"Assistant Professor, Physics, Tenure-Track"

Job Details

The Department of Physics & Astrophysics at the University of North Dakota is seeking an Assistant Professor of Physics to begin August 16, 2026. This is a 9-month, tenure-track position, which will teach undergraduate and graduate courses and contribute to the mission of the department and the university through research and service activities.

Purpose of Position

The Department of Physics & Astrophysics at the University of North Dakota seeks an assistant professor in physics with research interests in experimental condensed matter physics/device physics with focus on utilizing state-of-the-art capabilities of UND’s new Nanofoundry to develop an independent research program. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the website for the Nanofoundry via this link. The research program will focus on topics relevant to UND’s National Security Initiative (NSI). This is a tenure-track position contingent on availability of funding.

The successful candidate will have an exceptional record of research accomplishments including published peer-reviewed papers. In addition, this candidate must show outstanding promise for establishing a vibrant research program and attracting external research funds. The applicant must have a PhD degree in physics or a closely related field and be strongly committed to teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels and to involving both undergraduate and graduate students in their research. Experience with interdisciplinary collaborative research and/or teaching is preferred.

The University and Community

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in the North Dakota. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, it is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having very high research activity. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study and enrolls nearly 16,000 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law and School of Medicine. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.

UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public school system, high-quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top five Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

Duties & Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will be expected to establish a nationally recognized, independent research program in experimental physics with preferred focus on utilizing state-of-the-art capabilities of UND’s new Nanofoundry currently under development. Alignment with UND’s Grand Challenges: National Security & Space, Big Data, Energy and Sustainability Autonomous Systems.
• The successful applicant will receive a contract with an approximate effort distribution of 25% teaching; 70% research; 5% service for the first 2–3 years. Teaching responsibilities include graduate and/or undergraduate courses in physics with an anticipated load of no more than two courses per academic year and supervision of graduate and undergraduate research.
• All faculty are expected to contribute service within the department, college, university, and community. UND and the College of Arts & Sciences value diverse perspectives and seek applicants who are committed to helping students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed.

Required Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including evidence of the ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to work with and engage diverse students and colleagues within and outside the Department of Physics & Astrophysics.
• Ability to adapt to current methods of teaching, including online delivery.

Minimum Requirements

• Earned PhD in Physics or a closely related field by 8/15/2026
• Successful completion of criminal history records check.
• Obtain clearance to work on projects involving International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which requires the applicant to be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent resident card.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in experimental condensed matter physics/device physics with focus on utilizing state-of-the-art capabilities of UND’s new Nanofoundry.
• Postdoctoral research and/or equivalent experience
• A proven record of peer-reviewed publications
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level
• Experience in seeking and administering federal grants or potential to do so
• Potential to establish a research program in an area that aligns with UND’s Grand Challenges: National Security & Space, Big Data, Energy and Sustainability, and/or Autonomous Systems
• Experience working collaboratively on multi-disciplinary research teams

To Apply

For full consideration, applications must be received by Dec 1, 2025 and include the following materials:

• Cover letter
• Professional vita or resumé
• Copies of all college transcripts, unofficial copies, are acceptable. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts upon hire.
• A 2–3-page statement of the candidate’s research plans. The plans may include reference to completed work if appropriate but should be forward looking.
• A 1-page statement outlining teaching experience, teaching philosophy, and student outreach and mentoring activities
• Contact information for three references who can attest to candidate’s qualifications for this position.

Position is open until it is filled.

Questions can be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Prof. Nuri Oncel at nuri.oncel@und.edu.