Inside Higher Ed
Assistant Professor - Physics, Theoretical Particle Physics - Fall 2026
Inside Higher Ed, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, 37955
Overview
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in theoretical particle physics. We are particularly seeking applicants who can work closely with our existing particle physics program. The Department has broad research programs in experimental collider and neutrino physics, with leadership in the CMS Experiment, COHERENT, and efforts towards future colliders. We build neutron experiments searching for baryon number violation and have an active program in quantum computing. These programs benefit from extensive collaboration with research scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and from facilities such as the Spallation Neutron Source, the High Flux Isotope Reactor, and the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility. We seek a candidate to complement, connect, and expand these research efforts. Responsibilities
Establish and lead an externally funded research program in theoretical particle physics within the Department. Collaborate with existing programs and contribute to interdisciplinary research efforts. Contribute to teaching and service in the Department, including undergraduate and graduate physics and astronomy curricula. Involve and train departmental graduate students and postdoctoral researchers; contribute to curriculum development and innovative teaching methods. Qualifications
PhD in physics or a closely related field at the time of application. Exemplary research record as demonstrated by publications, citations, invited talks, and leadership roles. Ability to establish an externally funded research program and to mentor students and postdocs. Commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching in physics and astronomy; openness to curricular innovation. Application Instructions
Applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae (including research and teaching experience), list of publications, Statement of Research, and Statement of Teaching, and arrange for three letters of reference to be submitted separately. All materials should be submitted electronically via https://apply.interfolio.com/174290. Acceptable file formats are .pdf or .docx. Applications are due on December 1, 2025. For questions, please contact Dr. Yuri Efremenko at yefremen@utk.edu. The position’s anticipated start date is August 1, 2026. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirms that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.
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The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in theoretical particle physics. We are particularly seeking applicants who can work closely with our existing particle physics program. The Department has broad research programs in experimental collider and neutrino physics, with leadership in the CMS Experiment, COHERENT, and efforts towards future colliders. We build neutron experiments searching for baryon number violation and have an active program in quantum computing. These programs benefit from extensive collaboration with research scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and from facilities such as the Spallation Neutron Source, the High Flux Isotope Reactor, and the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility. We seek a candidate to complement, connect, and expand these research efforts. Responsibilities
Establish and lead an externally funded research program in theoretical particle physics within the Department. Collaborate with existing programs and contribute to interdisciplinary research efforts. Contribute to teaching and service in the Department, including undergraduate and graduate physics and astronomy curricula. Involve and train departmental graduate students and postdoctoral researchers; contribute to curriculum development and innovative teaching methods. Qualifications
PhD in physics or a closely related field at the time of application. Exemplary research record as demonstrated by publications, citations, invited talks, and leadership roles. Ability to establish an externally funded research program and to mentor students and postdocs. Commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching in physics and astronomy; openness to curricular innovation. Application Instructions
Applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae (including research and teaching experience), list of publications, Statement of Research, and Statement of Teaching, and arrange for three letters of reference to be submitted separately. All materials should be submitted electronically via https://apply.interfolio.com/174290. Acceptable file formats are .pdf or .docx. Applications are due on December 1, 2025. For questions, please contact Dr. Yuri Efremenko at yefremen@utk.edu. The position’s anticipated start date is August 1, 2026. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirms that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.
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