Assistant Professor Optics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department Contact: Marisela Chavez, 575-646-3831, marisech@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Department of Physics at New Mexico State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics beginning in Fall 2027.
We seek outstanding candidates who will develop a vigorous externally funded research program and contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education.
New Mexico State University is a Carnegie R1 research university located in Las Cruces, a vibrant city in southern New Mexico known for its outstanding climate, affordable cost of living, rich cultural diversity, outdoor recreation opportunities, and proximity to major national laboratories and research facilities.

Position Title: Assistant Professor in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics

College/Division: Arts and Sciences College

Department: 331500-PHYSICS

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is a bargaining unit position with the National Education Association (NEA).

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: The Department of Physics at NMSU has active research programs in condensed matter physics and nuclear physics.
The successful candidate will join a growing experimental condensed matter and quantum materials effort with access to modern thin-film synthesis, optical characterization, and low-temperature measurement infrastructure.
Existing facilities include:
Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS)
Four-circle X-ray diffraction (XRD)
Low-temperature spectroscopic ellipsometry and infrared ellipsometry
Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and laser-assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy (laser-MBE)
Single-crystal growth facilities
High-pressure measurements in a diamond anvil cell
Other on campus shared facilities
Collaborative opportunities exist with national laboratories including:
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Sandia National Laboratories
Air Force Research Lab
Research Areas of Interest
We encourage applications from candidates working broadly in experimental condensed matter physics and materials physics, including but not limited to:
Semiconductor quantum physics
Novel forms of magnetism and superconductivity
Emergent phenomena at material surfaces and interfaces
Topological quantum materials
Spintronic, superconducting, and nanoelectronic devices
Advanced electrical, optical, and spectroscopy characterization
Candidates whose research leverages, complements, and expands existing departmental strengths are especially encouraged to apply.
Teaching Responsibilities
The successful candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction in physics, including introductory and advanced laboratory courses.

Required Education and Experience: 
Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field by the time of appointment
Demonstrated potential for excellence in research and teaching

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
Postdoctoral research experience
Strong publication record
Potential to secure external research funding
Potential to establish external research collaborations
Experience mentoring students in research
Applicants should submit:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae with full publication list
Research statement (5 pages, including plans for building lab facilities and leveraging existing infrastructure at NMSU physics)
Teaching statement (2 pages)
Contact information for at least three references
Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, applications should be received by December 12, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. For further information or questions please contact the chair of the search committee, Prof. Ludi Miao at lmiao@nmsu.edu

Special Certification/Licensure: 

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.