Assistant or Associate Professor in Experimental Photonics Physics
The Department of Physics at the Ohio State University announces an opening for a tenure-track faculty hire in experimental physics, with focus on novel photonic phenomena, materials, and devices. The appointment is effective in Autumn 2026 at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. We envision a candidate with strong potential for excellence in all aspects of scholarship and who will collaborate with the broad research community across campus and be an active member of major research centers and institutes at the Ohio State University, such as the Center for Emergent Materials (CEM, an NSF MRSEC), the National eXtreme Ultrafast Science Facility (NeXUS, an NSF Mid-Scale Research Facility), the Institute for Optical Science, the Center for the Exploration of Novel Complex Materials (ENCOMM), the Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering (CQISE), and the Institute for Materials and Manufacturing Research (IMR).
Applicants should demonstrate the potential to be a recognized leader in the field of photonics, who will develop a productive, well-funded, and internationally prominent research program. Successful candidates will be expected to: foster cross-disciplinary research with sustained impact; develop and maintain an extramally funded research program; have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring; and contribute to the teaching (graduate and undergraduate) and service missions of the University.
Required: Candidates must hold a PhD in Physics or a closely related field. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to building a welcoming intellectual community, in line with OSUs Shared Values.
Desired: Candidates with an established research record are invited to apply. We are seeking candidates who, in addition to building their independent research program, will have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring. Applicants should demonstrate the potential to be a recognized leader in the field of experimental photonics physics, who will develop a productive, well-funded, and internationally prominent research program.
Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.
To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday. The search committee will begin reviewing applications on October 15, 2025 and the final deadline for application submission is November 1, 2025. Inquiries may be directed to Michael Chini at chini.4@osu.edu.
Application materials submitted in Workday must include: Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity. Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications. Attachment 3: Research Statement: Summary of your past research accomplishments, current work/research, and proposal for your future research plan as a faculty member. Attachment 4: Teaching Statement: A statement of your approaches, experience and philosophy regarding your teaching, learning, and mentoring.
All applicants will be asked to provide the names and contact information for three references within 48-72 hours following the submission of application materials.
With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success.
The Department of Physics at The Ohio State University is one of the universitys largest, offering a broad range of research areas and academic programs. As a department in the division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences in the College of the Arts and Sciences, the Department of Physics occupies the Physics Research Building as well as instructional and advising space in Smith Laboratory, the former home of the department. The department is the home to multiple internationally renowned centers and research facilities. The department currently has 50 faculty and approximately 60 postdoctoral researchers and research scientists, 210 graduate students, and 430 undergraduate majors. For more information, see: https://physics.osu.edu/about-us.
Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of Americas leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.
Grounded in Ohio State Universitys Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.
The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available. More information about dual career and faculty recruitment can be found here.
In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies. Ohio State is a member of the Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia HERC.
Located in Ohios capital city, Ohio States Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
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