Assistant Professor - Physics

Assistant Professor - Physics

Hiring Department : Physics

Location : Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID : 1042940

Posting Close Date : November 16, 2026

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $100,000 to $120,000.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Position Summary

The Department of Physics and theCollege of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) at the University of Illinois Chicago invite applications for a tenure-track position in theoretical condensed matterphysics at the Assistant Professor level.The emphasis of this search is to strengthen the Department's efforts in theoreticalcondensed matter research in quantum materials. The anticipated start date isFall 2027.


The open faculty position is in the field of computationalquantum materials, with an emphasis on incorporating artificial intelligence(AI) and machine learning (ML) methods. We seek a researcher who will developnew computational approaches that combine physics-based modeling, large-scalesimulation, and AI/ML to discover and design materials with quantum properties.The overall objective is to develop predictive and experimentally testableapproaches to the discovery, understanding, and engineering of quantummaterials, including materials and structures relevant to qubits, quantumsensing, and other quantum technologies, with an emphasis on applications in quantuminformation science (QIS).

• The successful candidate is expected to establish a highlyvisible and externally funded research program addressing questions at theintersection of quantum materials, computational physics, and artificialintelligence. Research directions may include:
• -Physics-informed, AI/ML-guided discovery and design of materials exhibiting desirable quantum properties.
  -Advanced computational approaches to model realistic quantum materials, such as correlated or topological systems, engineered quantum systems and heterostructures, as well as low-dimensional systems relevant to QIS.
• Thesuccessful candidate should be able to collaborate with existing condensedmatter theoretical and experimental groups in the Department of Physics. Thematerials and condensed matter faculty conduct research on a wide range offunctional and complex materials, including energy-relevant, quantum,topological, superconducting, and strongly correlated systems. A fullerdescription of the research programs in the Department of Physics can be foundat phys.uic.edu.
• UIC offers a strong infrastructure for computational and experimental materials research, including advanced characterization core facilities and substantial high-performance computing capabilities that support large-scale simulations and data-intensive research. The Chicago region has become a national leader in QIS research, supported by robust academic, state, federal, and industrial investments. Existing programs include the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center, the FermiForward partnership, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE). UIC is well positioned to play a leading role in this ecosystem.
  Duties & Responsibilities
  
  
  The assistant professor isexpected to establish a highly visible and externally funded research programat the forefront of theoretical condensed matter physics. This program shouldinclude the education and participation of doctoral graduate students incutting-edge research projects as well as provide appropriate researchopportunities for undergraduate students. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to teachingphysics at both undergraduate and graduate levels within a Research 1university environment with a focus on establishing an inclusive and diverseenvironment for historically underserved students. The candidate is also expected to advisestudents, and provide service to the department, college and university.

Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Physics or a relatedfield; or international equivalent

Preferred Qualifications
Post-Ph.D.experience

Required documents to be uploaded include a CV, publication list, and concise statements of research and teaching interests. Applicants who are confirmed to meet the minimum qualifications will be requested to provide contact information for at least three reference letters. Applications must be completed by November 16, 2026, to receive full consideration. Final authorization of the position is subject to the availability of funding.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.