Assistant Research Professor in Optics and Photonics

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off and holidays

Tuition assistance for employees and 1

Professional development opportunities

Retirement savings plan withUniversity

Well-being programs and resources

Flexible work options where possible

Job summary

Villanova University is seeking an Assistant Research Professor in Optics and Photonics to support the Physics Department’s photonics initiative. The role focuses on building collaborations with academic and industry partners, shaping research directions, and planning photonics laboratories and infrastructure.

The successful candidate will establish and lead a research program, pursue external funding, and join a 1-year term-based position contingent on funding.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, astronomy, or related field is required.

Responsibilities

• Help define the strategic research directions and long-term vision of Villanova’s emerging Photonics and Quantum initiative.
• Build interdisciplinary collaborations within Villanova and develop partnerships with academic, government, and industry organizations.
• Contribute to the development of new academic programs in photonics, optics, quantum technologies, and related fields.
• Help plan and develop photonics laboratories, research infrastructure, and shared experimental capabilities.
• Contribute to seminars, workshops, outreach, and other activities that advance Villanova’s visibility and leadership in photonics.
• Conduct independent research as opportunities arise.

Education

PhD in physics, astronomy, or related field

Job description

Assistant Research Professor in Optics and Photonics

Position Type: Faculty

Location: Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule: full-time/12-months

Department: 186-Physics

Founded in 1842 and recognized among the nation’s best colleges and universities, we are a mission-driven institution inspired by the values of truth, unity, love, and dedication to serving the common good. At Villanova, we believe our people are our most precious asset. That’s why we offer a vibrant and collaborative campus environment and invest in our employees through competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support your professional growth, personal well-being, and long-terms success.

Benefits include:

• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Tuition assistance for employees and eligible family members
• Professional development opportunities
• Retirement savings plan with University contributions
• Well-being programs and resources
• Flexible work options where appropriate

We invite you to join a community where your contributions are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a meaningful difference. Learn more about the benefits of working at Villanova on our website.

The Department of Physics at Villanova University seeks applicants for a faculty position at the Assistant Research Professor level to support the department’s strategic goals in photonics and optics. The successful applicant will play a central role in developing Villanova’s emerging Photonics initiative, including building collaborations with academic and industry partners, shaping strategic research directions, and contributing to the planning of photonics laboratories and research infrastructure.

The successful applicant will also establish and lead an active research program in their field of interest/expertise and will have access to the department’s laboratory space and research infrastructure in pursuit of their research goals. They are encouraged to pursue external funding to support these research goals. This is a 1-year term-based position, contingent on available funding.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Helping define the strategic research directions and long-term vision of Villanova’s emerging Photonics and Quantum initiative.
• Building interdisciplinary collaborations within Villanova and developing partnerships with academic, government, and industry organizations.
• Contributing to the development of new academic programs in photonics, optics, quantum technologies, and related fields.
• Helping plan and develop photonics laboratories, research infrastructure, and shared experimental capabilities.
• Contributing to seminars, workshops, outreach, and other activities that advance Villanova’s visibility and leadership in photonics.
• Conducting independent research as opportunities arise

Minimum Qualifications: The applicant should have a PhD in physics, astronomy, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications: Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours: Special Message to Applicants: Posting Date: 10/22/2026 Closing Date (11:59pm ET): 10/30/2026 Salary Posting Information: Competitive Salary Band: Job Classification: faculty

References Needed

Minimum Number of References Needed: 2

Maximum Number of References Needed: 2

Supplemental Questions

• * How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed.com
  • Higheredjobs.com
  • LinkedIn
  • Glassdoor
  • Chronicle Vitae
  • Academic Keys
  • PA CareerLink/JobGateway
  • Professional Affiliation/Trade Website
  • Diversity Association/Publication Website
  • Advertisement in Academic or Professional Publication
  • Referred by a current employee
  • Referred by a friend, family member, or former employee
  • Heard about it at a conference or career fair
  • Browsing the Villanova website
  • Cabrini University employee
  • Other
• * If your answer to the above question is "Other", please specify the source below. If this question does not apply to you, enter N/A.

Documents needed to complete your application

Required Documents

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

• Other Document
• Statement of Research Interests
• Statement of Contribution to Mission