Job 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
Employment Type: Employee
Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
Anticipated Start Date: 08/01/2027
Job Posting Date: 10/14/2026
Open until filled: Yes
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.
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.
Classification Title: Associate Professor
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Polymer Synthesis and Functional Soft Materials: Design, synthesis, and characterization of polymers, hydrogels, responsive materials, and functional interfaces.
- Microfluidics and Soft-Matter Devices: Development of microfluidic platforms, lab-on-a-chip technologies, and soft-matter-based devices for transport, sensing, and manipulation of fluids and biological systems.
- Sensing and Biointegrated Devices: Development of novel sensing technologies, biosensors, and functional devices based on soft materials and polymeric systems.
- Surface and Interface Physics: Experimental investigations of polymer surfaces, interfaces, interfacial transport, and surface functionalization.
We are particularly interested in candidates whose research combines fundamental soft condensed matter physics with innovative experimental approaches and applications at the interfaces of physics, medicine, biological sciences, plant biology, and agriculture. Candidates whose research can leverage UGA's interdisciplinary strengths and advanced research infrastructure, including its cleanroom and microfabrication facilities, are especially encouraged to apply.
Is this a Position of Trust?: No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No
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): No
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.
