Assistant Professor in Experimental Quantum Physical Chemistry

Position overview

Assistant Professor in Experimental Quantum Physical Chemistry

Salary range: $100,000 to $160,000

Percent time: 100% Time, Academic Year

Anticipated start:
July 1, 2027, or later

Open date:
September 16, 2026

Next review date:
Friday, Oct 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date:
Wednesday, Mar 31, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

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 Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor with a research focus in Experimental Quantum Physical Chemistry. This is part of a Quantum Cluster hire.

The Department seeks an experimentalist who develops and applies advanced spectroscopic approaches, including ultrafast and multidimensional methods, to understand and control quantum states, their dynamics, and their interactions in chemical systems, both static and driven. The search is broadly defined across molecular, supramolecular, nanoscale, and solid-state platforms. The successful candidate's independent research program, while anchored in chemistry, will ideally connect the synthesis of quantum material platforms, theory and computation, and quantitative characterization efforts on campus.

The successful candidate will establish a creative, externally funded research program, teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including in physical chemistry and related areas, recruit and mentor students and researchers, and contribute to departmental and university service. The Department particularly values a collaborative research program that leverages synergies within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, across the Physics, Materials, and Chemical Engineering Departments, and with relevant institutes and facilities.

The University of California, Santa Barbara invites pioneering researchers to join its growing quantum research community. Building on a rich history of scientific breakthroughs - highlighted by the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics - this initiative brings together faculty across disciplines to advance the full spectrum of quantum science, from synthetic materials and superconducting qubits to quantum topology. Candidates will join a supportive, interdisciplinary ecosystem backed by premier facilities, including the NSF Quantum Foundry, the Eddleman Quantum Institute, and the Nanofabrication Facility, alongside strong connections to industry and national quantum initiatives.

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Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD (or equivalent), except the dissertation, in Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field by the time of application.

The PhD (or equivalent) must be conferred by the anticipated appointment start date.

• Postdoctoral or equivalent advanced research experience.
• A demonstrated record of research excellence and the potential to establish an original, independent, externally funded, and high-impact research program in experimental quantum physical chemistry.
• Experience with advanced spectroscopic or related measurement methods for probing or controlling quantum states and dynamics.
• Research interests involving ultrafast or multidimensional spectroscopy, driven quantum systems, or emergent quantum phenomena in molecular, supramolecular, nanoscale, or solid-state chemical systems.
• A clear chemistry-centered research vision that complements UCSB's existing strengths and supports collaboration across the quantum cluster.
• A record of, or strong potential for, excellence in teaching and mentoring.

• Curriculum Vitae
  - Please submit a full CV
• Cover Letter - (~2 pages)
• Statement of Research
  - Discuss up to three of your most important contributions to science, your current research focus, your plans for the future, and the potential for sustained impact of your proposed research. This statement may also include information about possible areas of collaboration within the department or campus. (~3 pages)
• Statement of Teaching and Mentoring
  - Please provide a statement that…