Yu Yuen Kit (YYK) Associate or Full Professor of Physics - Quantum

George Mason University; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University seeks an eminent scholar for the Yu Yuen Kit (YYK) Associate or Full Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The role centers on theoretical and/or computational quantum science, building a funded research program, mentoring students, and teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.

The YYK Professor will collaborate across departments, pursue center-level funding, and help launch new research directions while complementing existing faculty

Qualifications

• Terminal degree/PhD in Physics or a related field.
• Experience in quantum physics including quantum information science, devices, materials, and sensing.
• Rank of Associate Professor (or equivalent) or higher.
• Success in securing external research funding.
• Strong record of scholarly production.
• Knowledge of theoretical and/or computational quantum science at an internationally recognized level.
• Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate physics.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain an externally funded research program.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and mentor students.
• Lead and collaborate on interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Contribute to service on committees and outreach activities.

Skills

Quantum physics

External funding

Graduate teaching

Scholarly publishing

Collaboration across departments

Leadership

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Job description

Department: College of Science

Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty

Job Category: Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: N/A - I/R Faculty

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visasponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education andexperience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department

The Department of Physics and Astronomy includes over 40 facultymembers, 100 undergraduate students (BS), and 70 graduate students(MS and PhD). Our faculty and students collaborate with local,national, and international research institutions, including theApplied Research Lab, Argonne National Laboratory, CERN, NavalResearch Laboratory, National Institute of Standards andTechnology, the Institute for Quantum Matter, NASA Goddard SpaceFlight Center, Space Telescope Science Institute, and the US NavalObservatory. For more information on the department, see http://physics.gmu.edu .

George Mason University, a Carnegie Research I institution, isVirginia's largest university with more than 39,000 studentsrepresenting all 50 states and more than 135 countries. Located inFairfax, Virginia, Mason is part of the Washington DC metropolitanarea offering easy access to the scientific and political resourcesof the nation's capital.

Statement on Building an Inclusive Culture: George Mason UniversityCollege of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancinginclusive excellence and fostering an environment free fromdiscrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEMcommunity. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating anorganizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, andcivility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, andperspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation, and growth toan academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness inacademics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive toattract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science missionand vision.

About the Position

The Yu Yuen Kit (YYK) Associate or Full Professor of Physics in theDepartment of Physics and Astronomy will be held by an eminentscholar in physics. The first holder of this endowed position willbe an expert in theoretical and/or computational quantum sciencewho will relocate their program to George Mason University andcollaborate across departments and fields. Responsibilities willinclude establishing and maintaining an externally funded researchgroup, training graduate students and postdoctoral scholars,teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, andcollaborating with other George Mason faculty in research andpursuit of center-level funding. The YYK Professor will complementthe expertise of existing physics faculty members while alsolaunching new research areas.

Responsibilities

Research

• Develops and maintains an active, externally funded researchprogram;
• Publishes in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and presentsat professional conferences;
• Supervises research staff, graduate students, and/orpostdoctoral fellows; and
• Contributes to interdisciplinary research initiatives withinthe department and university.

Teaching

• May teach up to two (2) courses per year or as assigned at theundergraduate and/or graduate level;
• Advises and mentors students in coursework, research, andprofessional development; and
• Contributes to instructional innovation.

Service

• Serves on departmental, college, or university committees asassigned;
• Participates in professional service (e.g., reviewing forjournals, serving on grant panels); and
• Contributes to outreach, engagement, and initiatives thatsupport the mission of the university.

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree/PhD in Physics or a related field;
• Experience in quantum physics which includes, but is notlimited to, quantum information science, quantum devices, quantummaterials, and quantum sensing;
• Rank of Associate Professor (or equivalent) or higher;
• Success in securing external research funding;
• Strong record of scholarly production;
• Knowledge of theoretical and/or computational quantum scienceat a depth demonstrated by a sustained, internationally recognizedrecord of peer-reviewed scholarship;
• Knowledge of the physics curriculum sufficient to teach at boththe undergraduate and graduate levels;
• Knowledge of federal and non-federal research fundingmechanisms, including center-level and multi-investigatorprograms;
• Skill in preparing competitive research proposals to federalagencies and other external sponsors;
• Skill in mentoring and supervising graduate students andpostdoctoral scholars;
• Skill in scientific writing, oral presentation, and classroominstruction;
• Ability to establish and maintain an externally funded researchgroup;
• Ability to collaborate across departments and disciplines,including in the pursuit of center-level funding;
• Ability to launch new research directions that complementexisting departmental expertise;
• A record of research, teaching, and service supportingappointment at the rank of associate professor or professor withtenure; and
• Standing as an eminent scholar in physics evidenced by honors,fellowships, editorial or advisory roles, or comparable externalrecognition.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated excellence in teaching at both the undergraduateand graduate levels.

Posting Open Date

September 17, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by

November 15, 2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 researchuniversity committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperousworld. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largestand most diverse public research university in Virginia, offeringdegree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level,along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment forstudents, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. Webelieve in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancingour mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; andwe believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity oforigin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative actionemployer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in itscommunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration foret employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability orveteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available athttp://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/