Assistant Professor of Physics
About the Department
The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Oberlin College is part of the College of Arts and Sciences. The department graduates approximately 15 majors per year, with concentrations in physics, astrophysics, or materials physics. It has an authorized tenure/tenure-track faculty size of 7.5 full-time-equivalent. Faculty research interests include infrared molecular spectroscopy, novel magnetic nanomaterials, atomic physics, extragalactic chemical evolution and star formation, simulations of galaxy formation and supermassive black holes, numerical modeling of gravitational wave sources, and experimental particle physics.
Approximately 80% of Oberlin’s Physics and Astronomy students engage in research during their time at Oberlin, including during the semester, summer, and the month-long Winter Term. Current faculty maintain external support, primarily through the RUI and MRI programs from the National Science Foundation.
About the Role
This is a full-time tenure-track faculty position beginning in the fall of 2027. The department is particularly interested in candidates with experience in experimental condensed matter, materials, or applied physics to support engineering-related initiatives. Candidates with other research specialties that support robust undergraduate research projects will also be considered.
Responsibilities
- Teach 4.5 courses per year, spanning the entire undergraduate physics curriculum, including introductory and advanced courses for majors, lab courses, and general-audience or seminar courses related to faculty interests.
- Engage in sustained scholarly research and/or other creative work appropriate to the position.
- Participate in academic advising, mentoring undergraduate research, and service on committees.
Support for New Faculty
- Mentoring and professional development opportunities.
- Paid pre-tenure leave for those on the standard six-year track.
- Startup support for research.
- Internal grants for conference travel and student research stipends.