The University of Denver is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, with approximately 12,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is classified as a Doctoral/Research University with high research activity. The Department of Physics and Astronomy underwent a strong expansion with eight tenure-track and two teaching professor positions filled since 2006. Our diverse and dynamic faculty of 12 includes four women and come from seven different countries. We provide an attentive, hands-on research and learning community for undergraduate and graduate students up through the PhD level. The program is recognized by the APS among US PhD-granting departments for our high percentage of female graduates: placing second nationally at the undergraduate level and third at the graduate level (APS data for the period 2011-2013). DU and the Department of Physic and Astronomy is strongly committed to building a diverse and inclusive educational environment, which is in full accord with the value that DU places on its commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Candidates must demonstrate ability to integrate content and issues relating to, and to work effectively with, ethnically/racially diverse populations.

The department has major research thrusts in stellar astronomy/astrophysics, biophysics, and condensed matter/materials physics. Major state-of-the-art instrumentation is available both in the department and through collaborations with nearby national institutes in the region (NIST and NREL). Also, the University of Denver maintains our own Linux cluster for in-house high-performance computational needs. More information about the department can be found at https://science.du.edu/physics. 

Position Summary

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Denver invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position to begin in March of 2025. We seek candidates with research interests in experimental condensed matter physics whose research and teaching will support a new initiative in Quantum Materials and Information Science. All areas broadly related to quantum materials and information sciences will be considered, with potential for collaboration with existing research areas on campus and in the surrounding areas a particular plus. The ideal candidate demonstrates experience and versatility in inclusive pedagogy. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion through their teaching, research, and service.

Applications for this position must include a cover letter, CV, statements of teaching philosophy and research plans, One-page statement of how the applicant can contribute to DUs values, practices, and actions regarding diversity, equity and inclusivity, and names and contact information for at least three references. 

Essential Functions

The successful candidate will possess enthusiasm for teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses, and demonstrate promise of developing an independent extramurally funded research program that involves both Ph.D. and undergraduate students. Average teaching load for junior and research-active faculty is one course per quarter. Instructors are required to independently develop new courses and to participate in undergraduate and graduate curriculum development. Assistant Professors are required to develop and independent research program and attract significant extramural funding. Other duties involve service commitments to the department, college, university, and professional community.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to teach classes in different modalities (in-person, hybrid, and online) at both undergraduate and graduate levels
• Ability to carry out both independent and collaborative research activities
• Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively with diverse internal and external constituencies
• Ability to communicate with diverse audiences

Required Qualifications

• A bachelors degree in Physics and Ph.D. in Physics or a related field is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with one or more years of postdoctoral experience are preferred

Working Environment

• Office and research laboratory environment.
• Unexpected interruptions often occur, and stress level is moderate to high.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.

Work Schedule

While the University's administrative offices are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, faculty schedules vary from term to term and are based on courses taught, service commitments, and research agendas. The University's academic calendars are posted on the registrar's website (the law school is on a semester system and has a different academic calendar).

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) February 22, 2025.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number

The salary grade for the position is UC.

Salary Rate

The salary for this position is $88,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Statement of teaching philosophy and research plans
4. One-page statement of how the applicant can contribute to DUs values, practices, and actions regarding diversity, equity and inclusivity.

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.