Assistant Professor of Physics (Experimental Physics)

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 22-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 14,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment.

The minimum education requirement for appointment to this position is a Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate may be considered; however, all requirements for conferral of the degree must be met no later than the start date of the position.

Candidates must show a strong commitment to undergraduate education and high potential for providing undergraduates with research experiences.

This tenure-track position carries responsibilities in the areas of teaching at the undergraduate level, scholarship and professional development, and service to the Department, University, and community. As a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI) and having only undergraduate programs in our department, teaching responsibilities are primary. Demonstrate a commitment to and knowledge of effective teaching practices. Teaching duties will include teaching introductory physics courses in dedicated studio classrooms and teaching core upper-division physics lab courses. This position is expected to successfully mentor undergraduates in research. Both the university and the program value equity, diversity, and inclusion and faculty will be expected to develop teaching practices that promote these values.

Applicants must provide a current 2-page cover letter (including how you plan to address effective teaching and mentored research with diverse undergraduate student groups at Chico State), a CV, and contact information for three professional references. Additional information may be requested at a later time. All applicants must apply online. Applications submitted via email or in-person to the department will not be considered.

The department of Physics offers a B.S. in physics and minors in physics and astronomy, with program tracks tailored to students interested in pursuing interdisciplinary or educational careers; or paths targeting graduate study in physics or other disciplines. Our roughly 50 majors come from a wide variety of backgrounds and levels of preparation. We have an active, award-winning SPS chapter and faculty who take an intentional approach to maintaining a respectful and collegial departmental atmosphere. Refer to https://www.csuchico.edu/academics/college/natural-sciences/departments/physics/ and https://www.csuchico.edu/academics/college/natural-sciences/index.shtml for more information about the Physics Department and the College of Natural Sciences, respectively.

Job-related questions should be directed to:

Kendall P. Hall, Search Committee Chair
Department of Physics
California State University Chico
Chico CA 95929
kphall@csuchico.edu

Out of State Employment: All work must be performed within the State of California. Faculty assignments include in-person duties that require an on-campus presence.

Background Check and Disclosures: A background check (including a criminal records check) 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.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Authorization to Work: Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Chico State is not currently sponsoring faculty for H-1B work status if they are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the “Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers” issued on September 19, 2025. For faculty already in the United States who hold a valid nonimmigrant visa (such as F-1, J-1, or O-1), Chico State may consider filing a petition to change their status to H-1B if the fee does not apply.

Mandated Reporter: 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. The person also will have a duty to report to the campus Title IX coordinator information pertaining to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or exploitation, dating or domestic violence, stalking, and/or retaliation under CSU policy.

Clery Act: Chico State's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A copy of the report may be requested in person at the Chico State Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available online at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.

EEO Statement: Chico State is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status and only employ individuals authorized to work in the U.S.

For disability-related accommodations, please call the ADA Coordinator at (530) 898-5959.

All positions are contingent on funding.

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, “Today Decides Tomorrow,” is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century.

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus. We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.

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