Tenure Track Faculty in Physics for 2027-2028

The Department of Physics, Optical Engineering and NanoEngineering (PHON) at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology seeks applicants for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level to support the Physics degree program starting August 2027. Candidates with advanced experience may be considered for appointment at a higher academic rank. Our teaching-focused mission is “to provide students with the world’s best undergraduate science, engineering, and mathematics education in an environment of individual attention and support.” If this resonates with you, then we think you’ll love what we have to offer.

The candidate we hire will be joining a 21-person team responsible for providing undergraduate major programs in physics, nanoengineering, and optical engineering, along with an M.S. degree in optical engineering. The department also supports several minors and certificates, including a semiconductor certificate, astronomy minor, quantum information certificate, theoretical physics minor and a solid-state physics/materials science minor. Active research programs and interests include material science, magneto-optics, x-ray absorption spectroscopy and diffraction, medical imaging, semiconductors, gravitational and quantum physics, and optics. In addition, the department operates two observatories, the Oakley Observatory on campus and the Oakley Southern Sky Observatory in Australia, as well as a state-of-the-art cleanroom (MiNDS Lab). Perceived departmental future needs include support for advanced laboratory classes including independent student projects, support for student development of computational skills and support for students interested in pursuing interdisciplinary projects.

The successful candidate will use effective approaches to teach introductory physics courses and labs, as well as upper division courses in physics, including lab courses. The candidate will have the opportunity to develop and teach upper-level electives in their area of expertise, as well as opportunities to establish their area of research. It is expected that the successful candidate will pursue research activities that provide valuable research experiences to undergraduate students. Please visit our course catalog at https://catalog.rose-hulman.edu/catalog/ for descriptions of our existing courses.

Essential job responsibilities include teaching and advising students, continued professional development, and service to the department, Institute, and professional community. Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate education, including laboratory instruction and lifelong personal and professional development. Research and scholarship remain an integral part of the role — professional development at Rose-Hulman is defined broadly as continued intellectual growth throughout one's career, which may include scholarship of discovery, integration, application, teaching, or learning, often carried out in partnership with undergraduate students — but it supports the teaching mission rather than competing with it.

Requirements include a Ph.D. degree in physics or related discipline by the time of appointment. Commitment to excellent teaching and enthusiasm for delivering individualized attention and support to undergraduate students is a significant criterion for success at Rose-Hulman. The department and institute place a high value on supporting all our students; candidates who are excited to enhance student engagement and community are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates who can further broaden and enhance the educational experience of our students are also encouraged to apply. 

Review of applications will start November 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.  Candidates should submit a current curriculum vitae, a 1-2 page cover letter describing their interest in the position and their vision for teaching and research at a primarily undergraduate institution; a 2-3 page teaching statement addressing teaching philosophy that includes evidence of teaching effectiveness (or potential for excellence in teaching) and a plan for continued growth in teaching and course management, and a 2-3 page statement of professional development/research objectives involving undergraduate students. Please apply online at https://jobs.rose-hulman.edu/.

Rose-Hulman is one of the nation’s top undergraduate engineering, science, and mathematics colleges and is home to 2,100 students with a passion for STEM and learning. See what the media and our peer institutions have said by visiting https://www.rose-hulman.edu/about-us/rankings-and-distinction.html.

Contact person: Dr. Galen Duree, Chair, Department of Physics, Optical Engineering and NanoEngineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 5500 Wabash Avenue CM 169, Terre Haute, IN 47803 or emailed to duree@rose-hulman.edu

Applications:  Only online applications/resumes submitted via the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Employment Opportunities website, https://jobs.rose-hulman.edu/, will be accepted until the position is filled. For application system questions or assistance, please contact Human Resources via email, HRApply@rose-hulman.edu.

EEO
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is an equal opportunity employer. It is the Institute’s policy to treat all employees and applicants equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences, and other employment standards. Rose-Hulman will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student or applicant for admission, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any complaint process on campus or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Office of Human Resources.