Assistant Professor - AMO Physics Theory

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Tuition remission

Dependent education programs

Job summary

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics theory to begin in August 2027. This is a full-time, tenure-track position; PhD required by start date; applications due by December 1, 2026 for best consideration.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, supervise doctoral students, and collaborate with interdisciplinary centers such as QNM‑I, the

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or closely related field by start date.
• Research in AMO theory, broadly defined.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in physics.
• Supervise doctoral students.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary centers at UNM.
• Develop and maintain a robust AMO theory research program.

Skills

AMO theory research

Teaching potential

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Physics or closely related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico (UNM) invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics theory to begin in August 2027. This is a full-time, tenure-track position. Applicants must have a PhD in Physics or a related field by the date of appointment. All application materials must be submitted by December 1, 2026, to receive best consideration.

We are seeking an outstanding scholar in any area of AMO theory research, broadly defined. The new faculty member will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in physics and supervise doctoral students. They will have the opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary research centers at UNM, including the Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM‑I), the Center for Quantum Information and Control, the Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM), and the Center for Advanced Research Computing (CARC). The new faculty member will also have the opportunity to work with students in interdisciplinary academic programs including the Optical Science and Engineering PhD and MS programs, the Quantum Photonics and Quantum Technology graduate certificate program, concentrations in Quantum Information Science within the physics and engineering degree programs, the Quantum Undergraduate Research Experience at CHTM, and the Physics and Astronomy REU programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1. Ph.D. in Physics or closely related field by start date of appointment
• 2. Research experience in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical physics theory, broadly defined.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1. Demonstrated potential for teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels, as evidenced through the submitted cover letter, CV, teaching statement, and references.
• 2. Demonstrated potential to develop a strong research program in AMO theory, as evidenced through the submitted cover letter, CV, research statement, publication record, and references.
• 3. Potential for mentoring a diverse range of students at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
• 4. Ability to contribute to other core areas in the department and UNM.
• 5. Ability or potential for obtaining external funding to support research and teaching.
• 6. A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university's mission to serve local and global communities.

Benefits Eligible

The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• tuition remission
• dependent education programs

See the Benefits home page for more information.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.