California State University
Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy (Data-Intensive Methods)
California State University, Long Beach, California, us, 90899
Position
Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy with Emphasis on Data-Intensive Methods
Effective Date: August 17, 2026 (Fall Semester)
Salary Range: $74,652 to $158,688 per year ($6,221 to $13,224 per month). Anticipated hiring range $88,008 to $95,004 per year ($7,330 to $7,920 per month). Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Deadline: Review of applications to begin December 2, 2025. Position opened until filled (or recruitment canceled).
Institution California State University, Long Beach is a Hispanic Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. CSULB earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia in 2023, joining a distinctive group of colleges and universities who have been recognized for its commitment to Latine/x student success. CSULB is committed to serving diverse students and has established and actively supports the Black Excellence Collegium, dedicated to promoting Black excellence and advancing Black Student Success, and El Concilio for Latinx Success at the Beach, whose mission is to build capacity and promote inclusive servingness across initiatives and efforts for the benefit of all students. The President’s Equity and Change Commission is dedicated to achieving inclusive excellence in our community and culture and throughout the university.
College and Department College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Department of Physics and Astronomy
Required Qualifications
Ph.D., or equivalent degree, in Physics, Astronomy or a closely related field
At least one year of postdoctoral experience at the time of application
Record of theoretical, experimental physics or astronomy research focused on any subfield involving large data that may require the use of tools such as machine learning or artificial intelligence or computationally intensive simulations
Potential for attracting external funding to develop and sustain research involving undergraduate and master’s students
Potential to teach physics courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels
Demonstrated commitment to working successfully a diverse student population, including low socioeconomic and first-generation students
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrates potential for excellence in teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels
Evidence of ongoing research utilizing Big Data in physics and astronomy, theory or experiment, including but not limited to developing and applying machine learning and/or data-driven modelling to large-scale datasets or computationally intensive numerical simulations
Demonstrates potential for developing and sustaining an independent, externally funded, research program involving undergraduate and master’s students leading to peer-reviewed publications
Experience successfully working with populations demographically and/or socioeconomically similar to the CSULB student body
Experience mentoring or supporting students using inclusive and culturally relevant teaching strategies in a diverse classroom
Duties
Teach physics and/or astronomy courses at various levels of the department’s curriculum
Supervise and mentor undergraduate and master’s students in research projects
Develop and sustain a research program, involving students, leading to publications and external grant applications
Participate in and provide service to the department, college, university, profession, and community
(Mode of instruction may include in-person, hybrid, online, and/or any combination thereof.)
Recruitment Statement CSULB seeks to recruit faculty who enthusiastically support the University’s strong commitment to the academic success of all of our students, including students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and students of diverse sexual orientations and gender expressions. CSULB seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the People of California, to maintain the excellence of the University, and to offer our students a rich variety of expertise, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.
About our Department and the Position The Department of Physics and Astronomy at California State University, Long Beach provides a high- quality curriculum with state-of-the-art research opportunities offering an exceptional education for our students. We value teaching and research as essential components of education; our graduate and undergraduate students engage in research mentored by faculty, leading to diverse career outcomes, such as joining Ph.D. programs, industry, and teaching.
Our 13 tenure-track faculty engage in research in Condensed Matter Physics, Astrophysics, Particle Physics, Nuclear Theory, Nanomaterials, Biophysics and Astronomy, providing stimulating research projects for our students resulting in publications with student co-authors. Our faculty are supported by a diverse range of external funding sources, and many of our research students are supported by internal and external awards and fellowships.
The Physics and Astronomy Department at CSULB has one of the largest number of physics master’s graduates among U.S. master’s granting universities. We have a strong record of graduating women and underserved communities. Our department is one of only six Bridge Sites of the APS Bridge Program in the nation to create pathways to physics PhD programs for students from all backgrounds. Together with The Ohio State University and other CSULB departments, Physics and Astronomy is a PREM center (Partnership for Research and Education in Physics) to broaden participation in STEM by providing research opportunities and career pathways through collaborations between CSU and the materials research centers at OSU.
In serving the State of California, the department is committed to developing a diverse faculty, with a richness of personal and educational experience. We welcome all applicants who are highly motivated to engage in research supervision of a diverse student body and to work vigorously in the classroom to provide an exceptional education to our community of student scholars. We seek faculty who are committed to the academic success of all our students, particularly those from groups that are historically marginalized in Physics. Department faculty have provided and continue to provide substantial leadership in various programs serving all student population. We seek candidates who will join us in contributing their expertise and perspective, to providing excellent educational and research opportunities for the next generation workforce of scientists, technicians, entrepreneurs, teachers, and Ph.D. candidates.
Information on excellent benefits package available to CSULB faculty is located here: CSU Employee Benefits
How to Apply – Required Documentation
A Student Success Statement about your teaching or other experiences, successes, and challenges in working with a diverse student population (maximum two pages, single-spaced). For further information and guidelines, please visit: Student Success Statement
Letter of application addressing the required and preferred qualifications
CV
Names and contact information for three references (to be contacted for confidential letters of recommendation should you reach the semi-finalist stage)
Statement of research interest and plans to secure external funding and engage undergraduate and master’s-level graduate students in research
Statement of teaching philosophy. This statement, which is different from the Student Success Statement, should articulate your approach to creating an engaging and effective learning experience for students at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Finalists should be prepared to submit an official transcript (e-transcript preferred, if available)
How to Apply Click Apply Now icon to complete the CSULB online application. Requests for information and process should be addressed to:
Professor Prashanth Jaikumar, Chair California State University, Long Beach Department of Physics & Astronomy 1250 Bellflower Boulevard Long Beach, CA 90840-9505
PhysicsSearch@csulb.edu
Requests for information about the position should be addressed to:
Professor Prashanth Jaikumar, Chair PhysicsSearch@csulb.edu
Important Notice CSULB is currently not sponsoring applicants for H-1B employment for faculty that are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers issued on September 19, 2025. Applicants are responsible for determining the applicability of the fee.
Employment Requirements A background check (including a criminal records check and telephone reference check with most recent employer) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.
Pursuant to the CSU Out of State Employment Policy, hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California is prohibited effective January 1, 2022. By prohibiting employment outside of California, the CSU also prohibits hiring and retaining employees working permanently from a business location outside of the United States. Exceptions to the Policy are limited to approved and documented purposes for conducting CSU business outside of California.
All employees who assign and/or oversee work are responsible for ensuring that compliant work controls and procedures consistent with Federal, State and local regulations and University policies, programs and procedures are implemented and maintained to provide for the protection of individuals and to safeguard the environment. Everyone is expected to comply with applicable Environmental Health and Safety regulations and University policies, programs and procedures. For more information, the systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/18172024/latest/ and questions may be sent to Environmental_Health_Safety@csulb.edu.
The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to fahr@csulb.edu.
All university program and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Consistent with CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy, as well as state and federal law, CSULB provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. To access CSULB’s full statement on Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment, please visit Equity and Compliance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Institution California State University, Long Beach is a Hispanic Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. CSULB earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia in 2023, joining a distinctive group of colleges and universities who have been recognized for its commitment to Latine/x student success. CSULB is committed to serving diverse students and has established and actively supports the Black Excellence Collegium, dedicated to promoting Black excellence and advancing Black Student Success, and El Concilio for Latinx Success at the Beach, whose mission is to build capacity and promote inclusive servingness across initiatives and efforts for the benefit of all students. The President’s Equity and Change Commission is dedicated to achieving inclusive excellence in our community and culture and throughout the university.
College and Department College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Department of Physics and Astronomy
Required Qualifications
Ph.D., or equivalent degree, in Physics, Astronomy or a closely related field
At least one year of postdoctoral experience at the time of application
Record of theoretical, experimental physics or astronomy research focused on any subfield involving large data that may require the use of tools such as machine learning or artificial intelligence or computationally intensive simulations
Potential for attracting external funding to develop and sustain research involving undergraduate and master’s students
Potential to teach physics courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels
Demonstrated commitment to working successfully a diverse student population, including low socioeconomic and first-generation students
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrates potential for excellence in teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels
Evidence of ongoing research utilizing Big Data in physics and astronomy, theory or experiment, including but not limited to developing and applying machine learning and/or data-driven modelling to large-scale datasets or computationally intensive numerical simulations
Demonstrates potential for developing and sustaining an independent, externally funded, research program involving undergraduate and master’s students leading to peer-reviewed publications
Experience successfully working with populations demographically and/or socioeconomically similar to the CSULB student body
Experience mentoring or supporting students using inclusive and culturally relevant teaching strategies in a diverse classroom
Duties
Teach physics and/or astronomy courses at various levels of the department’s curriculum
Supervise and mentor undergraduate and master’s students in research projects
Develop and sustain a research program, involving students, leading to publications and external grant applications
Participate in and provide service to the department, college, university, profession, and community
(Mode of instruction may include in-person, hybrid, online, and/or any combination thereof.)
Recruitment Statement CSULB seeks to recruit faculty who enthusiastically support the University’s strong commitment to the academic success of all of our students, including students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and students of diverse sexual orientations and gender expressions. CSULB seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the People of California, to maintain the excellence of the University, and to offer our students a rich variety of expertise, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.
About our Department and the Position The Department of Physics and Astronomy at California State University, Long Beach provides a high- quality curriculum with state-of-the-art research opportunities offering an exceptional education for our students. We value teaching and research as essential components of education; our graduate and undergraduate students engage in research mentored by faculty, leading to diverse career outcomes, such as joining Ph.D. programs, industry, and teaching.
Our 13 tenure-track faculty engage in research in Condensed Matter Physics, Astrophysics, Particle Physics, Nuclear Theory, Nanomaterials, Biophysics and Astronomy, providing stimulating research projects for our students resulting in publications with student co-authors. Our faculty are supported by a diverse range of external funding sources, and many of our research students are supported by internal and external awards and fellowships.
The Physics and Astronomy Department at CSULB has one of the largest number of physics master’s graduates among U.S. master’s granting universities. We have a strong record of graduating women and underserved communities. Our department is one of only six Bridge Sites of the APS Bridge Program in the nation to create pathways to physics PhD programs for students from all backgrounds. Together with The Ohio State University and other CSULB departments, Physics and Astronomy is a PREM center (Partnership for Research and Education in Physics) to broaden participation in STEM by providing research opportunities and career pathways through collaborations between CSU and the materials research centers at OSU.
In serving the State of California, the department is committed to developing a diverse faculty, with a richness of personal and educational experience. We welcome all applicants who are highly motivated to engage in research supervision of a diverse student body and to work vigorously in the classroom to provide an exceptional education to our community of student scholars. We seek faculty who are committed to the academic success of all our students, particularly those from groups that are historically marginalized in Physics. Department faculty have provided and continue to provide substantial leadership in various programs serving all student population. We seek candidates who will join us in contributing their expertise and perspective, to providing excellent educational and research opportunities for the next generation workforce of scientists, technicians, entrepreneurs, teachers, and Ph.D. candidates.
Information on excellent benefits package available to CSULB faculty is located here: CSU Employee Benefits
How to Apply – Required Documentation
A Student Success Statement about your teaching or other experiences, successes, and challenges in working with a diverse student population (maximum two pages, single-spaced). For further information and guidelines, please visit: Student Success Statement
Letter of application addressing the required and preferred qualifications
CV
Names and contact information for three references (to be contacted for confidential letters of recommendation should you reach the semi-finalist stage)
Statement of research interest and plans to secure external funding and engage undergraduate and master’s-level graduate students in research
Statement of teaching philosophy. This statement, which is different from the Student Success Statement, should articulate your approach to creating an engaging and effective learning experience for students at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Finalists should be prepared to submit an official transcript (e-transcript preferred, if available)
How to Apply Click Apply Now icon to complete the CSULB online application. Requests for information and process should be addressed to:
Professor Prashanth Jaikumar, Chair California State University, Long Beach Department of Physics & Astronomy 1250 Bellflower Boulevard Long Beach, CA 90840-9505
PhysicsSearch@csulb.edu
Requests for information about the position should be addressed to:
Professor Prashanth Jaikumar, Chair PhysicsSearch@csulb.edu
Important Notice CSULB is currently not sponsoring applicants for H-1B employment for faculty that are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers issued on September 19, 2025. Applicants are responsible for determining the applicability of the fee.
Employment Requirements A background check (including a criminal records check and telephone reference check with most recent employer) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.
Pursuant to the CSU Out of State Employment Policy, hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California is prohibited effective January 1, 2022. By prohibiting employment outside of California, the CSU also prohibits hiring and retaining employees working permanently from a business location outside of the United States. Exceptions to the Policy are limited to approved and documented purposes for conducting CSU business outside of California.
All employees who assign and/or oversee work are responsible for ensuring that compliant work controls and procedures consistent with Federal, State and local regulations and University policies, programs and procedures are implemented and maintained to provide for the protection of individuals and to safeguard the environment. Everyone is expected to comply with applicable Environmental Health and Safety regulations and University policies, programs and procedures. For more information, the systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/18172024/latest/ and questions may be sent to Environmental_Health_Safety@csulb.edu.
The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to fahr@csulb.edu.
All university program and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Consistent with CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy, as well as state and federal law, CSULB provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. To access CSULB’s full statement on Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment, please visit Equity and Compliance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr