Position Summary
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Georgia ( UGA ) invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position at the rank of Associate Professor in Experimental Soft Condensed Matter Physics, with an anticipated start date of August 2027.
The successful candidate is expected to establish and sustain a vigorous, externally funded research program, advance fundamental understanding of soft and functional materials, and develop interdisciplinary collaborations across the university. The candidate will also be expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, mentor students and postdoctoral researchers, and participate in departmental and university service.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research accomplishments and future research plans, statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy, and contact information for at least three professional references through the University of Georgia’s official faculty recruitment portal. Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Posting Details
Posting Number
F2845P
Working Title
Associate Professor in Experimental Soft Condensed Matter Physics
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 University of Georgia is a leading public research university offering an interdisciplinary research environment with opportunities for collaboration across physics, chemistry, engineering, biological sciences, medicine, and agricultural sciences. 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. With a vision for high-impact research and education, Franklin College prepares students for leadership and global engagement in a sustainable future. The College has a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research, collaboration and academic innovation.
College/Unit/Department website
https://www.physast.uga.edu/
Posting Type
External
Retirement Plan
Employment Type
Employee
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible
Underutilization
Advertised Salary
Anticipated Start Date
08/01/2027
Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)
Job Posting Date
10/14/2026
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 ( [contact details available in the full listing] ).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 [contact details available in the full listing] .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom .
Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title
Associate Professor
FLSA
Faculty Rank
Associate Professor
Contract Type
Academic (9 mo.)
Tenure Status
Tenure Track or Tenured
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must have qualifications and academic credentials that are commensurate with the promotion and tenure (P&T) guidelines at the UGA ( https://provost.uga.edu/faculty-affairs/promotion-tenure-evaluation/promotion-and-tenure/promotion-guidelines/ ). To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must be appointed as an associate professor, have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrably national reputation to the institution. Candidates must be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of independent research accomplishments, scholarly productivity, external funding, and successful student mentorship commensurate with appointment at the Associate Professor level.
We seek an outstanding experimental physicist with a strong record of research excellence and scientific leadership in soft condensed matter physics, particularly in areas involving polymers, transport phenomena, soft materials, microfluidics, and functional devices. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Polymer Physics and Transport Phenomena : Fundamental studies of ionic, molecular, and fluid transport in polymers, polymer networks, membranes, and soft materials.