Assistant Professor - Physics

Position Summary The Department of Physics and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) at the University of Illinois Chicago invite applications for a tenure-track position in theoretical condensed matter physics at the Assistant Professor level. The emphasis of this search is to strengthen the Department’s efforts in theoretical condensed matter research in quantum materials. The anticipated start date is Fall 2027. The open faculty position is in the field of computational quantum materials, with an emphasis on incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods. We seek a researcher who will develop new computational approaches that combine physics-based modeling, large-scale simulation, and AI/ML to discover and design materials with quantum properties. The overall objective is to develop predictive and experimentally testable approaches to the discovery, understanding, and engineering of quantum materials, including materials and structures relevant to qubits, quantum sensing, and other quantum technologies, with an emphasis on applications in quantum information science (QIS). The successful candidate is expected to establish a highly visible and externally funded research program addressing questions at the intersection of quantum materials, computational physics, and artificial intelligence. Research directions may include: -Physics-informed, AI/ML-guided discovery and design of materials exhibiting desirable quantum properties. -Advanced computational approaches to model realistic quantum materials, such as correlated or topological systems, engineered quantum systems and heterostructures, as well as low-dimensional systems relevant to QIS. The successful candidate should be able to collaborate with existing condensed matter theoretical and experimental groups in the Department of Physics. The materials and condensed matter faculty conduct research on a wide range of functional and complex materials, including energy-relevant, quantum, topological, superconducting, and strongly correlated systems. A fuller description of the research programs in the Department of Physics can be found at phys.uic.edu. UIC offers a strong infrastructure for computational and experimental materials research, including advanced characterization core facilities and substantial high-performance computing capabilities that support large-scale simulations and data-intensive research. The Chicago region has become a national leader in QIS research, supported by robust academic, state, federal, and industrial investments. Existing programs include the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center, the FermiForward partnership, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE). UIC is well positioned to play a leading role in this ecosystem. Duties Responsibilities The assistant professor is expected to establish a highly visible and externally funded research program at the forefront of theoretical condensed matter physics. This program should include the education and participation of doctoral graduate students in cutting-edge research projects as well as provide appropriate research opportunities for undergraduate students. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to teaching physics at both undergraduate and graduate levels within a Research 1 university environment with a focus on establishing an inclusive and diverse environment for historically underserved students. The candidate is also expected to advise students, and provide service to the department, college and university.