Assistant Professor – Experimental Nuclear Physics

Job description

Position Title:Assistant Professor – Experimental Nuclear Physics


Appointment Type:Faculty


Job Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in experimental Nuclear Physics starting August 16, 2026.

The successful candidate will have a record of accomplishments in experimental high-energy nuclear physics and will be expected to develop an independent and vigorous research program.


The current faculty in the department participates in the sPHENIX experiments at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and the EPIC experiment at the future Electron-Ion Collider at BNL.

Applications are welcome from all candidates who can strengthen and complement our existing activities.

The successful candidate will take a leadership role in one of the experimental collaborations in the Nuclear Physics Experimental efforts at RHIC, LHC or Jefferson Laboratory and the Electron-Ion Collider, and contribute to the continued development of a strong graduate program in high-energy nuclear physics.

Of high priority is a commitment to excellence in teaching.

The successful candidate must have a collegial, collaborative attitude and willingness to participate in departmental programs and committees.


Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.



Required Minimum Qualifications:
+ Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics or in a related discipline
+ Outstanding research record
+ Potential for excellence in teaching
+ Postdoctoral and/or other substantial experience beyond the Ph.D.


Preferred Qualifications:
+ Evidence of strong potential for collaborative world-class research
+ Evidence of expertise in modern artificial intelligence/machine learning tools and/or advanced detector technology
+ Evidence of a strong publication record in internationally-recognized peer-reviewed journals
+ Evidence of strong potential for research mentoring


Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has multiple missions including nationally recognized research, a PhD program in Physics and Astronomy, and undergraduate Physics major and Astronomy minor programs.

Our large-enrollment introductory astronomy courses primarily provide a general education experience for students from a variety of majors.

They also introduce the field to our undergraduate physics majors interested in astronomy and astrophysics.

The department has a small planetarium equipped with a digital projector that is used for both instruction and outreach purposes.


Department Unit/Website:

https://www.physastro.iastate.edu/


Proposed Start Date:August 16, 2026


Number of Months Employed Per Year:09 Month Work Period


Time Type:Full time


Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application.

Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:


1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae

2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

3) Description of research and teaching plan

3) Contact Information for Three References

4) Arrange for 3 recommendation letters to be sent to experimental-nuclear-search@iastate.edu


For guaranteed consideration, please apply before November 15, 2025.

Position is open until filled.




For further information on the position, please contact Professor Marzia Rosati at mrosati@iastate.edu.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program


Original Posting Date: June 26, 2025


Posting Close Date:


Job Requisition Number:R17321



By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference.

With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world.

And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

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Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) .

Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.



All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.



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Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel.

515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.



If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485.

Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485.

TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.




General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website.

Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Required Skill Profession

Other General