About the role
The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track position in Physics at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor beginning August 2027. We seek a teacher-scholar committed to excellent undergraduate teaching and to developing an active research program that involves undergraduate students. We particularly welcome candidates in experimental or applied physics.
One of seven departments in the Swain Family School of Science and Mathematics, the Department of Physics is a collaborative community offering a BS in Applied Physics, a BA in Physics, and minors in applied physics and aerospace science. The department emphasizes excellent teaching, close student mentorship, hands-on learning, undergraduate research, and meaningful faculty engagement in the curriculum.
Founded in 1842 and located in historic Charleston, South Carolina, The Citadel is a public, coeducational senior military college dedicated to educating and developing principled leaders. Total enrollment is approximately 3,900 students, including approximately 2,400 members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, with additional students enrolled in graduate, evening undergraduate, College Transfer Program, and online offerings. In the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, The Citadel is ranked No. 1 among Regional Universities in the South for the third consecutive year, No. 1 among Public Regional Universities in the South for the 16th consecutive year, and No. 1 among Best Colleges for Veterans in the South for the ninth consecutive year. The Citadel's 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average undergraduate class size of approximately 20 support close faculty-student engagement. The Citadel provides internal funding for faculty research, professional development, and travel, and offers competitive benefits. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with credentials and experience.
Position Responsibilities
Teaching responsibilities will include a mix of introductory physics, courses for physics majors, and general education courses. The standard teaching load is four 3-credit courses per semester or an equivalent combination of lecture and laboratory assignments. We value hands-on and applied approaches that engage students with varied backgrounds and career goals.
The successful candidate will maintain an active research program appropriate to a teaching-focused undergraduate institution, producing scholarly work and involving undergraduate students. Startup funding is available, along with internal research grant opportunities.
Additional responsibilities include departmental, school, and college service and participation in the department's established outreach activities.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must hold an earned doctorate in physics or a closely related field by the appointment date and demonstrate the potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching, scholarship, and student mentorship. Appointment at the Associate Professor level requires a record of teaching, scholarship, and service commensurate with rank.
Application Instructions
Applicants should complete the online application and submit the following materials:
- A cover letter addressing the candidate's qualifications and interest in the position
- An updated curriculum vitae
- A statement describing the candidate's approach to undergraduate teaching
- A research statement describing a program that incorporates undergraduate students
- Contact information for at least three professional references
Review of applications will begin December 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to Dr. Hank Yochum, Head of the Department of Physics, at 843-953-6953 or hyochum@citadel.edu.