Assistant Professor in Quantum / AMO Physics, Department of Physics

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

Job summary

The Department of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in quantum science with emphasis in AMO physics. UCSB seeks outstanding researchers to join its growing quantum program and collaborate across disciplines, supported by premier facilities such as the NSF Quantum Foundry and the Eddleman Quantum Institute.

Responsibilities include developing a funded research program, teaching at undergraduate and graduate

Qualifications

• PhD completed by start date or soon after.
• Strong record in quantum science and AMO physics.
• Experience with undergraduate and graduate teaching.

Responsibilities

• Develop a funded research program of high quality.
• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students; supervise research.
• Engage in university service and professional activities.

Skills

AMO physics

Quantum science

Teaching

Education

PhD in Physics

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Professor

Salary range: A reasonable range for this position is $100,000 - $160,000.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: July 1, 2027 or later

Position duration: Tenure track

Application Window

Open date: September 16, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) 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 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. For details and to apply for these individual recruitments, please visit: Quantum Faculty Positions in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics | UCSB. 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.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

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.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

PhD in Physics or a related field is required by appointment start date.

Preferred qualifications

• Research in quantum science with emphasis in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics.
• A demonstrated record of excellence in research, as evidenced by high-quality publications and impact on the field.
• Record of, or potential for, outstanding teaching.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Please submit a complete CV including full publication, awards, and mentorship records.
• Cover Letter - To facilitate efficient review of applications, on a single page with reasonable formatting, please concisely introduce us to your research and highlight your unique qualifications.
• 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. Please try to keep this statement to at most 4 pages.
• Statement of Teaching - The search committee will use this document to evaluate your potential as an instructor. 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).

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

Applicants should provide the names and contact information of at least 3 references and must request letters of references within the UC Recruit system in order to complete application requirements.

Apply link:

https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03135

Help contact:

[e-mail]

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: Aff…:

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

Santa Barbara, CA