Job Details

Overview

Assistant Professor - Soft Condensed Matter (Experiment/Theory) — Department of Physics, Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Position title: Assistant Professor in Soft Condensed Matter
Salary range: The current salary range for this position is $80,800-$128,700 (9-month academic year salary). Off-scale salary and other components of pay may be offered to meet competitive conditions. Current salary scales can be viewed here.

Anticipated start: July 1, 2026, or on a mutually agreed date thereafter

Position description

The Physics Department at UC Berkeley is conducting an open search to fill a tenure-track faculty position for an Assistant Professor in Soft Condensed Matter. This position is open to all sub-fields of soft condensed matter, broadly defined, including but not limited to non-linear physics, nonequilibrium statistical physics, physics of learning and information, non-biological soft condensed matter physics, and related areas of biological soft condensed matter physics. Applications from both experimentalists and theorists are welcome. We encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and institutions.

Berkeley Physics is conducting two other tenure-track faculty searches. If your research area overlaps with another search, candidates should submit applications to each relevant search separately. Applications cannot be transferred between searches.

Berkeley Physics and its partners are committed to fostering inclusive environments and to strengthening pathways into research careers. For information, visit the Equity & Inclusion resources.

Berkeley Physics has a long history of teaching, research, and service, with a culture that values interdisciplinarity and strong ties to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and other research labs. The department supports faculty in balancing personal and family needs.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application): Applicants must have a Ph.D. (or equivalent international degree) or be enrolled in a Ph.D. or equivalent international degree-granting program at the time of application.

Preferred qualifications: We seek candidates who will develop impactful and novel research programs, who will commit to excellence in undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate education, and who will contribute to broader campus goals of mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Application requirements

Document requirements

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (latest version)
• Statement of Research — discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans, including publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive practices, and areas for future research
• Statement of Teaching and Mentoring — discuss prior teaching experience, teaching approach, and future teaching interests; include mentoring experiences and approach to inclusive education and research environment
• Authorization to Release Information Form — download, complete, sign, and upload the form
• Statement of Service — discuss prior and proposed academic, professional and/or public service activities

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

For references, ask three individuals who know you to submit letters by the application deadline. APRecruit will solicit letters for reviewers to upload. Apply via the application link provided by APRecruit.

Help contact

...@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy. These values are embedded in our Principles of Community. The University is an Equal Opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

For more information, refer to UC Berkeley affirmative action and nondiscrimination policies. Letters of reference are confidential per University policy. Applicants must comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements. The University also may require disclosure of any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years relating to misconduct.

Job location

Berkeley, CA