"Assistant Professor of Plasma Physics"

Description

Hampton University invites applications for a faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Plasma Physics (tenure-track), to be filled by Fall 2026 or earlier.

Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a leading HBCU (Historically Black College and University) located on the Virginia Peninsula in the City of Hampton. It is a privately endowed, co-educational, nonsectarian institution. Hampton University is classified as an R2 institution (Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity), aspiring to solidify its status and committed to growing toward R1 status.

The Department of Physics is among nine departments (Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science, Communicative and Speech Disorders, Marine and Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Physical Therapy) constituting the School of Science. The Department of Physics offers a 4-year undergraduate major degree in Physics (BS) as well as a minor in Physics. For more than three decades, the Department of Physics has been offering graduate programs with MS and PhD degrees in Physics with emphasis on Nuclear and Optical Physics. A new emphasis is being added on Plasma Physics and Fusion Science, and a program for MS and PhD in Medical Physics is in the planning stages.

The metropolitan hub of Hampton Roads provides regional opportunities to partner with National Labs (such as Jefferson Laboratory or NASA Langley Research Center) and capital ventures.

Hampton University is hosting a state-of-the-art facility for Proton Radiation Therapy (HUPCI), one of the largest in the Nation, offering unique physics research opportunities.

After more than 40 years of theoretical research in plasma physics and fusion energy science, Hampton University has recently entered the field of experimental plasma physics and fusion energy by building a stellarator experiment, STAR_Lite. The project is supported by grants from the Simons Foundation and the Department of Energy.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful applicant will take a primary leadership role in the construction, commissioning, and operation of the STAR_Lite stellarator. This position is partially supported by the Simons Foundation grant for a limited duration to deliver the key performance indicators of the STAR_Lite experiment.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Experimental Leadership: Spearhead the project’s transition from the design phase to an operational facility.
• System Design & Integration: Lead the design, procurement, assembly, and commissioning of the complete stellarator vacuum system, including all ports, gas injection, and vacuum control.
• Plasma Heating & Diagnostics: Oversee the integration of the microwave heating system and develop the full, phase-one plasma diagnostics suite (e.g., electron beam mapping, magnetics, spectroscopy, probe, and interferometer/reflectometer systems) required for machine commissioning and first plasma characterization.
• Commissioning & Operations: Manage the commissioning of the magnetic field coils, map the vacuum flux surfaces, and plan/execute the first experimental campaigns.
• Research & Funding: Build a world-class, externally funded research program; publish scholarly work; and present research at national and international conferences.
• Teaching & Mentoring: Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in plasma physics and fusion science, and mentor students from a variety of populations in research.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Physics, Plasma Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field by the start of employment
• Significant hands-on experience in experimental plasma physics
• Demonstrated expertise in the design, implementation, and/or operation of plasma diagnostic systems
• A strong background in one or more of the following areas: ultra-high vacuum (UHV) technology, plasma heating systems (e.g., ECRH, RF), or data acquisition and control systems
• A strong record of research and publication appropriate to a tenure-track appointment
• A clear commitment to teaching and mentoring a student body with various backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral experience in an experimental plasma physics environment
• Experience in managing experimental projects, leading technical teams, or overseeing facility operations
• Direct experience with stellarator or tokamak experiments
• A record of, or strong potential for, securing external research funding

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin after January 5, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae along with a list of publications, statements on teaching, research, and service, emphasizing their vision, to be prepared as a single PDF file. The applicant should arrange for at least three and up to five letters of recommendation. Applications and letters should be submitted electronically to the Interim Chair of the Department of Physics, Dr. Michael Kohl, e-mail michael.kohl@hamptonu.edu.