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Faculty Position
The Department of Physics invites applications for a faculty position at the rank of associate or full professor, to start in fall 2025. We will consider theorists in all subfields with a preference for research portfolios that overlap with the area of quantum science.
Competitive applicants will have a Ph.D., a record of creative research accomplishments, a compelling and original future research plan, an ability to achieve teaching excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community in the practice and teaching of science.
Candidates for associate professor must have demonstrated excellence as a scholar and researcher in a field relevant to the Department of Physics and have an established reputation for scholarly or professional achievement. Duties will involve teaching, research, and service.
Candidates for professor must have demonstrated excellence as a scholar and researcher in a field relevant to the Department of Physics and have evidence of a substantial record of advanced research as well as leadership in their field of specialization. Duties will involve teaching, research, and service.
Candidates should apply via the Academic Jobs Online website.
In addition to the Academic Jobs Online application, Penn State requires all applicants to register and complete the application form on the Penn State employment website. Only demographic information needs be input to this link, not all application materials.
The Department of Physics has a strong commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion in all areas, and encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Completed applications received by December 6, 2024, are assured of full consideration; later applications may be considered until the position is filled.
For general guidance on writing a teaching and diversity statement, refer to "Writing Teaching and Diversity Statements" on the Edge for Scholars website.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Questions? Please contact the chair of the search committee, Prof Jorge Sofo (sofo@psu.edu)
Non-Tenure-Line Faculty Position
The Department of Physics at The Pennsylvania State University is dedicated to fostering innovative and student-centered learning approaches. We are looking for an individual who can contribute to our mission of creating an inclusive, supportive, integrated undergraduate experience including advising and mentoring, classroom and laboratory-based learning, and teaching and research experiences.
We invite qualified applicants for the position of non-tenure line assistant teaching professor, starting (flexibly per applicant availability) in 2025. Responsibilities of this role encompass a diverse range of teaching and administrative tasks, potentially including:
- Instruction: Facilitating engaging and interactive class sessions for both large and small groups of undergraduate students, both in-person and online, with an emphasis on modern teaching methods. The non-exclusive focus is introductory and lab courses, and development is welcome.
- Course Administration: Managing teams of faculty, graduate teaching assistants (TAs) and undergraduate learning assistants (LAs) involved in teaching our larger courses and handling all administrative aspects of those courses.
- Teacher Training: Providing guidance and support for TAs and LAs to enhance their teaching skills, both broadly and course-specifically.
- Academic Advising: Serve as an advisor and mentor to some of our more than 200 majors and minors, helping them find their path through our undergraduate program.
- Other Service: As a full member of the Pennsylvania State University Faculty, service on departmental, college and/or university committees is also expected. Commitments are tailored to match individual interests and expertise.
Exact details will evolve to meet department needs and instructor interests. Research activity, particularly in the synergistic field of Physics Education Research, is possible, but is not expected.
This is a term, 48-week appointment funded for one year from date of hire with excellent possibility of renewal. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.
Education and Experience
Competitive applicants must have a Ph.D. in physics or a related field (prior to start date but not necessarily application). Previous teaching experience, interest and/or experience in evidence-based teaching methods and strong written and oral communication skills are essential.
Additional Information
Applicants should arrange for three reference letters to be submitted to physicsapply@psu.edu, indicating the job number in the subject line. Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter, CV, concise statement of teaching/teaching philosophy and experience, and relevant teaching evaluation summaries, if available.
System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit.
Candidates should apply via the Workday website.
Questions? Please contact the chair of the search committee, Prof. Eric Hudson (ehudson@psu.edu)
The Department of Physics invites qualified applicants to apply to our continually developing Postdoctoral Scholar opportunities. Both the Physics Department and Penn State University are committed to providing growth and mentorship opportunities to our Postdoctoral Scholars. Professional development is provided through our Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
Undergraduate Students
The Department of Physics offers a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. The focus of this REU program is on research across physics and how sustainability can be part of research (even if the research topic isn’t directly related to sustainability). REU students will do research in their preferred research discipline within physics or with the Center for Nanoscale Science. As part of the program students will have professional development training (see below) in science communication, attend research seminars and learn about how physics research interacts with sustainability issues (carbon-footprint, chemical waste, power usage, education- outreach, or the social/environmental side of large-scale observatories).
Graduate Students
The Department of Physics invites prospective students to join our vibrant and dynamic graduate student community! With world-class research, educational and collaboration opportunities, Penn State’s Department of Physics is an ideal place to pursue your graduate studies.
There is no cost to apply for the Fall 2025 cohort. The Department of Physics is granting applicant fee waivers to all applicants! Please make sure to use the code PHYS2025 when applying.
Each year, in October, the graduate school runs an open house, where potential candidates can spend a weekend at Penn State (we provide travel and housing), speak to admissions committee members and potential research advisors, and learn how to improve their application. Information can be found on the Grad School Open House website. The application deadline tends to be in early fall (August or September), with applications opening near the beginning of summer. It’s free to apply to the Open House, and a good opportunity to learn more about Penn State before you apply to our graduate program.
The Department of Physics employs staff members in a variety of positions including administrative assistant, education program coordinator, event coordinator, and finance assistant among others. Staff positions will be posted on Penn State’s hiring website, WorkDay, as positions become available.
For any general inquiries about staff positions with the Physics Department, please email Susan Steyers (sms8670@psu.edu).
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.