Working Title: Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy (Tenure-Track)

State Role Title: N/A

Position Type: Instructional / Teaching Faculty

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Science and Mathematics

Department: 100032 - Physics Department

Pay Band: N/A

Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience

Specify Range or Amount:  

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 11/20/2026

About JMU:

Mission
We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Vision
To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.

Who We Are
Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at James Madison University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Physics with expertise in data-intensive, computational, and/or AI-enabled approaches to physics, astronomy, or closely related fields. This is a full-time appointment beginning August 10, 2027.

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at James Madison University combines a strong commitment to undergraduate education with an active culture of scholarship and discovery. Through excellent teaching, close mentorship, and faculty-led research programs that engage undergraduate students, the department provides a rich educational experience for its majors. The department consists of 21 full-time faculty members, most of whom maintain active research agendas, and approximately 70 students enrolled in our multi-track baccalaureate-only programs.

Please visit our website at http://www.jmu.edu/physics for more information about the department.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will contribute to the department's mission through outstanding teaching, active scholarship, and meaningful service. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate physics and/or astronomy courses and laboratories at both introductory and advanced levels. The candidate will establish and maintain an active, externally visible research program that engages undergraduate students and enhances the scholarly reputation of the department, college, and university. The successful candidate will also contribute to the continuing development of an innovative curriculum, including courses related to data science, computation, artificial intelligence, and other emerging areas relevant to the discipline and university priorities. Faculty participate in departmental, college, and university service activities that support the academic community, including committee work, student mentoring, and professional service.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field by the time of appointment. Relevant Postdoctoral (or equivalent) experience is preferred.

Candidates will be evaluated based on their potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching and their ability to establish a productive research program that actively involves undergraduate students. Preference will be given to candidates whose teaching and research interests include data-intensive, computational, and/or AI-enabled approaches to physics, astronomy, or closely related fields. Areas of interest may include, but are not limited to, computational astrophysics, data-driven astronomy, biophysics, materials physics, computational physics, or other emerging interdisciplinary areas.

The department is particularly interested in candidates who have the potential to secure external funding and develop a sustained research program, as well as those interested in developing courses that integrate computing, data science, artificial intelligence, or other workforce-relevant skills. Interest in contributing to the university's General Education program, particularly the Science, Technology, and the Built Environment and/or Connections areas, and a commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers are desirable.

Additional Posting Information:

To apply, complete the PageUp application and provide:
• A cover letter addressing relevant qualifications
• Current curriculum vitae (CV)
• A Teaching Statement (uploaded under “Statement of Teaching Philosophy”) that describes your planned and/or ongoing approach to:
* Effectively teach undergraduate students
* Promote a welcoming and supportive climate for students in teaching and research
• A statement of research (uploaded as "Other Document #1) plans involving students at JMU with:
* A 5-year plan that involves undergraduate students at JMU
* Plans to promote the growth and excellence of student researchers
•The names and contact information for three professional references


JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.