Department: Physics division of the department of Mathematics , Statistics. and Physics

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm, may vary based on class schedule

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

The Physics division of the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics in the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) of Wichita State University (WSU) invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor in experimental condensed matter physics starting in the Fall of 2026. We seek candidates with research interests broadly related to quantum materials allied with quantum information science and engineering (QISE), including but not limited to superconducting devices, semiconductor-compatible devices, topological states of matter, quantum emitters, and light-driven quantum materials. We seek creative and innovative individuals who will also engage in high-quality teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, who are eager to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, and who will become leaders in their fields.

The Physics division at Wichita State University (WSU) is an exciting, collaborative place to work where opportunities exist with department colleagues and other colleagues from across campus. The department offers a B.A. & B.S. degrees in Physics and a growing graduate program, including both an M.S. and Ph.D. degree program.

Recognizing the value of hands-on training opportunities, the department also supports undergraduate research projects where students gain valuable experience. WSU also maintains a research high-performance computing cluster, BeoShock, that boasts four GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) and 720 CPU (Central Processing Unit) "cores" and is available free-of-charge for both research and teaching needs. The division currently has eight tenured or tenure-track faculty, three research and teaching faculty, one postdoctoral research associate, 25 graduate students, and ~50 undergraduate physics majors. The faculty-led research focuses on two main themes: condensed matter physics and the physics of the universe. The condensed matter physics theme centers on quantum sensing, spintronics, magnetic materials, and quantum computing.

Wichita State University (WSU) is a public research university in Wichita, Kansas, United States. It is one of the fastest-growing research universities in the country, with $411 million in research grants and contracts. Wichita State University is the major urban research and innovation university in Kansas with an enrollment of 17,548 students. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate degree programs in more than 200 areas of study in nine colleges. The university's graduate school offers more than 50 master's degrees in more than 100 areas, a specialist in education degree, and 13 doctoral degrees.

Job Summary

• Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face-to-face), hybrid, and fully online). To foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects. To advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities, etc.)

Essential Functions

Meet expectations for research, teaching, and service as set forth by the department and college.

Job Duties

• Teaching: Develop and teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, including but not limited to quantum mechanics, optics, and foundational physics classes. The responsibility includes designing curriculum and instructional materials, delivering high-quality instruction in various modalities ( in-person, hybrid & online), and assessing student learning. The faculty member will mentor and advise students, including supervising research projects or theses as appropriate, and incorporate applied learning opportunities (e.g. projects with industry or community partners) into the coursework whenever possible.
• Research/scholarly activities: Establish and maintain a nationally recognized active research program in the department. This includes publishing peer-reviewed scholarly work, disseminating results in academic venues, and seeking external funding (grants or industry collaboration) to support research activities. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. Excellence in scholarship should be demonstrated by a record of research accomplishments or clear potential for high-quality research output that enhances the program and the discipline.
• Service: A part of the workload dedicated to service tasks to the Department, College, or University. Service duties include committee work, curriculum development, program assessment, student recruitment, and community outreach. The faculty member will contribute to the governance and strategic initiatives of the department. The faculty member may also engage in service to the academic community (such as reviewing paper manuscripts or grant proposals).
• Other: Fulfill other duties as assigned, in accordance with the faculty member's talents and departmental needs. All Wichita State faculty are expected to uphold professional and ethical standards in teaching, research, and service.

Faculty Requirements

• PhD degree in physics, material sciences, or a closely related discipline with postdoctoral experience.
• Teaching: Demonstrated potential for effective teaching. Evidence may include prior teaching experience, student evaluations, teaching awards, or a statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Research: Demonstrated potential for productive research and scholarship. This can be shown by publications, conference presentations, dissertation work, or other scholarly activities indicating the ability to develop an independent research program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives.
• Ability to produce research and scholarly or creative achievements that enhance the program and the discipline, and able to deliver high-quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to the interdisciplinary and applied learning focus of Wichita State.
• Commitment to fostering an environment in which all students, faculty, staff, and community partners feel welcome, valued, supported, and engaged.

Additional Information:

To apply, please complete the Faculty Profile including the names and contact information for three (3) professional references and be ready to upload the following:
1.  Cover letter: A letter of application addressing how the candidate's qualifications and experience align with the position, including a summary of teaching philosophy and research interests.
2.  Curriculum vitae: Complete Curriculum vitae.
3.  Teaching statement: Statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages) describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
4.  Research statement: A statement (3-5 pages) outlining past, present, and future research, including how the candidate mentors (or will mentor) student researchers and fosters (or will foster) collaborative research environments.

Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The start date for this appointment is August 2, 2026 or as negotiated.

For any inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Kapildeb Ambal at Kapildeb.ambal@wichita.edu

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position – Frequent 60-90%; Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators – Frequent 60-90%

Additional Physical Requirement:

Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves remaining stationary most of the time.