The Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona is seeking outstanding candidates for a tenure/tenure-track faculty position at all levels that will further enhance the college’s prestigious program in Optical Physics. We encourage applications from researchers whose work will complement or strengthen current efforts at the University of Arizona and benefit from the strong ties that exist between the Wyant College of Optical Sciences and the departments of Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering. The Wyant College of Optical Sciences supports the UA’s goals to create an inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, and students. We welcome and encourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups, to apply.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here. 

The Wyant College of Optical Sciences has been fortunate to receive philanthropic support to create 14 new Endowed Chairs in Optical Science positions in the College.  While positions are open at all levels, very highly accomplished applicants will also be considered as potential recipients for the nine Endowed Chairs that are available to be awarded:

-Jean M. Bennett Optica Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
-Thomas R. Brown Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
-Nelson E. Claytor Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
-Robert M. Edmund Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
-John B. Hayes Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
-Bahram Jalali Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
-Jack Lee Jewell Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
-William F. and Helen M. Reynolds Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
-Robert R. Shannon Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences

The Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona is world-renowned for the breadth and depth of its research and education programs in Optical Sciences. The college’s Optical Physics program is one of four major research areas, focusing on fundamental studies of the nature of light and light-matter interactions. Current faculty research in optical physics includes experimental and theoretical investigations of ultra-fast laser physics, frequency comb spectroscopy, high-field laser physics and ultra-high nonlinear propagation, light-induced quantum phases and advanced optical materials, many-body semiconductor photonics, Bose-Einstein condensates, quantum optomechanics, and quantum information and control. This search seeks candidates who will bolster the collaborative potential in these areas, while also potentially establishing directions of research in new areas of interest.

The general area of interest is experimental Optical Physics, with an emphasis on Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) Physics, Quantum Optics, Ultrafast Science, Precision Measurement and Sensing, and Quantum Information Science.  Applicants whose main work is theoretical should present evidence of successful collaboration with experimental groups.

The Optical Physics group also enjoys collaborative opportunities with the college’s other three major research areas of Photonics, Image Science, and Optical Engineering, and often benefits from large multi-university programs including MURIs and our lead role in the recently announced Center for Quantum Networks (CQN), one of the four new NSF Gen 4 Engineering Research Centers in the USA.

This tenure/tenure-track position anticipates a candidate with demonstrated strength in his or her field of research. Successful candidates are expected to set up a world class research program and demonstrate strong commitment to teaching.

Duties include:

-Cultivating a world-renowned research program.
-Establishing a strong record of student mentorship and teaching.
-Participating in both undergraduate and graduate education.
-Participating in service and outreach for the College.

For private sector or government laboratory applicants, lack of a proven teaching and extramural research funding record could be remedied with other related credentials that demonstrate strong communications skills and a demonstrated history of technical depth and leadership.  We seek an individual who is able to work with and attract a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students and colleagues.  Development of novel courses pertaining to the candidate’s area of expertise, as well as exceptional teaching of our core curriculum, is expected.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants should hold a doctorate degree in the field of physics, physical chemistry, electrical engineering, or closely related fields. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience and demonstrated leadership roles in post-doctorate research.

About University of Arizona-James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences

The James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences, founded as the University of Arizona Optical Science Center, has been shaping the future since 1964 by offering the highest quality graduate and undergraduate educations, cutting edge-research programs and solid commitment to the economic development of the optics industry. Throughout its 59-year history, OSC has stood on the forefront of the field; today, it educates more students in optics than any institution in the U.S., provides the world’s most comprehensive educational program in optics and maintains a worldwide reputation as a premier institution for optical sciences and engineering.

Connections working at University of Arizona-James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences