Assistant Professor - AMO Physics Theory

Position Description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico (UNM) invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics theory to begin in August 2027. This is a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position. Applicants must have a PhD in Physics or a related field by the date of appointment. All application materials must be submitted by December 1, 2026, to receive best consideration.

We are seeking an outstanding scholar in any area of AMO theory research, broadly defined. The new faculty member will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in physics and supervise doctoral students. They will have the opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary research centers at UNM, including the Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I), the Center for Quantum Information and Control, the Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM), and the Center for Advanced Research Computing (CARC). The new faculty member will also have the opportunity to work with students in interdisciplinary academic programs including the Optical Science and Engineering PhD and MS programs, the Quantum Photonics and Quantum Technology graduate certificate program, concentrations in Quantum Information Science within the physics and engineering degree programs, the Quantum Undergraduate Research Experience at CHTM, and the Physics and Astronomy REU programs.

Minimum and Preferred Criteria:

Minimum Qualifications:
1. Ph.D. in Physics or closely related field by start date of appointment
2. Research experience in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical physics theory, broadly defined.

Preferred Qualifications:
1. Demonstrated potential for teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels, as evidenced through the submitted cover letter, CV, teaching statement, and references.
2. Demonstrated potential to develop a strong research program in AMO theory, as evidenced through the submitted cover letter, CV, research statement, publication record, and references.
3. Potential for mentoring a diverse range of students at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
4. Ability to contribute to other core areas in the department and UNM.
5. Ability or potential for obtaining external funding to support research and teaching.
6. A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university's mission to serve local and global communities.

To apply, please access the University of New Mexico’s online application system at https://unmjobs.unm.edu/ and apply for posting req37928. Only applications submitted through this website can be considered. Applicants should pay extra attention to the “Special Instructions to Applicants,” which detail all of the required elements that must accompany the application. A complete application consists of a cover letter describing the applicant’s qualifications as they relate to the minimum and preferred criteria (e.g., research agenda, teaching ability, commitment to success of a wide range of students, etc.), a current curriculum vita (please include email address and telephone number), a 1-2 page teaching and mentoring statement, a 2-4 page research statement including future plans as an assistant professor, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.

For best consideration, all required application materials must be received by December 1, 2026. We will only consider complete applications. The position will remain open until filled. Inquiries about the position should be directed to the search committee Chair, Victor Acosta (vmacosta@unm.edu) and department Chair Greg Taylor (gbtaylor@unm.edu). Inquiries about the online application process can be directed to the Search coordinator, Julie Morrison, jmorriso@unm.edu.

UNM is the premier research university in New Mexico, is a Carnegie Highest Research Activity Institution, and is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution. Our campus is located in the heart of Albuquerque, which has cultural, outdoor and recreational opportunities for everyone. Learn more about our city, our welcoming campus, and research opportunities at https://advance.unm.edu/why-abq/ and https://advance.unm.edu/why-unm/. For more information regarding the College of Arts and Science's ambitious hiring plan, including a list of departments that are hiring faculty members with shared interests, please see this page, https://artsci.unm.edu/college/hiring.html.