Assistant Professor - Physics, Theoretical Particle Physics - Fall 2026

Assistant Professor - Physics, Theoretical Particle Physics - Fall 2026

Location : Knoxville, TN

Open Date : Sep 25, 2025

Description :

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the field of theoretical particle physics. We are particularly seeking applicants who can work closely with our existing particle physics program.

The Department has broad research programs in experimental collider and neutrino physics, with leadership in the CMS Experiment, COHERENT, and efforts towards future colliders. We build neutron experiments searching for baryon number violation and have an active program in quantum computing. These programs benefit from extensive collaboration with research scientists at the nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and from the leadership-class facilities there, such as the Spallation Neutron Source, the High Flux Isotope Reactor, and the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility. We seek a candidate to complement, connect, and expand these research efforts.

Qualifications :

Candidates should have a PhD in physics or a closely related field at the time of application. The successful candidate will have established an exemplary record of research, as demonstrated through publications in peer-reviewed journals, citation statistics, invitations to speak, and scientific leadership roles the candidate may have assumed. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an externally funded research program in the Department and provide training for Departmental graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to teaching and service in the Department. We are looking for candidates committed to undergraduate and graduate teaching, in physics and astronomy, as well as to innovation in the development of curricula and teaching methods.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy supports the University’s goals of expanding access to educational opportunities, removing barriers that limit such access, maintaining high educational standards, supporting student achievement, and preparing engaged, ethical, and responsible citizens for life in an increasingly interconnected and complex world.  We strongly encourage applications from candidates that will actively contribute to this mission.

The University is beginning a next-level initiative aimed both at substantially elevating the University’s national reputation for impactful research, scholarship, and creative activity and at assembling a roster of faculty committed to delivering one of the nation’s best educational experiences for undergraduate and graduate students.

Application Instructions :

Applicants should send a Curriculum Vitae including research and teaching experience, list of publications, Statement of Research, Statement of Teaching, and should arrange for three letters of reference to be submitted separately. All application materials, including the letters, should be submitted via https : / / apply.interfolio.com / 174290 . Only electronic applications will be considered, and acceptable file formats are .pdf or .docx. Applications are due on December 1, 2025. For other questions, please contact Dr. Yuri Efremenko at yefremen@utk.edu .

This position’s anticipated start date is August 1, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement :

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to  eoa@utk.edu , or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to  investigations@utk.edu , or by phone at 865-974-0717.