About the role
The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) invites applications for a full-time, open-rank, tenure-track/tenured faculty position in the Department of Physics and Applied Physics beginning in September 2027.
We seek an innovative scholar conducting high-impact research in nuclear science, broadly defined. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an externally funded research program that strengthens and complements current research in the Department of Physics and Applied Physics and fosters collaboration across the university, including in interdisciplinary research. Preference will be given to candidates whose research programs will make substantive use of UMass Lowell’s nuclear and radiation research facilities, whether independently or in collaboration with existing programs across the university.
UMass Lowell’s Radiation Laboratory provides substantial infrastructure for nuclear research, including a 1-MW research reactor, 5.5-MV Van de Graaff accelerator, a dedicated radiochemistry laboratory, and facilities for radiation measurement and gamma and neutron irradiation. These facilities also offer opportunities for hands-on undergraduate and graduate research and training. Candidates should describe how their proposed research and educational activities would draw on these resources, where relevant, and how their work would advance the department’s broader research and educational goals.
UMass Lowell has longstanding strengths and growing programs in nuclear science and applied physics. The Department of Physics and Applied Physics, within the Kennedy College of Sciences, offers undergraduate degrees in Physics and Engineering Physics, M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Physics with options in Radiological Sciences (ABET-accredited) and Medical Physics (CAMPEP-accredited).
Our faculty conduct experimental, computational, and theoretical research across fundamental and applied physics, including nuclear physics, radiation detection and measurement, radiological health physics, medical physics, materials and condensed matter physics, optics and photonics, quantum information, space science, and astrophysics. The department also offers opportunities to develop or expand research in nuclear chemistry. Research groups collaborate across the department and the university, including with Nuclear Engineering, as well as with national laboratories, research hospitals, industry, government agencies, and other academic institutions. The department has a strong record of externally funded research and provides students with opportunities to participate directly in faculty research through close mentoring and hands-on training.
UMass Lowell is a nationally recognized Carnegie R1 public research university experiencing strong and sustained growth. The Wall Street Journal ranks UMass Lowell as Massachusetts' top public university and the best public institution in the state for both 'Best Value' and social mobility. The university's rapid ascent reflects its commitment to research excellence, student success, and impactful partnerships across industry, government, and the community.
The successful candidate will be expected to establish and sustain an externally funded research program, advise undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute to collaborative research across the university. A strong commitment to teaching and mentoring is essential, including the ability to contribute to core undergraduate Physics courses and graduate teaching across the Department of Physics and Applied Physics.
Appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor will require a strong record of research, teaching, mentorship, and professional accomplishment commensurate with the requirements for that rank.
Minimum Qualifications (Required):
- A PhD or equivalent degree in Physics, Nuclear Science, Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Radiological Sciences, Medical Physics, or a closely related field.
- A strong record of research appropriate to the candidate's career stage and demonstrated potential to establish and sustain an externally funded research program.
- Demonstrated potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and student mentorship.
- Interest in collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
This position is full-time, benefited, and represented by the Massachusetts Society of Professors/MTA/NEA. The anticipated salary range, pursuant to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement, lists minimum salaries of $75,000 for Assistant Professor, $85,000 for Associate Professor, and $100,000 for Professor. However, our anticipated expected minimum salary (for Assistant Professor) is expected to be $105,000. The anticipated maximum salary, depending on rank, qualifications, and departmental considerations, is not expected to exceed $230,000.
Initial review of applications will begin on November 30, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive full consideration. Review will continue until the position is filled.
Please include the following required documents with your application:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including list of publications and research grants
- Cover Letter
- Teaching Statement/Philosophy
- Research Statement
- Names and contact information for three professional references
Applicants are encouraged to discuss in their Research Statement potential collaborations with existing departmental research groups and, where relevant, opportunities to utilize or collaborate with UMass Lowell's Radiation Laboratory facilities.