Assistant Professor of Physics - Applied Mechanics

Rank: Assistant Professor

Department: Physics

Starting Date: Fall 2027

Summary

California State University San Marcos has an opening for a tenure
track assistant professor of physics to begin August 2027.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics, applied physics,
engineering physics, or a closely related field with specialization
in geophysics, continuum mechanics, fluid dynamics, rheology, soft
condensed matter, structure of materials, granular materials or
related areas. CSUSM values teaching undergraduates and involving
them in research. The campus is located on a scenic hillside 15
miles east of the Pacific Ocean in the San Diego North County
region, an area known for its temperate climate and growing
technology industries. CSUSM offers a B.S. in Applied Physics and
was a 2020 recipient of the APS Award for Improving Undergraduate
Physics Education. We seek faculty candidates to help establish an
applied mechanics track within an Applied Physics bachelor’s degree
program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must possess a doctorate in Physics, Applied

Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related field with
specialization in geophysics, continuum mechanics, fluid dynamics,
rheology, soft condensed matter, structure of materials, granular
materials, or related areas.

• Applicants with ABD status will be considered and may be

interviewed, but the applicant must possess the doctorate degree
from an accredited university at the time of appointment for this
position.

• Candidates must demonstrate teaching excellence, a commitment

to exploring the use of research-based instructional practices, and
an ability to teach courses across the undergraduate physics
curriculum.

• Candidates must possess a record of published research

commensurate with years of experience, and the ability to develop
and sustain a research program involving undergraduates that will
lead to original, peer-reviewed publications.

• Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and work

cooperatively with departmental colleagues and in our campus
community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference will be given to candidates who can contribute to

developing and offering an applied mechanics track within an
Applied Physics bachelor’s degree program.

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience with

Finite Element Analysis and other techniques and software packages
relevant to applied mechanics research and industry.

• Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated

intercultural competence in teaching, research, and/or
service.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $8,500 - $9,167 per month

CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,221- $13,224 per month

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the CSUSM Online Employment Application
and attach the following documents:

• Cover letter specifically addressing minimum and preferred

qualifications (2 pages maximum).

• Curriculum vitae.
• Statement of teaching philosophy (2 pages maximum)
• Statement of research plans (2 pages maximum)
• Contact information for 3 references

Additional Requirements

• Reprints of representative publications and works in process.

(if applicable)

• Summary of student teaching evaluations with average GPA for

each class taught. (if applicable)

• Copies of all graduate-level transcripts that include relevant

course work. (if applicable)

Review of applications will begin November 20, 2026, and will
continue until the position is filled.

CSUSM is currently not sponsoring applicants for H-1B employment
that are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the
“Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain
Nonimmigrant Workers” issued on September 19, 2025. Applicants are
responsible for determining the applicability of the fee.

CSUSM has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)
and was recently named one of the top 32 Colleges most friendly to
junior faculty by the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher
Education. Visit Faculty Opportunities for
more information.

California State University San Marcos is an Equal Opportunity
Employer strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of
the campus community. We consider qualified applicants for
employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability,
gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender
expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or
ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation and
veteran or military status.

Per the California State University’s Out-of-State Employment
Policy , the CSU is
prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU-related work
outside California. Working in the State of California is a
condition of employment.

The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter
under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is
required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as
a condition of employment.

This position is subject to employment verification, education
verification, reference checks and criminal record checks. An offer
of appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a
background check, including a criminal records check, and may be
rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information
and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or
falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the
background check may affect the continued employment of a current
CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required
to disclose whether they have received a final administrative
decision or final judicial decision determining that they have
committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a
determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for
the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.
Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process
must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of
information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to
the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of
misconduct.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus
Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act Notification can be found at
Clery Act Notification
.

Advertised: October 14, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight
Time

Applications close: