Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Physics

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Williamstown (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Williams College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Physics in Williamstown, MA, with teaching starting September 2027. We seek a theoretical or computational physicist eager to teach the undergraduate curriculum and involve undergraduates in research. A Ph.D.

in physics or a closely related field is required and must be completed by July 2027; postdoctoral experience is preferred. Startup funds will be available.

Qualifications

• The candidate must have a Ph.D. in physics or closely related field and complete their Ph.D. by July 2027.
• Open to theoretical or computational physicists who will teach throughout the undergraduate curriculum.
• Postdoctoral experience preferred and startup funds will be available.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence within the department.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate physics courses across the curriculum.
• Develop an active research program involving undergraduate students.
• Contribute to departmental service and collegial activities.
• Engage in efforts to diversify ideas and perspectives within the department.

Skills

Undergraduate teaching

Research with undergraduates

Theoretical/computational physics

Diversity and inclusion commitment

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or closely related field

Job description

Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Physics

Williams College: Physics

Location

Williamstown, MA

Open Date

Aug 05 2026

Description

The Williams College Department of Physics & Astronomy invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position, with teaching duties starting September 2027. We seek a theoretical or computational physicist eager to teach throughout the undergraduate physics curriculum and to involve undergraduates in research. A Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field is required; candidates must have completed their Ph.D. degree by July 2027, and postdoctoral experience is preferred. Startup funds will be available. Williams College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. We strongly encourage applicants who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives in our department.

Our department includes eleven full-time tenure-line faculty, including 4 theorists, 5 experimentalists, and 2 observational astronomers. For more information, see https://physics.williams.edu and our FAQ page on being a physicist at Williams. We graduate approximately 25 majors annually, the vast majority of whom pursue advanced study or careers in physics, astronomy, or related fields.

We are interested in candidates who will contribute to the intellectual vibrancy of our academic community through their teaching, research, and service, and who are committed to working effectively with a diverse student population. The standard teaching load in the Department of Physics & Astronomy is two courses per semester; this often equates to three hours of lecture and two associated laboratory sections each week. Faculty maintain active research programs with undergraduate participation throughout the year.

In addition to the emphasis our department places on supporting incoming faculty, Williams offers faculty participation in the college's professional development program First3 and in the NCFDD Faculty Success Program, along with support through the Rice Center for Teaching.

Applications completed by October 11th will receive full consideration. First round interviews will be conducted in video format during early November, with campus visits for finalists anticipated during early December. All offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background check; further information is available on the college website.

Williams College is a liberal arts institution located in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts. The college has built its reputation on outstanding teaching and scholarship and on the academic excellence of its approximately 2,000 students. Please visit the Williams College website http://www.williams.edu. Williams promotes equal opportunity and makes all employment decisions on a non-discriminatory basis. Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where individuals of all identities and backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.