Assistant Professor of Physics

About the role

The Physics Department at the University of Rhode Island invites applications for two full‑time tenure‑track Assistant Professor positions beginning fall 2027 for theorists or computational physicists working in Quantum Information Science (QIS). The department has launched new QIS‑related degree programs and research groups supported by over $8.5 M in external funding. Candidates with expertise in quantum algorithms, quantum optics, quantum resource theory, or semiconductor/superconducting quantum computing are encouraged, as are those who can connect with ongoing URI research in ultrafast spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, astrophysics/gravitation, biological physics, statistical physics, and surface/thin‑film physics. The department is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. The successful candidate will teach and advise students, conduct independent/collaborative research with expectation of external funding, engage in service at department, college, and university levels, and seek collaborations across URI (Computer Science, Mathematics, Graduate School of Oceanography, Engineering, Institute for AI and Computational Research). URI is the state’s flagship land/sea/space‑grant research university with ~18,000 students; the Physics Department has 22 faculty/staff and offers BS, MS, and PhD degrees. The campus is located in Kingston, RI, a seaside community about an hour from Boston and three hours from New York City.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate physics courses.
• Advise undergraduate and graduate students toward BS, MS, and PhD degrees.
• Conduct independent and collaborative research with an expectation of external funding.
• Be active in service at the Department, College, and University levels.
• Seek collaborations with other researchers at URI, including those in Computer Science, Mathematics, the Graduate School of Oceanography, Engineering, and the Institute for AI and Computational Research.

Requirements

• PhD in Physics or a very closely related field.
• Postdoctoral experience.
• Record of scholarly achievement (publications, presentations, awards).
• Demonstrated ability to be an effective teacher of undergraduate and/or graduate physics courses.
• Demonstrated potential for developing and sustaining an independent, externally funded research program involving undergraduate and graduate students leading to peer‑reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Experience in quantum algorithms and quantum information theory.
• Broader interest in the interdisciplinary field of quantum information science.
• Demonstrated interest and commitment to increasing the participation of underrepresented students in science through teaching and mentoring.