About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Description
The Department of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a tenure-track, academic year, faculty position in theoretical or computational physics in the area of soft matter, statistical physics, or biomaterials. The department has a vibrant, collaborative group of faculty working in these areas, both theory and experiment. We seek candidates with an ambitious research plan who will complement existing strength in soft and bioinspired matter, statistical physics, and quantum matter, foster new collaborations, and take advantage of the broad research activity of our campus in soft materials. Further information about the Department's research can be found at: http://www.physics.umass.edu/.
Requirements
Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent in Physics or a related field, with relevant post-doctoral experience.
Salary Information
It is expected that the salary range for this position is between $79,350 and $115,448.
Please note:
- The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.
- The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.
- The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors when and if it decides to extend and offer of employment.
Additional Information
Expected start date of this position is September 1, 2026. We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.
Application Instructions
Along with the application, please submit a (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) statement of research plans, (4) statement of teaching interests, (5) contact information for three or more references.
Evaluation of applicants will begin on January 20, 2026 and may continue until a suitable candidate pool has been identified. All questions pertaining to this position can be directed to Prof. A.D. Dinsmore (dinsmore@umass.edu), Chair of the search committee.
Contributions to the University’s Values and Strategic Goals
Candidates may be invited to describe how their work aligns with the university’s values and strategic goals, found here Inclusive Excellence : College of Natural Sciences : UMass Amherst, and For the Common Good - 2024-2034 : Strategic Plan : UMass Amherst. These reflections offer insight into how applicants foster respectful collaboration, support student success, and contribute to an inclusive academic environment. This information is not used to exclude candidates, but to better understand their potential to advance departmental and institutional priorities. Search committees may request these reflections within the cover letter, teaching or research statements, as appropriate.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.