Assistant Professor -Open Field (Theory)-Department of Physics

Position overview

Position title :

Assistant Professor in Physics

Salary range :

The current salary range for this position is $80,800-$128,700 (9-month academic year salary), however, off-scale salary and other components of pay, which would yield compensation that is higher than this range, are offered to meet competitive conditions. Current salary scales can be viewed here.

Anticipated start :

July 1, 2026 or later

Application Window

Open date : October 12, 2025

Next review date : Friday, Nov 14, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Friday, Nov 14, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position description

The Physics Department at the University of California, Berkeley is conducting an open search to fill a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in Theoretical Physics. This is an open search with particular emphasis on theoretical particle physics, plasma theory and computation, and theoretical condensed matter physics. We encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and institutions.

Berkeley Physics is conducting two other tenure-track faculty searches. If your research area overlaps with another search, candidates should submit applications to each relevant search separately. Please note that applications cannot be transferred between searches.

The Department of Physics and its partners are committed to establishing cultures that nurture scientific identity and remove barriers to entry, in order to strengthen pathways into careers. To that end, we strive to work and learn together in a positive and inclusive environment. Please visit UC Berkeley Physics' Equity & Inclusion website for more information.

Berkeley Physics has a long history of excellence in teaching, research, and service, as well as a culture that values and promotes interdisciplinarity. It has a compelling record of national and global engagement, and benefits from strong relationships with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and other research labs and industry.

Berkeley is committed to addressing personal and family needs of faculty. For more information, refer to OFEW New Faculty site.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

Applicants must have a Ph.D. (or equivalent international degree) or be enrolled in a Ph.D. or equivalent international degree-granting program at the time of application.

Preferred qualifications

We seek candidates who will develop impactful and novel research programs, who will commit to excellence in undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate education, and who will contribute to broader campus goals of mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Cover Letter

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Statement of Research - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research.

Statement of Teaching and Mentoring - Please discuss prior teaching experience, teaching approach, and future teaching interests. This can include, for example, specific efforts and accomplishments, and future plans to support the success of all students through inclusive curriculum, classroom environment, and pedagogy. Please also discuss your mentoring experiences and approach. This can include, for example, past efforts and future plans to support the success of all students, and to foster an inclusive research environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement of the research program.

Statement of Service - Please discuss specific prior and proposed academic, professional and / or public service activities. This can include, for example, participating in professional or scientific associations, serving on committees that advance department, campus or discipline goals, and conducting outreach activities that can remove barriers and increase participation of academics in your field.

Authorization to Release Information Form - A reference check will be completed only if you are selected as the candidate to whom the hiring unit would like to extend a formal offer. Download, complete, sign, and upload the Authorization to Release Information form

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

For references, please ask three references who know you to submit letters by the application deadline. APRecruit will solicit letters for reviewers to upload.

Apply link : JPF05037

Help contact : About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and / or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in a safe and secure environment, free of violence, harassment, or discrimination. Consistent with this commitment, UC Berkeley requires all applicants for Senate faculty positions to complete, sign, and upload an Authorization of Information Release form into AP Recruit as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration. Although all applicants for faculty recruitments must complete the entire application, applicants will only be subject to institutional reference checks if and when they are selected as the candidate to whom the hiring unit would like to extend a formal offer. More information is available on this website.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

Job location

Berkeley, CA