Assistant Professor - Physics - Energy Storage, Conversion, and Harvesting

The Department of Physics at the University of South Florida, Tampa, seeks to fill a 9-month, full-time, tenure-earning position at the Assistant Professor level in experimental Applied Physics. Applicants should have an outstanding record of research, a commitment to teaching and demonstrate the potential for developing a research program that engages students. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will develop an active experimental research program capable of attracting external funding and producing high-impact peer-reviewed publications with students. The starting date is August 7, 2026.

The Physics Department has strong research programs in experimental/theoretical biophysics, condensed matter, and optics. The University of South Florida also offers excellent opportunities to interact with research programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, as well as the Moffitt Cancer Center. 

How To Apply:

When applying, please attach the following required materials: 

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vita with publication record
• Statement of teaching philosophy (1 page)
• Research plan (2-3 pages)

*In addition, applicants should have three (3) letters of recommendation sent to physearch@usf.edu.  

All applications completed by December 1, 2025 will be given full consideration, although the search will continue until the position is filled. 

Questions regarding this search should be directed to Prof. George S. Nolas, Search Committee Chair, at physearch@usf.edu.

The minimum requirement for this position is a doctoral degree from an accredited institution in Physics or a closely related field. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor.

Preference will be given to candidates with existing strengths in the areas of energy conversion, energy storage, and/or energy sustainability. 

Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. For disability accommodations contact Edwin Perez (edwinperez@usf.edu), a minimum of five working days in advance. This position is subject to Foreign Influence Screening. House Bill 7017 (“HB 7017”)

Working At Usf

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About Usf

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

• Compliance and Federal Notices
• This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
• Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.