Assistant Professor in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics

New Mexico State University; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics starting Fall 2027. The department seeks candidates who will develop a vigorous externally funded program and contribute to undergraduate and graduate education.

Located in Las Cruces, NM, NMSU is a Carnegie R1 university with access to external facilities and collaborative opportunities with national laboratories.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental condensed matter and materials physics research.
• Contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction in physics.

Skills

Research potential

Teaching ability

Education

Ph.D. in Physics

Postdoctoral experience

Job description

• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• 503729
• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
• Faculty
• 9-Month Faculty Full-Time
• Closing at: Dec 12 2026 - 23:55 MST

Department Contact: Marisela Chavez, 575-646-3831, [e-mail]

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: 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. We seek outstanding candidates who will develop a vigorous externally funded research program and contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. New Mexico State University is a Carnegie R1 research university located in Las Cruces, a vibrant city in southern New Mexico known for its outstanding climate, affordable cost of living, rich cultural diversity, outdoor recreation opportunities, and proximity to major national laboratories and research facilities.

Position Details

Position Title: Assistant Professor in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics

College/Division: Arts and Sciences College

Department: 331500-PHYSICS

Location: Las Cruces

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is a bargaining unit position with the National Education Association (NEA).

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The Department of Physics at NMSU 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.

Existing Facilities Include

• 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 Lab

Research Areas of Interest

We encourage applications from candidates working broadly in experimental condensed matter physics and materials physics, including but 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

Candidates whose research leverages, complements, and expands existing departmental strengths are especially encouraged to apply.

Teaching Responsibilities

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

Applicants Should Submit

• 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. For further information or questions please contact the chair of the search committee, Prof. Ludi Miao at [e-mail]

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Recruitment Summary

We are New Mexico's land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.

NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.

NMSU Global Campus

Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives - and the lives of the people they love - through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.

NMSU Main Campus

Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.

Doña Ana Community College

Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance.

Alamogordo Campus

Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated on the hill above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.

Grants Campus

NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.

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.

Requesting an Accommodation

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and New Mexico State University policy, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply, interview, or complete onboarding for a position with New Mexico State University, or if you cannot use the online application system, please visit our Accessibility & Accommodations page to initiate an accommodation request