Assistant Professor

The Department of Physics and Optical Science offers BS, MS, and PhD programs, including an interdisciplinary PhD in Optical Science and Engineering. Researchers have access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities, including the Center for Optoelectronics and Optical Communications ( OPTO) and the Center for Precision Metrology ( CPM). In addition, the department has leadership roles in two NSF-supported Industry-University Collaborative Research Centers: the Center for Metamaterials ( CFM) and the Center for Freeform Optics ( CeFO). These centers facilitate close collaborations with industry and government labs. Department faculty also participate in the Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science ( CBES).

The Klein College of Science drives excellence in research, education, and community engagement to shape scientific discovery and cultivate global leaders. As one of UNC Charlotte's newest colleges, it unites four dynamic academic departments-Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, and the Ishwar Aggarwal Department of Physics and Optical Science-with the Botanical Gardens, interdisciplinary research centers, and innovative programs. We combine state-of-the-art resources with a highly collaborative environment, empowering faculty to push the boundaries of research, deliver transformative learning experiences, and partner with leaders across the Charlotte region and beyond.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte recognizes the differentiation of mission, goals, and objectives inherent in the diversity of disciplines represented by its colleges and departments. Thus, the Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions for Tenured and Tenure Track Faculty should be interpreted in the context of the related departmental and collegiate goals.
Teaching, Advising, Curriculum and Instructional Development - Faculty responsibilities and essential functions with respect to teaching may include but are not limited to: subject matter competence, course design, course presentation, advising and consultation, directing student research, curriculum and instructional development, and grading student work.
Scholarly Research, Creative, and Other Professional Activities - All tenured and tenure-track faculty are expected to participate in expanding the knowledge base of their academic field by conducting research or engaging in other creative activities as appropriate to the faculty member's discipline. Faculty responsibilities and essential functions with respect to research may include but are not limited to: research/creative activity that generates new knowledge and/or synthesizes and/or integrates existing knowledge, publication, an on-going agenda for research, scholarly, and creative activity, and are expected to seek extramural support for their work.
Service to University, the Public, and the Profession - All tenured and tenure-track faculty are expected to engage in a program of service appropriate to their discipline. Faculty responsibilities and essential functions with respect to service may include but are not limited to: service to the administration and governance of the University, public service, and service to the profession.

This position is subject to research-security screening. As part of the application, applicants must disclose, either in their CV or in a separate document submitted with the application, all current appointments or affiliations with foreign institutions or organizations, foreign research support, and ongoing research collaborations with foreign institutions, organizations, or their personnel. Before candidates advance to an on-campus interview, the university will review this information and other publicly available information for relationships involving institutions on the current Section 1286 list and any other applicable U.S. restricted-party lists. A disclosed or identified relationship does not automatically disqualify a candidate. As a condition of employment, a selected candidate must resolve any relationship the university determines would violate applicable law or sponsor requirements or materially impair the candidate's or the university's eligibility for federal funding.

To view the complete Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions for Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty document visit our website: https://facultyhandbooks.charlotte.edu/full-time-faculty-handbook/

The selected candidate will establish and lead a cutting-edge research program in applied optics at UNC Charlotte, fostering collaboration within the department and across departments and colleges in alignment with strategic research areas ( UNC Charlotte Research Areas), including optics and optoelectronics, advanced manufacturing and metrology, and nanoscale science and materials. The department has active research programs in nano-scale device fabrication, metamaterials, advanced microscopy, low-dimensional materials, freeform optics, materials for high-energy-laser applications, optoelectronics, optical coherence and interferometry, and biomedical optics.

UNC Charlotte gives primary consideration to the earned doctorate or terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a related discipline.

UNC Charlotte is especially looking for a faculty member who can enhance existing activities and expand into emerging areas.

The Ishwar Aggarwal Department of Physics and Optical Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte invites applicants for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level. While all areas and disciplines related to optics will be considered, we especially welcome applicants with a focus on experimental research

Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent degree in physics, optics, or a closely related field, a significant record of research and publication, and a strong commitment to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Applications must be submitted electronically at jobs.charlotte.edu (position number 006203) and include (1) a letter of interest that addresses the requirements for the position; (2) a CV; (3) a detailed description of research plans including possible collaborations with current faculty at UNC Charlotte, potential use of existing facilities, and a summary of anticipated equipment and space needs; (4) a statement of teaching experience, philosophy, and interests; (5) unofficial copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts; (6) contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. The expected start date is August 11, 2027. Questions may be directed to Dr. Jay Mathews, Search Committee Chair (jay.mathews@charlotte.edu). Applicants may visit physics.charlotte.edu for additional information about the Department.

The candidate chosen for this position will be required to provide an official transcript of their highest earned degree and submit to a criminal background check.