Assistant Professor in Theoretical Quantum Materials

Role details

Position Description The Department of Physics in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Kentucky invites applications for a tenure-eligible faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in the field of theoretical quantum materials. We invite applications from theorists who employ modern computational and theoretical approaches, including advances in artificial intelligence (AI), to address emerging problems in quantum materials. Relevant research areas include, but are not limited to, strongly correlated electron systems, topological and magnetic materials, unconventional superconductors, moiré structures, and other low-dimensional systems.

Preference will be given to candidates whose research complements and strengthens existing experimental and theoretical activities in condensed matter physics at the University of Kentucky. This is a nine-month appointment in the regular title series with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2027. The anticipated Distribution of Effort will be 65% research, 25% teaching, and 10% departmental service. The successful candidate will demonstrate a record of research excellence and the potential to establish an internationally recognized, externally funded research program.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute effectively to teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and to participate in departmental and university service. A Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field is required and must be completed by August 1, 2027. Questions about the search may be directed to Dr. Ambrose Seo, Search Committee Chair, Department of Physics, University of Kentucky.

Applicants must complete two steps: In the first step, the CV must be uploaded to the University of Kentucky Jobs site https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/648317 Secondly, applicants must make sure the following documents are uploaded to AJO (this site): 1) CV, including a list of publications; 2) letter of application (upload as Cover Letter); 3) Research Statement (upload as specific statement 1); 4) teaching statement (upload as specific statement 2); 5) In addition, please have at least three letters of recommendation uploaded to AJO. Application Deadline is December 1, 2026.

Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ medical coverage and in addition, offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination.

The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.

Department: Department of Physics & Astronomy Application deadline: 2026/12/01 Position type: Tenured/Tenure-track faculty