Assistant Professor of Experimental Physics (with research expertise in optics/quantum optics)

California State University, Fullerton; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Startup funds

Laboratory space

Job summary

The Department of Physics at California State University, Fullerton invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in experimental physics with expertise in optics/quantum optics beginning Fall 2027. The appointee will develop and teach introductory and core courses and build an undergraduate- and masters-level research program.

CSUF faculty are teacher-scholars; the successful candidate will contribute to teaching, scholarship, and service and will benefit from startup

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics with experimental focus.
• Expertise in optics or quantum optics.
• Commitment to undergraduate teaching.
• Strong record of scholarly publications.
• Ability to establish an active experimental research program including student co-authors.
• Ability to balance teaching, scholarship and service.
• Commitment to working with students from marginalized groups.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach introductory and core courses in physics.
• Develop courses in area of specialization.
• Produce research outputs for tenure with undergraduate and master’s students.
• Contribute to department, college, and university communities.
• Provide startup funds and manage laboratory space for research.

Skills

Optics / quantum optics

Undergraduate teaching

Scholarly publications

Teaching technology integration

Diversity & inclusion

Research program development

Education

Ph.D. in Physics

Job description

Department of Physics

Assistant Professor

Fall 2027

The Department of Physics at California State University, Fullerton, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in experimental physics with expertise in optics/quantum optics with an appointment to begin Fall 2027.

College of Natural Science and Mathematics

Assistant Professor

Fall 2027

The Department of Physics at California State University, Fullerton, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in experimental physics with expertise in optics/quantum optics with an appointment to begin Fall 2027.

Position

Optics and quantum optics encompass the study and application of light and its interactions with matter, ranging from classical optical phenomena to effects that require a quantum-mechanical description. Research in these broadly defined fields may include the generation, manipulation, propagation, detection, and characterization of light; light-matter interactions; lasers and photonics; spectroscopy and imaging; nonlinear and ultrafast optics; optical materials and devices; and quantum phenomena involving photons, atoms, molecules, or solid-state systems. Work may span fundamental investigations of the physical properties of light and matter through the development of new experimental techniques, optical technologies, sensors, communication and information-processing methods, and other applications enabled by classical or quantum optical phenomena.

CSUF faculty are committed teacher/scholars who bring research and creative discovery to life for students in classrooms, labs, research groups, and individually mentored projects. They teach broadly in the curricula of their departments, advise students, and serve on departmental and university-wide committees. The primary responsibilities of the person in this position will include the development and teaching of introductory and core courses in the discipline and the development of courses in their area(s) of specialization. This person will also be responsible for producing research outputs commensurate with the requirements for tenure, in particular involving undergraduate and master’s students. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the life and development of the department, and participate in broader university and disciplinary communities.

This position includes a competitive salary package, startup research funds and laboratory space.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, with expertise in experimental research.
• Research expertise in optics, quantum optics, or a related field.
• demonstrated commitment to and excellence in undergraduate teaching
• a strong record of scholarly accomplishments
• ability to establish a self-supporting, active experimental research program that will produce peer-reviewed publications and substantially include student co-authors
• ability to balance excellent teaching, scholarship, and service
• demonstrated potential for effective integration of technology into instruction
• demonstrated commitment to working effectively with students from intersecting marginalized social groups

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the above minimum requirements, candidates should highlight evidence of their potential to excel in the department’s three key areas of teaching, research, and service/outreach. Possible examples of potential include:

Evidence of potential in teaching may include (but is not limited to):

• Prior teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level, including TA experience.
• Familiarity with current, research-based physics pedagogies.
• Experience implementing innovative teaching practices.

Evidence of potential in research may include (but is not limited to):

• Postdoctoral experience, or other professional research experience, in a physics-related discipline with evidence of positive outcomes.
• Experience working with undergraduate students in a research environment.
• Strong record of research accomplishments resulting in peer-reviewed research outputs.
• Receipt of sponsored fellowships or other external funds.

Evidence of potential in service may include (but is not limited to):

• Record of academic mentorship or other peer mentoring.
• Professional outreach activities.
• Active participation in professional societies.

Application Deadline

November 1, 2026.

August 2027.

The College and Department

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM; http://www.fullerton.edu/nsm/) is dedicated to the principle that teaching and research are intricately mixed and that undergraduate and M.S. graduate research, when properly approached, are an integral part of teaching. This fine balance between teaching and research is NSM’s greatest strength.

Faculty in the Physics Department have a history of successful externally funded research programs centered around undergraduate research. The department is home to gravitational wave astronomy, several soft-matter physicists, atomic and molecular physics, physics education and quantum information researchers.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. CSUF complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

In addition, California State University, Fullerton is a leading public university known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. As one of the largest campuses in the CSU system, Cal State Fullerton fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. The university values teaching, research, and service, creating an environment where students, staff, and faculty can thrive. Cal State Fullerton is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The university also received the prestigious Seal of Excelencia in 2021 and 2024 from Excelencia in Education, the nation’s leading authority on Latinx student success. Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer with a diverse student population of over 45,000 and a faculty and staff population of 4,000. Cal State Fullerton is firmly committed to helping students achieve academic excellence, career success, and economic mobility.

CSUF is committed to retaining all faculty and has established affinity groups you can join to support your success.

Compensation

The Assistant Professor (Academic Year) classification salary range is $6,221 to $13,224 monthly (12 monthly payments per academic year). The anticipated hiring range is $7,277 to $7,423 per month.

Salary offered is commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition, the California Equal Pay Act prohibits employers from paying its employees less than those of the opposite sex and/or another race or ethnicity for substantially similar work ( https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/california_equal_pay_act.htm ).

Summer research grants, moving expenses, start-up funds, and a reduced teaching load may be available.

CSUF Benefits

• health/vision/dental plans
• spouse, domestic partner, and dependent fee-waiver
• access to campus child-care
• a defined-benefit retirement through the state system and optional tax-sheltering opportunities

For a detailed description of benefits, please visit https://hr.fullerton.edu/total-wellness/.

Additional Information

Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

International Candidates

For tenure-track faculty positions, California State University, Fullerton is currently not sponsoring H-1B applicants subject to the $100,000 fee established by the "Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers" issued on September 19, 2025. Individuals in the U.S. who hold a valid lawful nonimmigrant status visa can have a petition filed on their behalf to change their status to H-1B without being subjected to the fee. For example, the fee does not apply to an H-1B petition filed by an individual presently in the U.S. who is an F-1, J-1, or O-1 status holder.