Assistant Professor - Physics

University of Puget Sound; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Puget Sound invites applications for a tenure-line Assistant Professor of Physics beginning Fall 2027. The home department will be Physics, with a joint appointment in Data Analytics or Computer Science.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate physics courses and develop an active undergraduate research program with student collaboration. Requirements include a PhD in physics, astronomy, or closely related field by appointment and a commitment to inclusive pedagogy,

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, astronomy, or closely related field by the time of appointment and demonstrated commitments to undergraduate teaching, research mentorship, and inclusive pedagogy are required.
• Postdoctoral experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate physics courses and two laboratory sections per semester.
• Develop an active research program involving undergraduates.
• Possibly teach cross-listed courses in Data Analytics or Computer Science.

Skills

Undergraduate teaching

Research mentorship

Inclusive pedagogy

Education

PhD in physics/astronomy or related field

Job description

University of Puget Sound

University of Puget Sound is located in Tacoma, Washington, a vibrant, diverse mid-sized urban port city. Within, and near, Tacoma there is ready access to urban, rural, and natural areas as well as opportunities to participate in a wide variety of cultural activities.

Assistant Professor - Physics

Job ID: 8954

8954

Location: Physics

Physics

Regular/Tempoary:

Full/Part Time

Faculty Posting Details

Appointment

Department of Physics, full-time tenure-line Assistant Professor position; begins Fall 2027.

Responsibilities

The Department of Physics at the University of Puget Sound, a predominantly undergraduate liberal arts college in Tacoma, Washington, seeks to recruit a tenure-line Assistant Professor. We welcome applicants from any field of physics whose methods include computational physics, analysis of large data sets, or substantial computer-based analysis of data. This will be a joint appointment, but the faculty member's home department will be Physics. Most courses taught will be part of the physics major, and 1-2 courses each year will also contribute to the Computer Science Department or the Data Analytics Program. The successful candidate will develop an active research program involving undergraduates and will have the ability to teach across the undergraduate physics curriculum as well as courses in either the Data Analytics program or Computer Science Department. A typical semester teaching load consists of two courses and two laboratory sections. We expect the incumbent to show promise and enthusiasm to become a skilled teacher.

Qualifications

PhD in physics, astronomy, or closely related field by the time of appointment and demonstrated commitments to undergraduate teaching, research mentorship, and inclusive pedagogy are required. Postdoctoral experience preferred.

Application Deadline

Review of applications begins October 16th, 2026.

Compensation And Benefits

Rank: Assistant Professor

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Faculty salaries at the University of Puget Sound are based on a common salary scale based on experience. Assistant Professor salaries in 2026-2027 begin at $75,820 for an assistant professor with a terminal degree in their field in their first year of full-time post-doctorate teaching through $86,652 annualized based on experience.

Puget Sound offers a generous benefits package. For more information, visit: Summary of 2026 Benefits for Faculty Members.pdf - Google Drive. Puget Sound has a well-established Shared Faculty Appointments Policy, https://www.pugetsound.edu/policies/faculty-policies/shared-faculty-appointments

About Puget Sound

The University of Puget Sound is located in Tacoma, Washington, a vibrant, diverse mid-sized urban port city. Within, and near, Tacoma there is ready access to urban, rural, and natural areas as well as opportunities to participate in a wide variety of cultural activities.

About Physics At Puget Sound

The Physics Department highly values excellence in teaching and mentoring of undergraduate research. Our curriculum emphasizes close faculty-student interaction through faculty-taught laboratories, small classes, a robust student/faculty research program, and dedication to student success and inclusive teaching. Many of our physics graduates go on to graduate school in physics or engineering or accept science-related industry jobs soon after graduation. The Physics Department is housed in the University of Puget Sound Science Center, along with Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics & Computer Science, and Environmental Studies and Sciences.

University Diversity Statement

• We acknowledge the richness of commonalities and differences