Assistant Professor - Physics

About the role

The Department of Physics at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is part of a preeminent urban public research university, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting‑edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report found UIC climbing in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

The Department of Physics and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) invite applications for a tenure‑track position in theoretical condensed matter physics at the Assistant Professor level. The emphasis of this search is to strengthen the Department’s efforts in theoretical condensed matter research in quantum materials. The anticipated start date is Fall 2027. The open faculty position is in the field of computational quantum materials, with an emphasis on incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods. We seek a researcher who will develop new computational approaches that combine physics‑based modeling, large‑scale simulation, and AI/ML to discover and design materials with quantum properties. The overall objective is to develop predictive and experimentally testable approaches to the discovery, understanding, and engineering of quantum materials, including materials and structures relevant to qubits, quantum sensing, and other quantum technologies, with an emphasis on applications in quantum information science (QIS). The successful candidate is expected to establish a highly visible and externally funded research program addressing questions at the intersection of quantum materials, computational physics, and artificial intelligence. Research directions may include: physics‑informed, AI/ML‑guided discovery and design of materials exhibiting desirable quantum properties; advanced computational approaches to model realistic quantum materials, such as correlated or topological systems, engineered quantum systems and heterostructures, as well as low‑dimensional systems relevant to QIS. The successful candidate should be able to collaborate with existing condensed matter theoretical and experimental groups in the Department of Physics. The materials and condensed matter faculty conduct research on a wide range of functional and complex materials, including energy‑relevant, quantum, topological, superconducting, and strongly correlated systems. A fuller description of the research programs in the Department of Physics can be found at phys.uic.edu. UIC offers a strong infrastructure for computational and experimental materials research, including advanced characterization core facilities and substantial high‑performance computing capabilities that support large‑scale simulations and data‑intensive research. The Chicago region has become a national leader in QIS research, supported by robust academic, state, federal, and industrial investments. Existing programs include the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center, the FermiForward partnership, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE). UIC is well positioned to play a leading role in this ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Establish a highly visible and externally funded research program at the forefront of theoretical condensed matter physics.
• Include the education and participation of doctoral graduate students in cutting‑edge research projects.
• Provide appropriate research opportunities for undergraduate students.
• Demonstrate a commitment to teaching physics at both undergraduate and graduate levels within a Research 1 university environment, focusing on establishing an inclusive and diverse environment for historically underserved students.
• Advise students.
• Provide service to the department, college, and university.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics or a related field; or international equivalent.

Qualifications

• Post‑Ph.D. experience.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents

Pay

The budgeted salary range for the position is $100,000 to $120,000.

Schedule

Anticipated start date: Fall 2027.