Tenured Faculty Position in Experimental Plasma Physics

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles invites applications for a full-time tenured mid-career Associate Professor or Professor faculty position in experimental plasma physics, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027, or earlier.

UCLA has research programs in experimental, theoretical, and computational plasma physics, which include efforts in fundamental plasmas, inertial and magnetic confinement fusion energy, high-energy density plasmas, plasma-based accelerators, and space and astrophysical plasmas. Outstanding candidates are sought with expertise in plasma experiments, and who have demonstrated exceptional research in frontier areas of plasma physics. The candidate is expected to lead the Basic Plasma Science Facility (https://plasma.physics.ucla.edu/). In addition, we expect that the candidate will initiate a significant fusion-related program in the available space in the Science and Technology Research Building on campus, thereby expanding fusion science and engineering activities at UCLA. The candidate is expected to effectively teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels. This position involves a possibility of securing an endowed chair in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, which carries a substantial endowment, with the opportunity of a joint appointment in the School of Engineering. A Ph.D. or equivalent degree is required.

Candidates should submit a cover letter; a curriculum vitae including a list of publications; a synopsis of educational goals, including a commitment to teaching and a philosophy for teaching a graduate level plasma physics course; a statement of research accomplishments, interests and plans; complete a reference check authorization release form; and arrange for at least three and up to five letters of reference to be uploaded to UCLA Academic Recruit.

The deadline for full consideration is March 1, 2026; however, the search will remain open until the position is filled.

The salary is competitive with those of senior professors at other institutions.

The posted UC salary scales [https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/index.html] set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See [https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/policy-covered-october-2025-scales/t1.pdf]. The salary range for this position is $99,600-$212,000. "Off-scale salaries" and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Department: https://pa.ucla.edu/open-positions.html

Ph.D. or equivalent degree

• 3-5 letters of reference required

Applicants will be asked to name references, and the applicant must request letters to complete their application.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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