"Department Head, Professor"

Position Summary

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for the position of Head of the Department, expected to start August 1, 2026. We seek a visionary leader and accomplished scientist with internationally recognized expertise in physics or astronomy. This individual should be eager to shape the future of our department and advance its research, teaching, and service missions.

Pending University System of Georgia Board of Regents’ approval, this position includes appointment as the inaugural holder of the Ashvin B. Chhabra Distinguished Professorship.

The Department Head will report to the Dean of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and provide academic, administrative, personnel, and budgetary leadership for the department. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active, externally funded research program while fostering a culture of scholarly excellence and providing effective leadership in academic, administrative, and personnel matters. The Head is expected to contribute vigorously to UGA’s tripartite mission of teaching, research, and service (See UGA’s mission statement).

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should articulate a 2–3 page vision statement outlining their goals for the Department of Physics and Astronomy, as informed by their prior leadership experience in teaching, mentorship, research, and service. This statement might address strategies to:

• Strengthen and diversify the department’s research portfolio, embracing both existing and emerging areas of excellence
• Promote collegiality and shared governance
• Support the professional growth of junior and mid-career faculty
• Advance undergraduate and graduate education, with emphasis on student success and well-being
• Modernize curricula to enhance career readiness and expand internship opportunities
• Promote excellence in introductory physics instruction for students across campus
• Engage and leverage alumni networks.

Applications must include a cover letter addressing interest in the position, a curriculum vitae, a 2–3 page vision statement (as described above), and names and contact information for three references (letters may be requested later). Questions may be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee at salguero@uga.edu.

Review of applications will begin on January 5, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. All applications received by the review date will receive full consideration.

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2583P

Working Title: Department Head, Professor

Department: Franklin-Physics & Astronomy

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department: The Department of Physics and Astronomy (https://physast.uga.edu) comprises 23 faculty, approximately 60 graduate students, and approximately 125 total undergraduate majors. Active research programs are concentrated in areas of astrophysics, biophysics, molecular and optical physics, and quantum technologies/nanoscience/condensed matter physics. This department is part of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, a vibrant community committed to interdisciplinary research and education, collaboration and academic innovation. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of UGA’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, and creative activity across more than 40 departments, schools, and institutes.

College/Unit/Department website: https://physast.uga.edu

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan:

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Underutilization:

Advertised Salary:

Anticipated Start Date: 08/01/2026

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings):

Job Posting Date: 11/24/2025

Job Closing Date:

Open until filled: Yes

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title: Department Chair/Head AC

FLSA:

Faculty Rank: Professor

Contract Type: Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status: Tenured

Minimum Qualifications: Hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in physics, astronomy, or a closely related field

Additional Requirements:

• Qualify for tenure on appointment at the full professor level
• Possess academic credentials and a record of scholarship in accordance with UGA’s promotion and tenure guidelines. Must be approved before hire.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification:

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Competitive candidates will demonstrate:

• Proven strong leadership and management capabilities
• A compelling strategic vision for advancing the department’s teaching and research missions
• A record of sustained research excellence and extramural funding
• A strong commitment to teaching and mentorship.

Physical Demands:

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: Yes

Does this position require a P-Card?: No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?: No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): Yes

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Posting Specific Questions: Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Other Documents #1
4. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents