Space Physicist Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Department/Organization
204461 - Physics

Rank
Assistant Professor

Position Summary
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Alabama is seeking applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in physics related to precision timing, quantum photonics, and positioning, navigation, and timing.

Detailed Position Information
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Alabama is seeking applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in physics related to precision timing, quantum photonics, and positioning, navigation, and timing.
We are especially interested in candidates who use precision time and frequency science as a foundation for new photonic, quantum, and precision navigation and timing (PNT) systems. Particularly competitive research programs will connect physics to deployable hardware, including quantum photonic interconnects, integrated optical or electro-optic devices, clock-interface hardware, photonic microwave systems, timing transfer, synchronization, resilient PNT, or sensing and communication systems for space, hypersonic, or GNSS-denied environments. Candidates with expertise in atomic, molecular, and optical physics, optical clocks, spectroscopy, precision metrology, quantum sensing, or applied photonics are also strongly encouraged to apply, particularly where that work connects to practical timing, navigation, or quantum-system challenges.
This position is intended to strengthen the University of Alabama’s growing precision navigation, timing, and frequency program by building on substantial existing infrastructure, equipment, sponsored research activity, and interdisciplinary collaborations in timing, navigation, hypersonics, quantum systems, and space PNT. The successful candidate will be positioned to develop an externally funded research program that connects fundamental physics to mission-relevant timing, navigation, sensing, communications, and synchronization hardware while engaging with the Alabama Collaborative for Contemporary Education in Precision Timing (ACCEPT), faculty across Physics and Astronomy, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Computer Science, Materials Science, and related units, and the broad ecosystem of companies, defense laboratories, and government partners associated with the program’s advisory board.

Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for this position are a Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field, postdoctoral or comparable research experience, scholarly publications, and research experience relevant to precision timing, quantum photonics, PNT, optical or atomic systems, or closely related areas.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate the potential to develop a high-quality, externally funded research program and to contribute effectively to teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants with academic, industrial, national laboratory, or government research experience are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Applications review will begin August 15, 2026 and process will continue until the position is filled. Applications should consist of a curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications; a research statement describing current accomplishments and future plans; a teaching statement; and contact information for at least three references. Applicants should submit materials online through the University of Alabama faculty jobs website. For additional information, contact the search committee chair, Prof. Adam Hauser, Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Alabama.

About the Division/College/School
The J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama offers an exciting and dynamic environment for faculty seeking to make an impact in their field and in the lives of the innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.
As the largest college at The University, we house over 9,000 students and 1,000 faculty and staff across our 22 departments.
With nationally recognized programs and award-winning faculty, our College has positioned itself as a leader in higher education. Our facilities and resources include state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and performance venues, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for research and creative expression.
The College is committed to the liberal arts philosophy that fosters creative and critical thinking and a lifetime of learning.”

About the University
The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, named one of Travel + Leisure’s 25 Best College Towns and Cities in the U.S. As one of the nation’s premier universities, UA offers bachelor’s, master's and doctoral degrees in nearly 200 fields of study. With more than 1,400 acres of tree-lined academic core campus and over 300 state-of-the art facilities, UA has been ranked among the most beautiful and most impressive college campuses in the South, in the state of Alabama and in the nation.
In Fall 2023, the Capstone set a new enrollment record with more than 39,000 students, including more than 8,200 in the freshman class. The current enrollment includes students from every county in Alabama, every state in the nation and 92 countries around the world. More than 1,100 National Merit Scholars are currently enrolled, making UA one of the largest enrolling institutions of the scholars in the country.
UA was recently recognized as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. students for the seventh time in nine years, as well as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the first time. UA is one of only 12 universities in the nation to receive both honors.
For reasons like this, the University made Forbes list of America’s Top Colleges for 2023 and Time magazine’s list of Top 50 Best Colleges for Future Leaders. It also made Princeton Review’s list of Top Value Colleges.
UA is also designated among the top doctoral research universities in the United States in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. One of the fastest growing major research institutions in the nation, UA saw a 21% increase in sponsored awards in the 2023 fiscal year.
Since 2015, UA has invested over $1.1 billion in the physical campus, adding more than 2.55 million gross square feet of space, over 150 new research-intensive faculty, signature research areas (e.g., “The Alabama Research Institutes”), and a growing number of partnerships with industry and with state and federal agencies.
The University employs nearly 2,100 faculty and over 4,500 staff, with 52 UA researchers included in the National Academy of Inventors. An additional 40 current faculty have received the NSF CAREER Award, the nation’s most prestigious recognition of top performing young scientists in disciplines ranging from nanoscience and engineering to biological sciences.

Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) discrimination is illegal poster.
The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.