Assistant Professor, Physics & Astrophysics, Tenure Track
Contractor
Grand Forks, ND, USA
USD 75k+ / year
Posted on Sep 29, 2026
Assistant Professor, Physics & Astrophysics, Tenure Track
- 499440
- Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States
- Full-time Faculty
Salary/Position Classification
- $75,000+ 9-month contract, Dependent on Experience, Exempt
- 40 hours per week
- This position will work onsite at UND Grand Forks, ND campus
Purpose of Position
The Department of Physics & Astrophysics at the University of North Dakota seeks an assistant professor in physics with research interests in experimental condensed matter physics/device physics with a focus on utilizing state-of-the-art capabilities of UND’s new Nanofoundry to develop an independent research program. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the website for the Nanofoundry via this link. The research program of the successful applicant should include a focus on topics relevant to UND’s National Security Initiative (NSI). This is a tenure-track position contingent on availability of funding.
The successful candidate will have an exceptional record of research accomplishments including published peer-reviewed papers. In addition, the candidate must show outstanding promise for establishing a vibrant research program and attracting external research funds. The applicant must have a PhD degree in physics or a closely related field and be strongly committed to teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels and to involving both undergraduate and graduate students in their research. Experience with interdisciplinary collaborative research and/or teaching is preferred.
Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, it is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having very high research activity. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study and enrolls nearly 16,000 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law and School of Medicine. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.
UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public-school system, high-quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.
Duties & Responsibilities
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The successful candidate will be expected to establish a nationally recognized, independent research program in experimental physics with a preferred focus on utilizing state-of-the-art capabilities of UND’s new Nanofoundry. Alignment with UND’s Grand Challenges: National Security & Space, Big Data, Energy and Sustainability Autonomous Systems is preferred.
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The successful applicant will receive a contract with an approximate effort distribution of 25% teaching; 70% research; 5% service for the first 2–3 years. Teaching responsibilities include graduate and/or undergraduate courses in physics with an anticipated load of no more than two courses per academic year and supervision of graduate and undergraduate research.
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All faculty are expected to contribute to service within the department, college, university, and community. UND and the College of Arts & Sciences seek applicants who are committed to helping students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed.
Required Competencies
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including evidence of the ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students.
- Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
- Ability to work with and engage students and colleagues with a broad range of backgrounds within and outside the Department of Physics & Astrophysics.
- Ability to adapt to current methods of teaching, including online delivery.
- Potential to establish a research program in an area that aligns with UND’s Grand Challenges: National Security & Space, Big Data, Energy and Sustainability, and/or Autonomous Systems.
Minimum Requirements
- Earned PhD in Physics or a closely related field by 12/01/2026.
- Obtain clearance to work on projects involving International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which requires the applicant to be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent resident card.
- Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in experimental condensed matter physics/device physics with a focus on utilizing state-of-the-art capabilities of UND’s new Nanofoundry.
- Postdoctoral research and/or equivalent experience.
- A proven record of peer-reviewed publications.
- Teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level.
- Experience in seeking and administering federal grants or potential to do so.
- Experience working collaboratively on multi-disciplinary research teams.
To Apply
To assure full consideration, applications must be received by 12/01/2026 and include the following materials:
- Cover letter.
- Professional vita or resumé.
- A 2–3-page statement of the candidate’s research plans. The plans may include reference to completed work if appropriate but should be forward looking.
- A 1-page statement outlining teaching experience, teaching philosophy, and student outreach and mentoring activities.
- Contact information for three references who can attest to the candidate’s qualifications for this position.
- Unofficial transcripts. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts upon hire.
Position is open until filled.
Questions can be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Prof. Nuri Oncel at nuri.oncel@und.edu.
