNSM Department of Physics.

Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in Physics or closely related field. Post Doctoral experience is preferred but not required.

Required documentation:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching philosophy, experience and interests statement (1-2 pages)
• Research Statement including experience, research agenda and how your research will be relevant to Alaska (1-2 pages)

Position Details:

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha’ campus in Fairbanks, AK. This is a full-time, 9-month base appointment with externally funded summer options, FLSA exempt faculty position complete with a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, paid holidays, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.

New hires will be offered a competitive salary based on education and experience.

Application review will begin on July 20, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration; however, the recruitment will remain open until filled.

The University of Alaska (UA) reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at the UA facilities. Hybrid and remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the…