Assistant Professor in Quantum / AMO Physics, Department of Physics

UC Santa Barbara; California; On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in AMO physics as part of its Quantum Hiring Initiative. The department seeks researchers pursuing quantum science with emphasis on atomic, molecular, and optical physics.

Ideal candidates will join UCSB's growing quantum community, benefiting from premier facilities like the NSF Quantum Foundry, Eddleman Quantum Institute, and Nanofabrication Facility, and collaborate across

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or related field required by time of application.
• Active, funded research program in AMO/quantum science preferred.
• Strong teaching, mentoring, and collaboration abilities desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop an actively funded research program in AMO/quantum science.
• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students; supervise and recruit graduate students.
• Participate in university service and professional activities as appropriate to rank.

Skills

AMO physics

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Job description

The Department of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor. The Department is seeking individuals working in quantum science, with an emphasis in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics.

The University of California, Santa Barbara invites pioneering researchers to join its growing quantum research community as part of the Quantum Hiring Initiative. 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.

To learn more about our existing faculty and research strengths, visit UCSB Quantum: Driving the Future of Quantum Science.
Information about the Department and its research activities may be found at Home | Department of Physics | UC Santa Barbara.

Experimentalists in the Department benefit from close connections with programs across campus, including at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics and the California NanoSystems Institute.

Responsibilities of faculty members generally include the development of an actively funded research program of high quality, teaching at undergraduate and/or graduate levels, mentorship of undergraduate students, recruitment, supervision, and mentorship of graduate students, and participation in university service and professional activities that meet expectations for faculty rank and step. UCSB has a strong tradition of collaborative research, and successful candidates will be able to leverage synergies across the campus as appropriate.

Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD (or equivalent) in Physics or a related field, except the dissertation, at the time of application.