Associate Professor in Experimental Soft Condensed Matter Physics

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 ( hrweb@uga.edu ).

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 08.02.18.01.02 .

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.

• 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.

Physical Demands

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 .

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
• Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents