Assistant Professor - Physics

University of Illinois Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition waivers

Job summary

The Department of Physics and LAS at the University of Illinois Chicago invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in theoretical condensed matter physics, with emphasis on computational quantum materials and AI/ML methods. The anticipated start date is Fall 2027.

The successful candidate will develop predictive computational approaches, model realistic quantum materials, and collaborate with experimental groups to advance quantum information science and related

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or related field (or international equivalent).
• Experience with computational quantum materials and AI/ML methods is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Establish a highly visible externally funded research program in theoretical condensed matter physics focusing on quantum materials.
• Mentor graduate students and provide research opportunities for undergraduates; contribute to teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Skills

AI/ML methods

Computational physics

Quantum materials

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

International equivalent

Job description

Assistant Professor - Physics

Hiring Department

Physics

Location

Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID

1042940

Posting Close Date

November 16, 2026

Salary

The budgeted salary range for the position is $100,000 to $120,000.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Position Summary

The Department of Physics and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) at the University of Illinois Chicago invite applications for a tenure-track position in theoretical condensed matter physics at the Assistant Professor level. The emphasis of this search is to strengthen the Department's efforts in theoretical condensed matter research in quantum materials. The anticipated start date is Fall 2027.

The open faculty position is in the field of computational quantum materials, with an emphasis on incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods. We seek a researcher who will develop new computational approaches that combine physics-based modeling, large-scale simulation, and AI/ML to discover and design materials with quantum properties. The overall objective is to develop predictive and experimentally testable approaches to the discovery, understanding, and engineering of quantum materials, including materials and structures relevant to qubits, quantum sensing, and other quantum technologies, with an emphasis on applications in quantum information science (QIS).

The successful candidate is expected to establish a highly visible and externally funded research program addressing questions at the intersection of quantum materials, computational physics, and artificial intelligence. Research directions may include:

• Physics-informed, AI/ML-guided discovery and design of materials exhibiting desirable quantum properties.
• Advanced computational approaches to model realistic quantum materials, such as correlated or topological systems, engineered quantum systems and heterostructures, as well as low-dimensional systems relevant to QIS.

The successful candidate should be able to collaborate with existing condensed matter theoretical and experimental groups in the Department of Physics. The materials and condensed matter faculty conduct research on a wide range of functional and complex materials, including energy-relevant, quantum, topological, superconducting, and strongly correlated systems. A fuller description of the research programs in the Department of Physics can be found at phys.uic.edu.

UIC offers a strong infrastructure for computational and experimental materials research, including advanced characterization core facilities and substantial high-performance computing capabilities that support large-scale simulations and data-intensive research. The Chicago region has become a national leader in QIS research, supported by robust academic, state, federal, and industrial investments. Existing programs include the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center, the FermiForward partnership, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE). UIC is well positioned to play a leading role in this ecosystem.

Duties & Responsibilities

The assistant professor is expected to establish a highly visible and externally funded research program at the forefront of theoretical condensed matter physics. This program should include the education and participation of doctoral graduate students in cutting-edge research projects as well as provide appropriate research opportunities for undergraduate students. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to teaching physics at both undergraduate and graduate levels within a Research 1 university environment with a focus on establishing an inclusive and diverse environment for historically underserved students. The candidate is also expected to advise students, and provide service to the department, college and university.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Physics or a related field; or international equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

Post-Ph.D. experience

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Accommodations Statement

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Automated Systems Statement

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.