Assistant Professor in Quantum​/AMO Physics, Department of Physics

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Professor

Salary range: A reasonable range for this position is $100,000 - $160,000.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: July 1, 2027 or later

Position duration: Tenure track

Open date: September 16, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 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 at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor. The Department is seeking individuals working in quantum science, with an emphasis in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics.

The University of California, Santa Barbara invites pioneering researchers to join its growing quantum research community as part of the Quantum Hiring Initiative. 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.

To learn more about our existing faculty and research strengths, visit UCSB Quantum:
Driving the Future of Quantum Science. For details and to apply for these individual recruitments, please visit:
Quantum Faculty Positions in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics | UCSB. Information about the Department and its research activities may be found at Home | Department of Physics | UC Santa Barbara.

Experimentalists in the Department benefit from close connections with programs across campus, including at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics and the California Nano Systems Institute.

Responsibilities of faculty members generally include the development of an actively funded research program of high quality, teaching at undergraduate and/or graduate levels, mentorship of undergraduate students, recruitment, supervision, and mentorship of graduate students, and participation in university service and professional activities that meet expectations for faculty rank and step. UCSB has a strong tradition of collaborative research, and successful candidates will be able to leverage synergies across the campus as appropriate.

Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD (or equivalent) in Physics or a related field, except the dissertation, at the time of application.

PhD in Physics or a related field is required by appointment start date.

• Research in quantum science with emphasis in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics.
• A demonstrated record of excellence in research, as evidenced by high-quality publications and impact on the field.
• Record of, or potential for, outstanding teaching.

• Curriculum Vitae
  - Please submit a complete CV including full publication, awards, and mentorship records.
• Cover Letter
  - To facilitate efficient review of applications, on a single page with reasonable formatting, please concisely introduce us to your research and highlight your unique qualifications.
• 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. Please try to keep this statement to at most 4 pages.
• Statement of Teaching
  - The search committee will use this document to evaluate your potential as an instructor. Please provide a statement that includes teaching and mentorship experiences to date, a brief summary of your teaching philosophy, and one or more topics that you would be interested in teaching (~2 pages).

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