What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor of Physics position at Physics World?
Job Details
Description
Amherst College's Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in physics at the rank of assistant professor. We welcome all applications, especially those from applicants whose research is in theoretical or computational physics. The appointment will start July 1, 2027. The department seeks a person who demonstrates a commitment to teaching in a liberal-arts environment and to establishing a robust research program involving undergraduates. A Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field is required.
The successful candidate will teach physics courses at all levels, including associated labs. The teaching load is two courses per semester. Experience with inclusive pedagogy is preferred.
The successful candidate will mount an independent physics research program that involves undergraduate students, supervise honors projects, and contribute to the life of the department and college. Research support includes start-up funding and state-of-the-art facilities.
There is a broader research community in the area because of Amherst College's proximity to the University of Massachusetts, as well as Smith and Mount Holyoke Colleges. Additional information about faculty hiring at Amherst College is available on our candidates’ page.
The expected salary range for this job opportunity is $90,000 to $125,000. The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families.
Applicants are asked to submit the following materials electronically to https://apply.interfolio.com/190300: a cover letter summarizing your interest in the position; a curriculum vitae; a teaching statement that includes a summary of your experiences with and approaches to teaching; a research statement that includes a discussion of how you plan to involve undergraduates in your research program; and the names of three referees whom you will ask to provide letters of recommendation. Candidates should ask referees to upload letters of recommendation by November 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Amherst College is one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country. The college is committed to providing financial aid that meets 100 percent of every student’s demonstrated need, and nearly 60 percent of Amherst students receive financial aid. Our expectation is that the successful candidate will excel at teaching and mentoring a broad range of students. The college is committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff and works to support all members of its community. Amherst College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, persons of color, and persons with disabilities to apply.
About Amherst
As a leading liberal arts institution, Amherst College values a wide range of backgrounds and experiences among its students, faculty, administration, and staff, recognizing that this enhances the educational experience and campus culture. Amherst is committed to cultivating a vibrant and welcoming community. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting our campus community. Learn more here.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
Amherst College does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs and activities on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, military service, or any other characteristic or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Amherst College complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Inquiries should be addressed to the chief equity and inclusion officer, Amherst College, P.O. Box 5000, Amherst, MA 01002-5000. More information about Amherst College for prospective candidates is available here: https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/provost_dean_faculty/faculty_hiring/for-candidates
Description
Amherst College's Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in physics at the rank of assistant professor. We welcome all applications, especially those from applicants whose research is in theoretical or computational physics. The appointment will start July 1, 2027. The department seeks a person who demonstrates a commitment to teaching in a liberal-arts environment and to establishing a robust research program involving undergraduates. A Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field is required.
The successful candidate will teach physics courses at all levels, including associated labs. The teaching load is two courses per semester. Experience with inclusive pedagogy is preferred.
The successful candidate will mount an independent physics research program that involves undergraduate students, supervise honors projects, and contribute to the life of the department and college. Research support includes start-up funding and state-of-the-art facilities.
There is a broader research community in the area because of Amherst College's proximity to the University of Massachusetts, as well as Smith and Mount Holyoke Colleges. Additional information about faculty hiring at Amherst College is available on our candidates’ page.
The expected salary range for this job opportunity is $90,000 to $125,000. The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families.
Applicants are asked to submit the following materials electronically to https://apply.interfolio.com/190300: a cover letter summarizing your interest in the position; a curriculum vitae; a teaching statement that includes a summary of your experiences with and approaches to teaching; a research statement that includes a discussion of how you plan to involve undergraduates in your research program; and the names of three referees whom you will ask to provide letters of recommendation. Candidates should ask referees to upload letters of recommendation by November 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Amherst College is one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country. The college is committed to providing financial aid that meets 100 percent of every student’s demonstrated need, and nearly 60 percent of Amherst students receive financial aid. Our expectation is that the successful candidate will excel at teaching and mentoring a broad range of students. The college is committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff and works to support all members of its community. Amherst College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, persons of color, and persons with disabilities to apply.
About Amherst
As a leading liberal arts institution, Amherst College values a wide range of backgrounds and experiences among its students, faculty, administration, and staff, recognizing that this enhances the educational experience and campus culture. Amherst is committed to cultivating a vibrant and welcoming community. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting our campus community. Learn more here.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
Amherst College does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs and activities on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, military service, or any other characteristic or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Amherst College complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Inquiries should be addressed to the chief equity and inclusion officer, Amherst College, P.O. Box 5000, Amherst, MA 01002-5000. More information about Amherst College for prospective candidates is available here: https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/provost_dean_faculty/faculty_hiring/for-candidates
Salary : $90,000 - $125,000