Assistant Professor – Experimental Nuclear Physics

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Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in experimental Nuclear Physics starting August 16, 2026. The successful candidate will have a record of accomplishments in experimental high-energy nuclear physics and will be expected to develop an independent and vigorous research program.

The current faculty in the department participates in the sPHENIX experiments at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and the EPIC experiment at the future Electron-Ion Collider at BNL. Applications are welcome from all candidates who can strengthen and complement our existing activities. The successful candidate will take a leadership role in one of the experimental collaborations in the Nuclear Physics Experimental efforts at RHIC, LHC or Jefferson Laboratory and the Electron-Ion Collider, and contribute to the continued development of a strong graduate program in high-energy nuclear physics. Of high priority is a commitment to excellence in teaching. The successful candidate must have a collegial, collaborative attitude and willingness to participate in departmental programs and committees.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics or in a related discipline

• Outstanding research record

• Potential for excellence in teaching

• Postdoctoral and/or other substantial experience beyond the Ph.D.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Evidence of strong potential for collaborative world-class research

• Evidence of expertise in modern artificial intelligence/machine learning tools and/or advanced detector technology

• Evidence of a strong publication record in internationally-recognized peer-reviewed journals

• Evidence of strong potential for research mentoring

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has multiple missions including nationally recognized research, a PhD program in Physics and Astronomy, and undergraduate Physics major and Astronomy minor programs. Our large-enrollment introductory astronomy courses primarily provide a general education experience for students from a variety of majors. They also introduce the field to our undergraduate physics majors interested in astronomy and astrophysics. The department has a small planetarium equipped with a digital projector that is used for both instruction and outreach purposes.

Department Unit/Website:

https://www.physastro.iastate.edu/

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Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae

2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

3) Description of research and teaching plan

3) Contact Information for Three References

4) Arrange for 3 recommendation letters to be sent to experimental-nuclear-search@iastate.edu

For guaranteed consideration, please apply before November 15, 2025. Position is open until filled.

For further information on the position, please contact Professor Marzia Rosati at mrosati@iastate.edu.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

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