Assistant/Associate Professor

Tenure Track

Assistant or Associate Professor

017131

VISA sponsorship is available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.

Physics & Astronomy - 250700

Boone, NC

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Physics, Atmospheric Science, or a related field.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Appalachian State University seeks a candidate to fill a tenure-track position. Candidates with experimental research experience in atmospheric physics aligned with one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply: (1) atmospheric aerosol measurements and instrumentation; (2) aerosol-cloud-meteorology interactions; or (3) integrated studies of aerosol physical and chemical properties.

The department offers a B.A. in Physics, a B.S. in Physics with a concentration in Applied Physics, and a B.S. in Physics with a concentration in Secondary Education. Additionally, the department’s M.S. program in Engineering Physics is a national leader in instrumentation and automation. The faculty includes 13.5 tenure-track and 11 full-time non-tenure-track members. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are consistently ranked among the largest in the country by the AIP when compared to other Masters granting institutions: enrollment exceeds 180 undergraduate majors and 20-25 master’s students.

As the premier, public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors. Additional information about the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the University, and the surrounding area can be found at www.appstate.edu and www.physics.appstate.edu.

Candidates must have a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate education, and are expected to make significant contributions to the M.S. program in Engineering Physics. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to creating a supportive environment for students in teaching and research. Candidates are expected to develop a research program that, in addition to involving undergraduate and M.S. students, can attract external funding, and develop collaborations within the department. Candidates with an interest in developing industry and/or agency connections are encouraged to apply. Facilities include the Appalachian Atmospheric Interdisciplinary Research (AppalAIR) sites, home to the only active collocated NOAA Federated Aerosol Network (NOAA FAN), NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) and Nasa Micropulsed Lidar Network (NASA MPLNET) sites in the U.S., in addition to staffed machine and electronics shops. Start-up funds will be available to the successful candidate.

Full Time Position

1.0

9

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

08/01/2026

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

ABD with reduction in rank and salary (see desc. below)

ABD with reduction in rank and salary: ABD will be considered for this position. Evidence of successful defense of the dissertation must be received by July 31 for a fall hire or November 30 for a spring hire. If confirmation of defense is not provided by the deadline, the candidate will receive a new one-year fixed-term contract and be hired at the rank of Instructor. The candidate’s salary will also be reduced to a lower rate commensurate with other full-time instructors in the same department. However, if degree verification is provided before the end of the one-year fixed-term contract, the candidate will be returned to the rank of assistant professor with commensurate compensation beginning July 1 of the following academic year.

No ABD consideration: Only candidates with an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution will be considered for the position. Since ABD will not meet the minimum requirements, ABD will not be considered.

A complete application consists of and must be attached:
1. Cover Letter/Letter of Interest
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. List of 3 Professional References with Contact Information Included
4. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
5. Statement of Research Interests

The continued employment of a special faculty member during the term appointment may be made expressly contingent on items such as the continued availability of funding from any source, on enrollment levels, or any other contingency established by the institution.

The continued employment of a special faculty member during the term appointment may be made expressly contingent on items such as the continued availability of funding from any source, on enrollment levels, or any other contingency established by the institution.

09/24/2025

Yes

10/15/2025

Chris Thaxton

thaxtoncs@appstate.edu

https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/52155

FA00522P