"Assistant Professor- Soft Matter/Statistical Physics Theory"

Job Description

The Department of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a tenure-track, academic year, faculty position in theoretical or computational physics in the area of soft matter, statistical physics, or biomaterials. The department has a vibrant, collaborative group of faculty working in these areas, both theory and experiment. We seek candidates with an ambitious research plan who will complement existing strength in soft and bioinspired matter, statistical physics, and quantum matter, foster new collaborations, and take advantage of the broad research activity of our campus in soft materials. Further information about the Department's research can be found at: http://www.physics.umass.edu/.

Requirements

Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent in Physics or a related field, with relevant post-doctoral experience.

Salary Information

It is expected that the salary range for this position is between $79,350 and $115,448.

Please note:

• The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.
• The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.
• The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors when and if it decides to extend and offer of employment.

Additional Information

Expected start date of this position is September 1, 2026. We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.

Application Instructions

Along with the application, please submit a (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) statement of research plans, (4) statement of teaching interests, (5) contact information for three or more references.

Evaluation of applicants will begin on January 20, 2026 and may continue until a suitable candidate pool has been identified. All questions pertaining to this position can be directed to Prof. A.D. Dinsmore (dinsmore@umass.edu), Chair of the search committee.

Contributions to the University’s Values and Strategic Goals

Candidates may be invited to describe how their work aligns with the university’s values and strategic goals, found here Inclusive Excellence : College of Natural Sciences : UMass Amherst, and For the Common Good - 2024-2034 : Strategic Plan : UMass Amherst. These reflections offer insight into how applicants foster respectful collaboration, support student success, and contribute to an inclusive academic environment. This information is not used to exclude candidates, but to better understand their potential to advance departmental and institutional priorities. Search committees may request these reflections within the cover letter, teaching or research statements, as appropriate.