Job Details

Associate to Full Professor, Tenured, Computational Materials Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Position Number: 7289402
Location: Waco, TX
Position Type: Science - Physics

Associate to Full Professor, Tenured, Computational Materials Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Physics and Astronomy

Location: Waco, Texas
Open Date: Jul 01, 2026
Deadline: Sep 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description:
The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts & Sciences at Baylor University invites applications for a tenured faculty position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, effective Fall 2027. We seek an established, internationally recognized leader in computational materials science whose research integrates first-principles methods with modern informatics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to predict, design, and understand the electronic, magnetic, optical, and topological properties of next-generation quantum materials. This position is part of a strategic cluster hire in "Novel Quantum Materials for Next-generation Electronics, Spintronics, and Optoelectronics", aligned with Baylor's Baylor in Deeds strategic plan (2024-2030), particularly its commitment to Broadening Interdisciplinary Research and Impact, and responsive to federal priorities established by the National Quantum Initiative Act and the CHIPS and Science Act. The successful candidate will help support Baylor's growing Materials Science capabilities spanning materials synthesis, advanced spectroscopic and magnetic characterization, and high-performance computation, with strong collaborative ties to faculty in Physics & Astronomy, Chemistry & Biochemistry, and the School of Engineering & Computer Science.
Position Responsibilities

We expect the successful candidate to:

Lead an externally funded, internationally visible research program in computational/theoretical quantum materials, leveraging informatics-driven approaches (machine learning, high-throughput ab initio, data-driven discovery) alongside advanced computational methods (e.g., DFT+DMFT, GW, quantum embedding, Green's function approaches, etc.).

Mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers and contribute to vibrant Ph.D. programs in Physics and Materials Science.

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in physics, including specialized offerings in condensed matter theory, computational physics, or quantum information science.

Provide intellectual leadership for collaborative, multi-investigator proposals to agencies including NSF, DOE, and DoD (ARO, AFOSR, ONR, DARPA), and help shape the strategic direction of quantum materials science at Baylor.

Candidates who are outside of the United States and do not have other nonimmigrant visa status will not be sponsored for an H-1B petition.

About Baylor University: Baylor University is located in Waco, Texas and is the oldest college in the state. It has a diverse student population of 21,000 and is recognized as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification. Baylor is also noted on the honor roll of "Great Colleges to Work For" by ModernThink. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, allowing fauclty and staff to live in one of the fastest-growing parts of the state. As a Christian university with historic Baptist roots and as reflected in the Notice of Non-Discrimination, Baylor strives to be a place characterized by civility and respect. We believe each student, faculty, staff, and administrator is made in the image of God. Baylor's new strategic plan, Baylor in Deeds, guides the University as it continues its mission of educating men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.

A strong record of scholarly accomplishment commensurate with appointment at the tenured Associate or Full Professor rank, including a sustained history of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, and external research funding.

Demonstrated expertise in computational or theoretical methods applied to quantum materials - for example, electronic structure theory, strongly correlated electron systems, topological matter, or quantum transport - combined with experience deploying AI/ML or related informatics methods for materials prediction, design, or analysis.

Evidence of effective teaching, mentoring, and a commitment to collegial, interdisciplinary collaboration.

Application Instructions:
To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/187420

Applicants should submit through Interfolio: (1) a cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) a research statement describing prior accomplishments and future plans, (4) a teaching statement, (5) a copy of the official transcript from the highest-degree granting institution (if the doctorate is in progress, a copy of the official transcript of completed doctoral hours should be submitted), and (6) the names and contact information of four professional references. All applicants must complete the self-disclosed Religious Affiliation Form in Interfolio.

All materials must be received by 11 PM Central Daylight Time on 09/15/26. Questions concerning the position should be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Garritt Tucker at Garritt_Tucker@baylor.edu.

Baylor University, a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor complies with statutory Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity requirements. Baylor's full official Notice of Non-Discrimination may be read online.