Assistant Professor of Physics - Applied Mechanics

Rank: Assistant Professor

Department: Physics

Starting Date: Fall 2027

Summary

California State University San Marcos has an opening for a tenure track assistant professor of physics to begin August 2027. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, engineering physics, or a closely related field with specialization in geophysics, continuum mechanics, fluid dynamics, rheology, soft condensed matter, structure of materials, granular materials or related areas. CSUSM values teaching undergraduates and involving them in research. The campus is located on a scenic hillside 15 miles east of the Pacific Ocean in the San Diego North County region, an area known for its temperate climate and growing technology industries. CSUSM offers a B.S. in Applied Physics and was a 2020 recipient of the APS Award for Improving Undergraduate Physics Education. We seek faculty candidates to help establish an applied mechanics track within an Applied Physics bachelor’s degree program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must possess a doctorate in Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related field with specialization in geophysics, continuum mechanics, fluid dynamics, rheology, soft condensed matter, structure of materials, granular materials, or related areas.
• Applicants with ABD status will be considered and may be interviewed, but the applicant must possess the doctorate degree from an accredited university at the time of appointment for this position.
• Candidates must demonstrate teaching excellence, a commitment to exploring the use of research-based instructional practices, and an ability to teach courses across the undergraduate physics curriculum.
• Candidates must possess a record of published research commensurate with years of experience, and the ability to develop and sustain a research program involving undergraduates that will lead to original, peer-reviewed publications.
• Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with departmental colleagues and in our campus community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference will be given to candidates who can contribute to developing and offering an applied mechanics track within an Applied Physics bachelor’s degree program.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience with Finite Element Analysis and other techniques and software packages relevant to applied mechanics research and industry.
• Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated intercultural competence in teaching, research, and/or service.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $8,500 - $9,167 per month

CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,221- $13,224 per month

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the CSUSM Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Cover letter specifically addressing minimum and preferred qualifications (2 pages maximum).
• Curriculum vitae.
• Statement of teaching philosophy (2 pages maximum)
• Statement of research plans (2 pages maximum)
• Contact information for 3 references

Additional Requirements

• Reprints of representative publications and works in process. (if applicable)
• Summary of student teaching evaluations with average GPA for each class taught. (if applicable)
• Copies of all graduate-level transcripts that include relevant course work. (if applicable)

Review of applications will begin November 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

CSUSM is currently not sponsoring applicants for H-1B employment that are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the “Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers” issued on September 19, 2025. Applicants are responsible for determining the applicability of the fee.

CSUSM has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and was recently named one of the top 32 Colleges most friendly to junior faculty by the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education. Visit Faculty Opportunities for more information.

California State University San Marcos is an Equal Opportunity Employer strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of the campus community. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation and veteran or military status.

Per the California State University’s Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. Working in the State of California is a condition of employment.

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 as a condition of employment.

This position is subject to employment verification, education verification, reference checks and criminal record checks. An offer of appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including a criminal records check, and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered 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.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act Notification can be found at Clery Act Notification.