Two Tenure-Track Faculty Positions in Quantum P...

Two tenure-track faculty positions in Quantum Physics at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Department of Physics and Astronomy. Positions begin January 1 or August 1, 2027, at the Assistant or Associate Professor level.

About the role

The Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for two tenure-track faculty positions to help build a new interdisciplinary PhD and undergraduate program in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE). One position requires a strong experimental background with emphasis on quantum sensing and networking; the other is open to any area of QISE (theoretical or experimental).

UTC’s Quantum Center (UTCQC) is part of the rapidly emerging quantum techno-economic ecosystem in Chattanooga, including the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC). UTC focuses on use-inspired R&D in QISE and offers QISE educational programs at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a broad range of QISE and general physics courses at the undergraduate and graduate level.
• Establish and maintain a productive research program involving both undergraduate and graduate students.
• Engage in various teaching methods, including online instruction, to support UTC's strategic goals.

Opportunities for collaboration exist within the campus community, including the UTC Quantum Center, and with external institutions such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the CQC.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field, completed by the start date.
• Postdoctoral research experience is strongly preferred.
• Prior teaching experience is advantageous.

Level at hire (Assistant or Associate Professor) is negotiable based on experience.

Department Highlights

• Faculty Composition: 8 faculty members and 3 staff.
• Student Body: Approximately 30 physics majors across four academic tracks (Physics, Biophysics, Quantum, and STEM Education).
• Experiential Learning: Renowned for high-quality undergraduate education and research opportunities, including a nationally-recognized chapter in the Society of Physics Students.
• Quantum Network Infrastructure: UTC is the first university globally to have a permanent node on a commercial fiber-optic metro-scale quantum network infrastructure in downtown Chattanooga.

About the University and the City of Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is a national model for metropolitan universities, collaborating with regional partners to offer an experiential learning environment. UTC offers 128 undergraduate degree programs and 55 graduate programs across six colleges. Chattanooga is nationally recognized for its downtown redevelopment and outdoor recreation.

UTC is a leader in innovation, with research and development in smart city technology and the first and only university with access to a managed, commercial quantum computing network. The university is also introducing an artificial intelligence initiative engaging partners across the region.