"Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Physics or Computer Science"

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University.

Department: College of Arts & Sciences

Time Type: Full time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Description: The Department of Physics and the Department of Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University invite applications for a full-time, tenure-track position (open rank) beginning August 1, 2026. We encourage candidates in physics, computer science, or data science with a vibrant research profile that engages with artificial intelligence to apply. The ideal candidate would serve as a connection between the Physics and Computer Science departments and contribute to both with a mutually-agreed time and effort. Applicants should have a PhD or an anticipated PhD completion by August 2026 in physics, computer science, data science or a related field. Depending on qualifications, the appointee to this position may be recommended for tenure at the time of hiring.

Candidates should be effective teachers and must be strongly committed to excellence in scholarly research and student mentorship. We envision a faculty member who can teach and mentor undergraduate students and who can secure external funding to support their research agenda. In addition to scholarship and teaching, responsibilities will include participation in department, school and university activities and service. This position is part of a university-wide initiative to enhance our capacities in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science.

American University is a private institution with an increasingly diverse student population in a dynamic metropolitan area. Our campus is within easy reach of the many science centers located in and around the nation’s capital, including NASA, NOAA, NIST, DOE, NSF, NIH, DOD, and many other federally funded labs and research centers. Our departments pride ourselves on our student-centered approach to mentorship and teaching for all students interested in physics and computer science. The Physics Department offers undergraduate degrees in Physics, and the Computer Science Department offers both undergraduate and MS degrees. We welcome applications that demonstrate interest in collaboration with existing faculty and local institutions, including interdisciplinary collaborations in adjacent fields. Tenure-track faculty teach a maximum of two courses per semester.

The annual salary ranges based on rank are as follows: Assistant Professor $90,000-101,000; Associate Professor $111,000-150,000; Professor $151,000-220,000. Review of applications will begin November 1st and will continue until the position is filled, subject to ongoing budgetary approval. Include a letter of application which explains your career trajectory; a curriculum vitae; a research statement that includes plans for undergraduate participation; and a teaching statement that includes strategies for teaching a diverse student body. Please arrange three letters of recommendation to be directly submitted through the job application portal: after the candidate submits the application, Workday will prompt the applicant to provide contact information about their letter writers. Please contact Nathan Harshman, Search Committee Chair, harshman@american.edu if you have any questions.

Benefits: AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details: Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university. Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. American University is an E-Verify employer.