Assistant Professor in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics

NMSU Conference Services; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 76,573 - 93,590; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University’s Department of Physics invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics beginning in Fall 2027. The successful candidate will develop a vigorous externally funded research program and contribute to undergraduate and graduate education in Las Cruces, NM.

Facilities include modern synthesis, optical characterization, and low-temperature measurement infrastructure, with collaborations across Los Alamos, Sandia, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in research and teaching.
• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Strong publication record.
• Potential to secure external research funding.
• Potential to establish external research collaborations.
• Experience mentoring students in research.

Responsibilities

• Lead research programs in experimental condensed matter and quantum materials with access to state-of-the-art facilities (PPMS, XRD, low-temperature spectroscopy, PLD/MBE).
• Collaborate with national labs (LANL, Sandia, AFRL) and build external partnerships.
• Contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction including laboratories.
• Develop and fund an externally funded research program.

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or closely related field

Job description

Position Title: Assistant Professor in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics

The Department of Physics at New Mexico State University invites applications for a tenure‑track Assistant Professor position in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics beginning in Fall 2027. The successful candidate will develop a vigorous externally funded research program and contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education.

College/Division: Arts and Sciences College
Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Salary: $85,082 to commensurate with qualifications
FLSA Status: Exempt
Appointment FTE: 1.0
Standard Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8–5 am
Contingent Upon Funding: Not applicable

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The Department of Physics has active research programs in condensed matter physics and nuclear physics. The successful candidate will join a growing experimental condensed matter and quantum materials effort with access to modern thin‑film synthesis, optical characterization, and low‑temperature measurement infrastructure, including:

• Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS)
• Four‑circle X‑ray diffraction (XRD)
• Low‑temperature spectroscopic ellipsometry and infrared ellipsometry
• Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and laser‑assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy (laser‑MBE)
• Single‑crystal growth facilities
• High‑pressure measurements in a diamond anvil cell
• Other on‑campus shared facilities

Collaborative opportunities exist with National Laboratories including:

• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Sandia National Laboratories
• Air Force Research Laboratory

Research areas of interest include but are not limited to:

• Semiconductor quantum physics
• Novel forms of magnetism and superconductivity
• Emergent phenomena at material surfaces and interfaces
• Topological quantum materials
• Spintronic, superconducting, and nanoelectronic devices
• Advanced electrical, optical, and spectroscopy characterization

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction in physics, including introductory and advanced laboratory courses.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field by the time of appointment
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in research and teaching

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral research experience
• Strong publication record
• Potential to secure external research funding
• Potential to establish external research collaborations
• Experience mentoring students in research

Application Requirements

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae with full publication list
• Research statement (5 pages, including plans for building lab facilities and leveraging existing infrastructure at NMSU Physics)
• Teaching statement (2 pages)
• Contact information for at least three references

Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, applications should be received by December 12, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

EEO Statement

New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non‑merit factor.