Assistant Professor in Experimental Quantum Physical Chemistry

University of California - Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Experimental Quantum Physical Chemistry. The role focuses on developing advanced spectroscopic methods to study quantum states and dynamics across molecular systems.

It emphasizes collaboration across chemistry, physics, and engineering, with access to premier quantum facilities. The candidate will establish an externally funded program, teach at undergrad and grad levels, recruit and

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Physics, Materials Science, or closely related field by time of application.

Responsibilities

• Establish a creative, externally funded research program.
• Teach at undergraduate and graduate levels in physical chemistry and related areas.
• Recruit and mentor students and researchers; contribute to department and university service.

Skills

Postdoctoral experience

Collaborative research

Teaching & mentoring

Independent research planning

Education

PhD (or equivalent) in Chemistry/Physics/Materials Science

PhD conferred by start date

Job description

Position overview

Assistant Professor in Experimental Quantum Physical Chemistry

Salary range: $100,000 to $160,000

Percent time: 100% Time, Academic Year

Anticipated start: July 1, 2027, or later

Application window

Open date: September 16, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Oct 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Wednesday, Mar 31, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position 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.

Division: https://science.ucsb.edu/quantum/faculty-opportunities

Unit: https://chem.ucsb.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

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.

Additional qualifications

The PhD (or equivalent) must be conferred by the anticipated appointment start date.

Preferred qualifications

• Postdoctoral or equivalent advanced research experience.
• A demonstrated record of research excellence and the potential to establish an original, independent, externally funded, and high-impact research program in experimental quantum physical chemistry.
• Experience with advanced spectroscopic or related measurement methods for probing or controlling quantum states and dynamics.
• Research interests involving ultrafast or multidimensional spectroscopy, driven quantum systems, or emergent quantum phenomena in molecular, supramolecular, nanoscale, or solid-state chemical systems.
• A clear chemistry-centered research vision that complements UCSB's existing strengths and supports collaboration across the quantum cluster.
• A record of, or strong potential for, excellence in teaching and mentoring.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Please submit a full CV
• Cover Letter - (~2 pages)
• Statement of Research - Discuss up to three of your most important contributions to science, your current research focus, your plans for the future, and the potential for sustained impact of your proposed research. This statement may also include information about possible areas of collaboration within the department or campus. (~3 pages)
• Statement of Teaching and Mentoring - Please provide a statement that includes teaching and mentorship experiences to date, a brief summary of your teaching philosophy, and one or more topics that you would be interested in teaching. (~ 2 pages)
• Representative Publication #1 - Please provide a pdf of the publication.
• Representative Publication #2 - Please provide a pdf of the publication.
• Representative Publication #3 - Please provide a pdf of the publication.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

Provide the names and contact information for at least 3 references. Request letters of reference within the system in order to complete the application requirement.

About UC Santa Barbara

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
• APM - 035: Affinity Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Job location

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Building 232, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510