Assistant Professor in Experimental Quantum Physical Chemistry

UC Santa Barbara; California (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Experimental Quantum Physical Chemistry with a focus on ultrafast and multidimensional spectroscopic methods. The successful candidate will establish an independent, externally funded program and contribute to teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.

The role emphasizes collaboration across Chemistry & Biochemistry, Physics, Materials, and Chemical Engineering, with access to premier

Qualifications

• PhD must be completed by start date in relevant field.
• Experience with experimental quantum chemistry and spectroscopy is essential.
• Ability to establish an externally funded research program and collaborate across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent, externally funded research program.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in physical chemistry and related areas.
• Recruit and mentor students and researchers and contribute to service within the department.

Skills

Ultrafast spectroscopy

Multidimensional spectroscopy

Quantum state control

Spectroscopy methods

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Physics, or Materials Science

Tools

Ultrafast lasers

Nanofabrication facilities

Job description

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor with a research focus in Experimental Quantum Physical Chemistry. This is part of a Quantum Cluster hire.

The Department seeks an experimentalist who develops and applies advanced spectroscopic approaches, including ultrafast and multidimensional methods, to understand and control quantum states, their dynamics, and their interactions in chemical systems, both static and driven. The search is broadly defined across molecular, supramolecular, nanoscale, and solid-state platforms. The successful candidate's independent research program, while anchored in chemistry, will ideally connect the synthesis of quantum material platforms, theory and computation, and quantitative characterization efforts on campus.

The successful candidate will establish a creative, externally funded research program, teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including in physical chemistry and related areas, recruit and mentor students and researchers, and contribute to departmental and university service. The Department particularly values a collaborative research program that leverages synergies within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, across the Physics, Materials, and Chemical Engineering Departments, and with relevant institutes and facilities.

The University of California, Santa Barbara invites pioneering researchers to join its growing quantum research community. Building on a rich history of scientific breakthroughs - highlighted by the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics - this initiative brings together faculty across disciplines to advance the full spectrum of quantum science, from synthetic materials and superconducting qubits to quantum topology. Candidates will join a supportive, interdisciplinary ecosystem backed by premier facilities, including the NSF Quantum Foundry, the Eddleman Quantum Institute, and the Nanofabrication Facility, alongside strong connections to industry and national quantum initiatives.

Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD (or equivalent), except the dissertation, in Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field by the time of application.