The Bates College Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor starting in July 2027, open to all subfields of physics and astronomy. We seek an outstanding scholar with a strong commitment to excellent teaching, research, and mentorship in an undergraduate liberal arts environment.
The department is staffed with seven full-time faculty positions, and shares an eighth faculty position with the Department of Earth and Climate Sciences In addition, two master’s-level Instructional Specialists provide support for introductory and laboratory-oriented courses. Research specialties of current faculty span experimental, theoretical, observational, and computational approaches.
The department graduates fifteen to twenty physics majors per year, while also supporting a physics minor and an Engineering Combined Plan. All majors produce a senior thesis, typically involving a research project in the context of a faculty member’s area of expertise.
The position carries a standard five-course annual teaching load. Faculty responsibilities include teaching, professional achievement, and governance and engagement, as described in Article II of the Bates College Faculty Handbook Successful candidates will contribute to inclusive and evidence-based teaching, maintain an active program of scholarship, and participate in the life and governance of the College. Responsibilities include teaching courses in the major and the general education curriculum, advising students, and mentoring senior theses.
Bates College is a residential liberal arts college in Lewiston, Maine, two and a half hours north of Boston and 45 minutes from Portland. Details about the college and its community can be found here Bates supports new faculty with a course reduction in the first year of teaching, strong mentoring, and new faculty development programming along with support for community-engaged teaching and research. Bates provides tenure-track faculty with a paid pre-tenure leave and support for post-tenure sabbaticals.
Faculty scholarship is supported by start-up packages, internal grants, and a robust external grants office Faculty research is routinely supported by the NSF, NASA, and other external funding sources. Significant lab space is available for the position, as is a wide range of existing equipment and materials, and the support of a professional machinist and machine shop. For faculty high-performance computing needs, Bates maintains the newly upgraded Leavitt cluster
Qualifications include a PhD in physics or a closely related field. Postdoctoral research experience is seen as beneficial but is not required. We seek candidates who are committed to supporting the success of all students.
Review of applications will begin on October 5, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit the following materials: a cover letter addressing interest in the position and in Bates College; a curriculum vitae; a statement discussing teaching philosophy and experience; and a statement discussing research experience, the proposed research program, and plans for involving and mentoring undergraduates in research. In their submitted materials, applicants are encouraged to describe relevant preparation, experience, or plans for creating an inclusive learning environment. Three letters of recommendation will be requested from candidates selected to move forward after an initial review. The anticipated salary range for this position is $87,000–$91,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of degree.
Bates College is committed to equal opportunity and to providing an educational and work environment free from discrimination. The college prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and other legally protected statuses in the recruitment and admission of its students, in the administration of its education policies and programs, or in the recruitment of its faculty and staff. Bates College adheres to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity laws and regulations. All college faculty, staff, students, contractors, visitors, and volunteers are responsible for understanding and complying with the Non-Discrimination Policy.
Inquiries concerning the college’s policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VII, Title IX, and ADA/Section 504), and complaints may be directed to the Title IX Officer, Gwen Lexow at 207-786-6445 or titleix@bates.edu.
