Assistant Professor, Physics

Position Overview

The School of Natural Sciences at Black Hills State University invites applications for a tenure‑track Assistant Professor position in Physics, beginning August 2026. This position is part of the recently awarded NSF EPSCoR Ge‑STAR Project (Germanium Science and Technology for Advanced Research –
(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..org ) and offers an outstanding opportunity to join a nationally recognized research program in germanium‑based science and technology.

• Applications of AI/ML in experimental physics, data analysis, or instrumentation.
• Radiation detection and instrumentation, including development and characterization of Ge‑based detectors.
• Low‑background measurements for rare‑event searches or environmental applications.

Black Hills State University is a primarily undergraduate university located in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. The School of Natural Sciences at Black Hills State University is a vibrant, growing division with approximately 23 faculty members in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. Faculty emphasize undergraduate teaching, mentoring, research, and service. Research projects are funded through a variety of state and federal agencies, and partnership grants.

As the closest institution to the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), BHSU is uniquely positioned with easy access to the exciting underground science occurring on its 4850L. Currently, BHSU is a member of the world‑leading direct dark matter detection LUX‑ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment and also runs the low‑background counting facility at SURF, the BHSU Underground Campus (BHUC).

• Teach undergraduate courses, build a strong externally funded research program, and mentor and advise undergraduate students in research.
• Participate in the full range of faculty responsibilities, including academic advising, service on committees, sustained scholarly research, and outreach activities.
• Teaching modalities may include face‑to‑face, online and at our extension campus in Rapid City.
• Individuals with expertise in particle/astroparticle research are especially encouraged to apply.

• PhD in Physics or closely related field.
• Strong collegial and collaborative skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

• Post‑doctoral research and/or teaching experience.
• Expertise in AI/ML applications for scientific and/or engineering challenges.

• This position is partially grant funded. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding.
• Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applications must be made online at .edu
.

To apply , complete the online application and attach a letter of application, vita, copies of transcripts, evidence of teaching effectiveness (including class evaluations, if available) and the names and contact information for three references. Letters of reference/recommendation are not accepted. This position is open until filled with a first review date of January 2, 2026 at 11 pm mountain time.

For application assistance, please contact Human Resources at . Inquiries specific to the position should be directed to Dr. Brianna Mount, Associate Professor of Physics,
Brianna.

Mount
.

Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Cassie Maser at  or Cassie.

Maser
. Employment is dependent upon a satisfactory background check.

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Reference List
• Transcripts (optional)
• Other (optional)

Black Hills State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Black Hills State University and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.

South Dakota Board of Regents
306

E. Capital Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501