Assistant Professor of Experimental Physics (with research expertise in opticsquantum optics)

Department of Physics
College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Assistant Professor
Fall 2027

The Department of Physics at California State University Fullerton invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in experimental physics with expertise in optics/quantum optics with an appointment to begin Fall 2027.

Position
Optics and quantum optics encompass the study and application of light and its interactions with matter ranging from classical optical phenomena to effects that require a quantum-mechanical description. Research in these broadly defined fields may include the generation manipulation propagation detection and characterization of light; lightmatter interactions; lasers and photonics; spectroscopy and imaging; nonlinear and ultrafast optics; optical materials and devices; and quantum phenomena involving photons atoms molecules or solid-state systems. Work may span fundamental investigations of the physical properties of light and matter through the development of new experimental techniques optical technologies sensors communication and information-processing methods and other applications enabled by classical or quantum optical phenomena.

CSUF faculty are committed teacher/scholars who bring research and creative discovery to life for students in classrooms labs research groups and individually mentored projects. They teach broadly in the curricula of their departments advise students and serve on departmental and university-wide committees. The primary responsibilities of the person in this position will include the development and teaching of introductory and core courses in the discipline and the development of courses in their area(s) of specialization. This person will also be responsible for producing research outputs commensurate with the requirements for tenure in particular involving undergraduate and masters students. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the life and development of the department and participate in broader university and disciplinary communities.

This position includes a competitive salary package startup research funds and laboratory space.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics with expertise in experimental research.
• Research expertise in optics quantum optics or a related field.
• demonstrated commitment to and excellence in undergraduate teaching
• a strong record of scholarly accomplishments
• ability to establish a self-supporting active experimental research program that will produce peer-reviewed publications and substantially include student co-authors
• ability to balance excellent teaching scholarship and service
• demonstrated potential for effective integration of technology into instruction
• demonstrated commitment to working effectively with students from intersecting marginalized social groups

Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the above minimum requirements candidates should highlight evidence of their potential to excel in the departments three key areas of teaching research and service/outreach. Possible examples of potential include:

Evidence of potential in teaching may include (but is not limited to):

• Prior teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level including TA experience.
• Familiarity with current research-based physics pedagogies.
• Experience implementing innovative teaching practices.

Evidence of potential in research may include (but is not limited to):

• Postdoctoral experience or other professional research experience in a physics-related discipline with evidence of positive outcomes.
• Experience working with undergraduate students in a research environment.
• Strong record of research accomplishments resulting in peer-reviewed research outputs.
• Receipt of sponsored fellowships or other external funds.

Evidence of potential in service may include (but is not limited to):

• Record of academic mentorship or other peer mentoring.
• Professional outreach activities.
• Active participation in professional societies.

Application
A complete online application must be received by electronic submission to be considered. To apply please visit choose full-time faculty search for the position 562328 and provide the following required materials:

• Cover letter in which you respond to the required qualifications.
• A complete curriculum vitae which must include all evidence of academic activity the candidate wishes to receive consideration.
• Graduate transcripts (unofficial copies are sufficient for review).
• A maximum 3 page description that addresses the following: your teaching philosophies; how you will structure your courses; specific teaching interests; and knowledge of student-centered learning approaches.
• A maximum 5 page description including all the following: research plans and general goals; plans to obtain independent support for research activities; plans for the involvement of undergraduate and masters students; and estimated start-up needs.
• Candidate statement on commitment to inclusive excellence (no more than 500 words):
  • Inclusive excellence is a strategic framework that recognizes the importance of diversity equity and inclusion in achieving organizational success and high-quality learning and teaching. Its a way of thinking and acting that integrates these values into all aspects of an institution from curriculum and pedagogy to recruitment and hiring. Essentially it means that excellence is not just about achieving high standards but also about ensuring that all members of the community have the opportunity to thrive and contribute (Williams et al. 2005).
  • With the Inclusive Excellence Statement we aim to learn about the applicants perspective on their past and present contributions to and future aspirations for promoting and engaging with a diverse student population. This statement should showcase the candidates professional experience intellectual commitments and/or willingness to teach and create an academic environment supportive of all students including but not limited to those of diverse ages abilities cultures ethnicities gender identities languages religions and sexual orientations.
  • Cal State Fullerton serves a student body that reflects the rich cultural ethnic and socioeconomic mosaic of Southern California. Please provide concrete examples of how you as a faculty member will support our students in one or more of the following areas which fall under the areas of awareness and understanding experience and commitment and future plans.
    1. Your contributions (past present or future) to embedding perspectives that are reflective of the student population into your teaching and/or scholarship.
    2. Your experience in service activities that are reflective of a diverse student population.
    3. Your experience and commitment to mentoring and providing opportunities to a diverse student body inside and outside the classroom environment.
    4. Your experience integrating creative activities that are inclusive of the identities of our student body and communities.
• A list of three references with relevant contact information:
  • Semi-Finalistsmust submit three letters of recommendation. Please have these ready for thereferents to submit. On the References page of the online application enter information and emailaddresses for three referents who will provide a confidential letter of reference for your application. Atthe appropriate time in the search process they will receive a request via email along with information onuploading the letter. You can verify that CSUF has received each letter by loggingback into your applicant portal.
• Semifinalists and/or finalists may be asked to submit additional materials for further consideration (e.g. scholarly articles portfolio etc.).

Please direct all questions about the position to: Dr. Leigh Hargreaves (Search Committee Chair) at .

Application Deadline
To be assured full consideration all application materials must be received by November 1 2026. The anticipated appointment date is August 2027.

The College and Department
The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM; is dedicated to the principle that teaching and research are intricately mixed and that undergraduate and M.S. graduate research when properly approached are an integral part of teaching. This fine balance between teaching and research is NSMs greatest strength.

Faculty in the Physics Department have a history of successful externally funded research programs centered around undergraduate research. The department is home to gravitational wave astronomy several soft-matter physicists atomic and molecular physics physics education and quantum information researchers.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
This position is open and available to all regardless of race sex color ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws California State University Fullerton (CSUF) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race sex color ethnicity or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. CSUF complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act the California Equity in Higher Education Act Californias Proposition 209 (Art. I Section 31 of the California Constitution) other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws and CSUs Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment segregation based on race or any other protected status and all forms of discrimination harassment and retaliation in all university programs policies and practices.

In addition California State University Fullerton is a leading public university known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. As one of the largest campuses in the CSU system Cal State Fullerton fosters innovation collaboration and professional growth. The university values teaching research and service creating an environment where students staff and faculty can thrive. Cal State Fullerton is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The university also received the prestigious Seal of Excelencia in 2021 and 2024 from Excelencia in Education the nations leading authority on Latinx student success. Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer with a diverse student population of over 45000 and a faculty and staff population of 4000. Cal State Fullerton is firmly committed to helping students achieve academic excellence career success and economic mobility.

CSUF is committed to retaining all faculty and has established affinity groups you can join to support your success.

Compensation
The Assistant Professor (Academic Year) classification salary range is $6221 to $13224 monthly (12 monthly payments per academic year). The anticipated hiring range is $7277 to $7423 per month.

Salary offered is commensurate with experience and addition the California Equal Pay Act prohibits employers from paying its employees less than those of the opposite sex and/or another race or ethnicity for substantially similar work ( research grants moving expenses startup funds and a reduced teaching load may be available.

CSUF Benefits
An excellent comprehensive benefits package includes health/vision/dental plans; spouse domestic partner and dependent feewaiver; access to campus childcare; and a definedbenefit retirement through the state system and optional tax-sheltering opportunities. For a detailed description of benefits please visit employees hired by the CSU for the first time who first become CalPERS members on or after July 1 2017 are subject to a 10-year vesting period for retiree health and dental benefits.

Additional Information
Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

International Candidates
For tenure-track faculty positions California State University Fullerton is currently not sponsoring H-1B applicants subject to the $100000 fee established by the Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers issued on September 19 2025. Individuals in the U.S. who hold a valid lawful nonimmigrant status visa can have a petition filed on their behalf to change their status to H-1B without being subjected to the fee. For example the fee does not apply to an H-1B petition filed by an individual presently in the U.S. who is an F-1 J-1 or O-1 status holder.

CSU Policies
The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 revised July 21 2017 as a condition of employment.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be formally offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who selfdisclose.

Notice of Non-Discrimination based on Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. It requires hiring employees to perform CSU-related work within the State of California. The employee must be able to accept on-campus instruction as assigned and come to campus when needed. The CSU also prohibits hiring and retaining employees working permanently from a business location outside of the United States.

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicants current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.