Recruit

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in hard condensed matter experimental physics. We seek candidates with an outstanding research record and the potential to establish a highly visible, externally funded program. Candidates from all areas of experimental condensed matter physics are encouraged to apply. Areas of interest include quantum materials and emergent phenomena; strongly correlated and topological systems; superconductivity and magnetism; low-dimensional, nanoscale, and mesoscopic systems; nonequilibrium and ultrafast phenomena; quantum transport and devices; and novel experimental techniques, instrumentation, or materials platforms. We especially welcome research that complements or expands existing strengths and
fosters collaboration across UC Davis.

The successful candidate will develop an independent, internationally recognized research program; teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels; mentor students; contribute to the condensed matter community; and participate in departmental, university, and professional service. Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in physics or a closely related field by the time of application.

UC Davis offers a collaborative environment with strengths in quantum materials, materials synthesis, spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, low-temperature physics, optical and transport measurements, nanostructures, and quantum phenomena, together with a strong condensed matter theory community and interdisciplinary connections across Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and other departments.

Faculty have access to extensive shared infrastructure, including the Center for Nano-MicroManufacturing (CNM2), the Advanced Materials Characterization and Testing Laboratory (AMCaT), and a departmental helium recovery and liquefaction facility, as well as major national user facilities including the Advanced Light Source and Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and SSRL and LCLS at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The successful candidate will join a mature experimental and theoretical condensed matter community while helping shape its next phase through new scientific directions, techniques, and capabilities.

The position will remain open until filled, but to be assured full consideration, submit your application including CV, publication list, statements of research plans and teaching interests, as well as contact information for four references, by November 20, 2026. Submit applications online via the job listing. Inquiries may be addressed to CME Search Committee Chair, Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA, or by e-mail to phy-cmesearch@ucdavis.edu. For further information about the department, please visit the physics homepage.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.