Assistant Professor - Physics

Appointment:
Department of Physics, full-time tenure-line Assistant Professor position; begins Fall 2027.
 

Responsibilities:
The Department of Physics at the University of Puget Sound, a predominantly undergraduate liberal arts college in Tacoma, Washington, seeks to recruit a tenure-line Assistant Professor. We welcome applicants from any field of physics whose methods include computational physics, analysis of large data sets, or substantial computer-based analysis of data. This will be a joint appointment, but the faculty member's home department will be Physics. Most courses taught will be part of the physics major, and 1-2 courses each year will also contribute to the Computer Science Department or the Data Analytics Program. 

The successful candidate will develop an active research program involving undergraduates and will have the ability to teach across the undergraduate physics curriculum as well as courses in either the Data Analytics program or Computer Science Department. A typical semester teaching load consists of two courses and two laboratory sections. We expect the incumbent to show promise and enthusiasm to become a skilled teacher. 

Qualifications:
PhD in physics, astronomy, or closely related field by the time of appointment and demonstrated commitments to undergraduate teaching, research mentorship, and inclusive pedagogy are required. Postdoctoral experience preferred. 
 

Application Deadline: 
Review of applications begins October 16th, 2026.
 

Compensation and Benefits:
Rank: Assistant Professor

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. 

Faculty salaries at the University of Puget Sound are based on a common salary scale based on experience. Assistant Professor salaries in 2026-2027 begin at $75,820 for an assistant professor with a terminal degree in their field in their first year of full-time post-doctorate teaching through $86,652 annualized based on experience.

Puget Sound offers a generous benefits package. For more information, visit: Summary of 2026 Benefits for Faculty Members.pdf - Google Drive

Puget Sound has a well-established Shared Faculty Appointments Policy, https://www.pugetsound.edu/policies/faculty-policies/shared-faculty-appointments

About Puget Sound: 
The University of Puget Sound is located in Tacoma, Washington, a vibrant, diverse mid-sized urban port city. Within, and near, Tacoma there is ready access to urban, rural, and natural areas as well as opportunities to participate in a wide variety of cultural activities.

About Physics at Puget Sound: 
The Physics Department highly values excellence in teaching and mentoring of undergraduate research. Our curriculum emphasizes close faculty-student interaction through faculty-taught laboratories, small classes, a robust student/faculty research program, and dedication to student success and inclusive teaching. Many of our physics graduates go on to graduate school in physics or engineering or accept science-related industry jobs soon after graduation. The Physics Department is housed in the University of Puget Sound Science Center, along with Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics & Computer Science, and Environmental Studies and Sciences.
 

University Diversity Statement:

• We acknowledge the richness of commonalities and differences we share as a university community; the intrinsic worth of all who work and study here; that education is enhanced by the investigation of and the reflection upon multiple perspectives.
• We aspire to create respect for and appreciation of all persons as a key characteristic of our campus community; to increase the diversity of all parts of our University community through commitment to diversity in our recruitment and retention efforts; to foster a spirit of openness to active engagement among all members of our campus community.
• We act to achieve an environment that welcomes and supports diversity; to ensure full educational opportunity for all who teach and learn here; to prepare effectively citizen-leaders for a pluralistic world.

Puget Sound is committed to an environment that welcomes and supports diversity. We seek diversity of identity, thought, perspective, and background in our students, faculty, and staff. To learn more please visit: http://www.pugetsound.edu/about/diversity-at-puget-sound/

Required Documents:
Applicants submitted without the required attachments will not be considered.

• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of Interest: A brief overview of your academic background and your interest in a position at Puget Sound.
• Teaching statement: Your teaching philosophy, training and/or direct experience in undergraduate teaching and inclusive pedagogy, and courses of interest to teach at Puget Sound.
• Research statement: Plans for your research program at Puget Sound, how they fit with or build on your research experience to date, and how you will include undergraduate students. Please explain how your research methods include computational physics, analysis of large data sets, or substantial computer-based analysis of data.
• Diversity Statement (see prompt below)
• Contact Information for 3 References. You will be prompted to enter the contact information for three (3) reference providers. The system will automatically email these reference providers to request a letter.

Note: In the online application system, please submit curriculum vitae when prompted to submit resume. Additional documents can be attached within the application.

Applicant's Diversity Statement:
As a department and university, we are strongly committed to creating an inclusive and effective teaching, learning, and working environment for all. In their diversity statement, applicants should reflect on how they will advance the values articulated in the University Diversity Statement in all aspects of their future work as faculty and members of the university community.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a background inquiry.

The University of Puget Sound is an equal opportunity employer.

Given the current Executive Order and the $100,000 petition fee for new H-1b visas, at the moment sponsoring a new H-1b is cost-prohibitive to us. Therefore, unless the executive order is rescinded or blocked by the courts, we are unable to commit to new H visa sponsorship at this time. Applicants with questions about visa sponsorship are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources.