Job Description:

The Department of Physics at UTEP has rapidly growing research programs in experimental, computational, and theoretical physics with 24 faculty members, 5 postdoctoral researchers, 4 research assistant professors, and 3 lecturers. The research areas of the physics faculty include chemical physics, magnetism, energy storage, quantum physics, quantum computation and quantum information, quantum optics, density functional theory, atmospheric physics, physics of materials in extreme environment, optical spectroscopy & microscopy, functional materials, nuclear theory, astrophysics, nano- and biomaterials, and experimental and computational biophysics. The department has access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities for optical, microscopic, magnetic, and structural characterizations of materials, as well as outstanding computational capabilities. The department faculty has access to facilities at several national laboratories, for example, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Lab and Los Alamos National Laboratory, through active collaborations or user-proposal routes. The Department offers B.S. in Physics, M.S. in Physics, and Ph.D. in Physics with an emphasis on quantum science. Our faculty also contribute to other interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs at UTEP in Materials Science and Engineering, Environmental Science and Engineering, Computational Science, Data Science, and Biomedical Engineering. The department is committed to student success, preparing the next generation physicists with knowledge, skills and visions. The Department of Physics has initiated an annual seminar series at UTEP in recognition of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science. Efforts like this have exemplified UTEP's broader commitment to excellence through inclusivity by offering other students from El Paso's community as well as from developing nations an opportunity to excel in physics.

The College of Science at The University of Texas at El Paso is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as Chair of the Physics Department. The Chair will join a multidisciplinary, collaborative, growing department with research activities spanning diverse areas of astrophysics, atmospheric physics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, magnetism, molecular physics, nuclear theory, optical spectroscopy, and quantum information science with broad applications in energy storage, functional materials, nano- and bio-materials. The successful candidate is expected to be an active researcher with a vision for developing research initiatives and strengthening collaborations and partnerships, and a strong leader with program, interpersonal, and personnel management skills. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to undergraduate and graduate student success serving UTEP's mission of access and excellence as a premier Hispanic Serving Institution.

Requirements:

• PhD in a discipline appropriate for the Department of Physics
• Current academic rank of tenured full professor (or equivalent rank)
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Excellent record of program, people, time, and financial management
• Outstanding record of research, mentoring, and teaching
• Commitment to the core values of collaboration, innovation, and accessibility

Additional Information:

In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

Application Instructions:

Applicants should submit (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) contact information for 5 references, and (3) a letter of interest addressing experience with, and contributions to research, education, administration, and leadership opportunities relevant to UTEP's mission. Applications that are not complete will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to apply by November 15, 2026. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Questions about this position should be directed to Search Committee Chair, Dr. Lixin Jin, [email protected].