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Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) – Optical Metrology at DZA

The German Center for Astrophysics (DZA) is being established as a new large-scale research center in Lusatia, Germany. Its mission is to strengthen astrophysics in Germany, foster scientific excellence, and make a lasting contribution to the structural transformation of the region. As an internationally oriented research institution with a strong focus on innovation, the DZA will create new opportunities for scientific leadership while shaping the future of one of Germany's most dynamic research landscapes.

The following position is to be filled at the earliest possible date, fixed-term until 30 June 2029 (third-party-funded position in accordance with Section 2 (2) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act – WissZeitVG):
Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) – Optical Metrology
Optical Metrology for Large-Scale Silicon Mirror Substrates (ET Low-Frequency Interferometer)

(Remuneration up to German public service pay grade TVöD Bund E13, depending on personal qualifications.)

The DZA is a partner in Joint Project D of the German Einstein Telescope (ET) preparatory programme, one of five thematic joint projects coordinated by the German ET research community to advance preparations for ET and build up German capacity for its realisation. Joint Project D focuses on technologies for the mirrors of the low-frequency interferometer (ET‑LF), which require large silicon substrates with extremely low optical absorption and excellent mechanical properties, operated under cryogenic suspension and ultra-high vacuum conditions. Within Subproject D2, the DZA compares different silicon growth approaches and characterizes the surface and bulk optical parameters of silicon test masses, in collaboration with partners including the Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth (IKZ) and Leibniz University Hannover (LUH). This position is funded through the BMFTR joint project “ET Verbund D – Mirror Technologies – Technologies for ET‑LF Mirrors” (Subproject 3, grant no. 05A26CA1) and will focus on the optical metrology work packages (WP1 and WP2).

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform materials science studies of mirror components
  • Perform optical characterization of mirrors and mirror components
  • Investigate thermo-optical and thermo-mechanical properties of components at room temperature and at cryogenic temperatures
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data
  • Support the setup, operation, and further development of experimental laboratory and measurement environments in compliance with applicable safety, quality, and documentation standards
  • Collaborate with national and international research partners and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences
  • Contribute to the supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s students

YOUR PROFILE:

  • Completed university degree and PhD in Physics, Materials and Surface Science, Engineering, or a related experimental field
  • Experience in at least two of the following areas:
  • Experimental optical or mechanical characterization methods
  • Optical metrology, precision experiments or measurements
  • (Quantum) optics experiments
  • Interest in research topics related to gravitational-wave physics and optical precision measurement systems
  • Experience in scientific research and publication
  • Must be able and willing to conduct self-driven scientific work individually and as part of a collaborative team

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience with building and operating laser optic experiments, optical characterization, or interferometry
  • Experience with optical precision measurements
  • Knowledge of numerical simulation or FE analysis tools (e.g., COMSOL, Python)
  • Independent and structured working style, strong teamwork skills, and enthusiasm for working within an international collaboration of researchers
  • Excellent written and spoken English skills

WE OFFER:

  • The opportunity to help establish Germany’s largest research center dedicated to astrophysics.
  • The chance to actively contribute to the scientific and economic transformation of the Lusatia region.
  • Significant freedom to shape a new research and technology division and contribute to pioneering scientific developments.
  • An international, interdisciplinary, and highly collaborative working environment with leading experts from academia and industry.
  • Competitive remuneration in accordance with the German public service pay scale (TVöD Bund), including annual special payments and an attractive benefits package.
  • Flexible working hours, family-friendly working conditions, and opportunities for part-time employment.

The DZA is committed to increasing the representation of women in science and therefore particularly encourages qualified women to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons and individuals with equivalent status under German social law are also expressly welcomed. Where candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.

Application Instructions
Please submit your application by 13.11.2026 via our online application portal. Upload your complete application documents (cover letter, detailed CV, copies of certificates and a possible starting date) and quote the reference number T02D-26-01.

Link to Online Application
https://cockpit.as-mediendesign.de/jump1/133209

Postdoctoral Fellow in Gravitational-wave Astronomy and Multi-messenger Astrophysics Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow in gravitational-wave astronomy and multi-messenger astrophysics. The successful candidate will join the Department of Physics & Astronomy as a  VIPER (Vanderbilt Initiative in Probes of Extreme Relativity) Postdoctoral Fellow.

Candidates with experience in PTAs, LISA, LVK, or associated astrophysical/cosmological sources such as binary supermassive black holes, are strongly encouraged to apply. Postdocs at Vanderbilt are appointed to renewable one-year terms, up to a prospective total of three years. The position comes with an attractive salary commensurate with other prestigious prize fellowships in astrophysics, full benefits, and a competitive research and travel budget.

VIPER operates within the vibrant Department of Physics & Astronomy at Vanderbilt University (https://as.vanderbilt.edu/astronomy) which includes faculty at the forefront of research in Gravitational Waves, Black Holes, and Pulsars. Faculty are world leaders within multi-messenger astrophysics collaborations such as NANOGrav, the International Pulsar Timing Array, LISA, LVK, SDSS, LSST, and EHT. Vanderbilt (ranked 16th in the 2027 US News & World Report Rankings) houses the state-of-the-art Advanced Computing Center for Research and Education (ACCRE) cluster with ~16,000 cores and cutting-edge GPU resources, as well as a Data Science Institute, and a new College of Connected Computing with strong faculty connections in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. Nashville is ranked amongst the top 25 cities to live in the US, with thriving scenes in music, art, entertainment, education, and technology (https://realestate.usnews.com/places/tennessee/nashville).

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or equivalent, by the date of appointment.

Vanderbilt University 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, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Vanderbilt University is required to follow current federal visa requirements.

Attractive salary commensurate with other prestigious prize fellowships in astrophysics, and a competitive research and travel budget.

Application Instructions
Applicants should ensure that all of the following are sent directly to viper.vanderbilt@gmail.com, with the subject line “VIPER Fellow 2026, LASTNAME FIRSTNAME”, and received by 11.59 pm Central US Time on December 15th, 2026.

  • A cover letter stating the applicant’s overall goals, motivation for applying, and how their research aligns with the position (1 page; LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_Cover.pdf)
  • A curriculum vitae including a list of publications and talks. (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_CV.pdf)
  • A description of research accomplishments and future plans (3-page limit, 1-inch margins, 12 pt font; LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_Research.pdf)
  • Names and contact details of three professional references (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_References.pdf)
  • Three letters of recommendation are to be sent directly to viper.vanderbilt(at)gmail.com with the subject line “VIPER Fellow 2026: reference letter for LASTNAME FIRSTNAME”.

Candidates interested in further details are encouraged to contact the Director of VIPER, Professor Stephen Taylor.

Publication Start Date 2026 Oct 15
Application Deadline 2026 Dec 15
Inquiries: Stephen Taylor, stephen.r.taylor(at)vanderbilt.edu

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Postdoc in String Cosmology and String Phenomenology, INFN, Bologna

INFN Bologna announces the opening of a 2-year postdoc position in String Cosmology and String Phenomenology, starting in Fall 2027. 

The position is part of the 2027/28 national INFN Fellowship Program which offers 16 positions for research activity in Theoretical Physics. Applications, in electronic form, must be submitted to INFN not later than November 12th, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CET) through the website https://reclutamento.dsi.infn.it searching for Bando number 29216.

In the application the candidates must specify that they are interested in the position number 2 entitled “String theory in the sky: cosmology, gravitational waves and axions” and must include a CV, a publication list and the names and e-mail addresses of 3 referees who will have to upload their reference letters not later than November 15th, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CET).

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Assistant Professor – Open Physics Field – Department of Physics in Berkeley

The Physics Department at the University of California, Berkeley invites applications for a tenure track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in a broad open search. The emphasis for the Open search will be in the following areas: Space Sciences, theory or experiment, including space and solar plasma physics, gravitational waves, black hole imaging, gamma ray astrophysics, multi-messenger astronomy, radio cosmology, cosmic rays, and dark matter; Astrophysics experiment including gravity wave detection and space plasma physics; Observational and theoretical astrophysics focused on the utilization and development of data science techniques and machine learning; and experimental Nuclear and Particle physics focused on the study of Fundamental Symmetries of nature, including CP and time reversal symmetry, family and lepton number symmetries, and matter-antimatter symmetry.

Next review date: Sunday, Nov 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Nov 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

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Postdoctoral fellowship in gravitational-wave modelling/analysis at the National University of Singapore

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research fellowship in the Department of Physics at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of faculty member Alvin Chua, and will contribute to a Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE)-funded research programme on the scientific modelling and analysis of asymmetric-mass binariesas sources for next-generation gravitational-wave observatories.

We seek applicants with a strong background in source modelling and/or data analysis for gravitational-wave astronomy. Applicants with expertise in the modelling and analysis of asymmetric-mass binaries for future space-based detectors such as LISA are particularly encouraged to apply.

The ideal candidate for this position will possess skills and interests in both theoretical and computational research, a willingness to diversify their expertise and to be involved in cross-disciplinary projects, as well as the disposition to work well independently and as part of a team. The successful candidate will also be expected to take up (or retain) membership in the international LISA Consortium, and to be formally involved in its activities.

The initial appointment is for one year, with expected renewal up to two or three years in total, and could start as early as March 2027. This position comes with a competitive salary and personal benefits, as well as travel support for international conferences/visits. There will also be opportunities for the successful candidate to gain additional experience in supervising research students during their appointment.

Applicants should submit the following materials via e-mail to nusgwgroup(at)gmail.com:

  • a cover letter
  • their CV and list of publications
  • a short statement of research
  • the e-mail addresses of three academic referees who will provide letters of reference.

All materials should be received by 15 December 2026 for full consideration.

Postdoctoral and Tenure-track fellowships at IGFAE GW group

The GW group at IGFAE invites expressions of interest for the two following fellowship calls recently announced by the Spanish Ministry of Science:
  1. Postdoctoral level: The “Juan de la Cierva” fellowships are 3-year long fellowship for young researchers whose PhD have or will be awarded in 2024-2026. Deadline: November 26th 2026.
  2. Tenure-track level: The “Ramon y Cajal” fellowship is the de-facto tenure-track program in Spain, leading to tenured positions. These are 5-year long fellowships equipped with a 200k€ start-up package. In addition, awardees in our group can apply to extra funds coming from our regional government. Deadline: December 10th 2026.

Since the preparation of the application will require a certain level of involvement from our group members, please contact Juan Calderon Bustillo and/or Thomas Dent as soon as possible.

Faculty Position at Montclair State University

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Montclair State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Engineering position to begin August 2027. This position will contribute to the launch of a new Engineering concentration and support the development of the corresponding curriculum.

The ideal applicant will have strong familiarity and experience with the standard curricula for physics and at least one core engineering discipline (especially Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Optical, or Nuclear Engineering). Other engineering or physics disciplines may also be considered. The applicant’s research area should likewise connect with an engineering discipline or a related area of physics or applied physics.

The successful candidate is expected to develop a robust, self-directed research agenda capable of attracting external funding (startup funding will be available). They will be able to teach a combination of introductory physics courses, advanced laboratory courses, and specialized upper-level engineering and physics electives. The new faculty will actively mentor undergraduate physics majors, provide advising for career paths in engineering and physics, and offer research opportunities that help students prepare for graduate programs and industry jobs. They will also contribute to departmental growth, curriculum design, and other department service commitments.

The standard annual load for tenure-track faculty is 12 teaching credit hours (TCH) per semester. The University supports research excellence through the Faculty Scholarship Program (FSP), which provides research-active faculty with up to 6 TCH of reassigned time per academic year to pursue their scholarly agenda.

THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Montclair State University was formed in 2018 and consists of 7 faculty members and well over 100 physics majors. Our students represent a diverse population and include many first-generation college students. In addition to a major and minor in Physics, we also offer a concentration in astronomy and several dual-degree options, including a 3+2 BS Physics + Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with Stevens Institute of Technology. Additional 3+2 dual-degree options involving physics and engineering, as well as an engineering concentration, are under active consideration. Multiple teacher certification pathways are also available. Along with a commitment to effective teaching, research excellence and student involvement in research are key components of our department’s culture. Our faculty are active and internationally recognized in the disciplines of gravitational-wave physics, astrophysics, optics, and nuclear physics. Current facilities include two introductory teaching labs, a dedicated lab for upper-level physics courses, a machining/fabrication shop, and dedicated research labs focusing on optics and low-energy nuclear physics. Other lab facilities available on campus include NMR, AFM, TEM, and ICP-MS. A new interdisciplinary science building (expected to open in 2028) will further expand our teaching and research spaces. The department strives to create an atmosphere of collegiality, inclusion, and the promotion of excellence. Additional information about our Department can be found online at https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/math-science/physics-and-astronomy-department

THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS

The College of Science and Mathematics at Montclair State University empowers the next generation of STEM leaders through rigorous academics, hands-on discovery, and inclusive excellence. Our mission is grounded in a student-centered philosophy that values the dedication of our faculty, the curiosity of our students, and a shared commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. With modern facilities and cutting-edge technology, we offer distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs across the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth and Environmental Studies, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy and the School of Computing. Through a research-driven curriculum, community-engaged learning, and real-world problem-solving experiences, CSAM equips students with durable skill sets to meet the demands of an evolving world. By cultivating strong partnerships with industry, government, and nonprofit organizations, the College drives economic growth, advances environmental sustainability, and strengthens the STEM workforce across New Jersey and beyond.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

  • A PhD in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Optical, Nuclear), Physics, Applied Physics, or closely related fields.
  • A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and a competitive research agenda with clear potential for external funding and that can substantially involve undergraduate students.
  • Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching physics and engineering courses, which readily translates to the Montclair State student body.
  • Demonstrated interest and commitment to service.

PREFERRED:

  • Prior experience in teaching, working in industry, or postdoctoral research.

STARTING DATE: August 27, 2027

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

  • Cover letter that briefly summarizes your qualifications, explains your interest in joining our department, and discusses your vision for contributing to an engineering concentration at Montclair.
  • Complete curriculum vitae.
  • Research Statement (3 to 5 pages) highlighting your research accomplishments, current field of interest, planned future directions or aspirations, potential sources of external funding, and plans for involving undergraduate students.
  • Teaching statement (2 to 4 pages) that addresses: (i) your overall approach to teaching; (ii) successful pedagogical strategies for a student population with diverse backgrounds and levels of preparation; and (iii) courses that you envision teaching at Montclair.
  • Contact information for three to five references, including name, title, affiliation, email, and phone. The search committee will solicit references directly following an initial screening of applicants.

APPLY BY:

Applications should be submitted by December 1, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Initial screening will begin shortly thereafter and be complete by the end of December. On-campus interviews are expected to take place in February 2027. The position is open until filled. Questions about this position can be directed to physics-search(at)montclair.edu.

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Assistant Professor of Experimental Physics (with research expertise in optics/quantum optics) at Cal State Fullerton

The Department of Physics at California State University, Fullerton, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in experimental physics with expertise in optics/quantum optics with an appointment to begin Fall 2027.

Position
Optics and quantum optics encompass the study and application of light and its interactions with matter, ranging from classical optical phenomena to effects that require a quantum-mechanical description. Research in these broadly defined fields may include the generation, manipulation, propagation, detection, and characterization of light; light–matter interactions; lasers and photonics; spectroscopy and imaging; nonlinear and ultrafast optics; optical materials and devices; and quantum phenomena involving photons, atoms, molecules, or solid-state systems. Work may span fundamental investigations of the physical properties of light and matter through the development of new experimental techniques, optical technologies, sensors, communication and information-processing methods, and other applications enabled by classical or quantum optical phenomena.

CSUF faculty are committed teacher/scholars who bring research and creative discovery to life for students in classrooms, labs, research groups, and individually mentored projects. They teach broadly in the curricula of their departments, advise students, and serve on departmental and university-wide committees. The primary responsibilities of the person in this position will include the development and teaching of introductory and core courses in the discipline and the development of courses in their area(s) of specialization. This person will also be responsible for producing research outputs commensurate with the requirements for tenure, in particular involving undergraduate and master’s students. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the life and development of the department, and participate in broader university and disciplinary communities.

This position includes a competitive salary package, startup research funds and laboratory space.

Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Physics, with expertise in experimental research.
  • Research expertise in optics, quantum optics, or a related field.
  • demonstrated commitment to and excellence in undergraduate teaching
  • a strong record of scholarly accomplishments
  • ability to establish a self-supporting, active experimental research program that will produce peer-reviewed publications and substantially include student co-authors
  • ability to balance excellent teaching, scholarship, and service
  • demonstrated potential for effective integration of technology into instruction
  • demonstrated commitment to working effectively with students from intersecting marginalized social groups

Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the above minimum requirements, candidates should highlight evidence of their potential to excel in the department’s three key areas of teaching, research, and service/outreach. Possible examples of potential include:

Evidence of potential in teaching may include (but is not limited to):

Prior teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level, including TA experience. Familiarity with current, research-based physics pedagogies. Experience implementing innovative teaching practices.

Evidence of potential in research may include (but is not limited to):

Postdoctoral experience, or other professional research experience, in a physics-related discipline with evidence of positive outcomes. Experience working with undergraduate students in a research environment. Strong record of research accomplishments resulting in peer-reviewed research outputs. Receipt of sponsored fellowships or other external funds.

Evidence of potential in service may include (but is not limited to):

Record of academic mentorship or other peer mentoring. Professional outreach activities. Active participation in professional societies.

Application
A complete online application must be received by electronic submission to be considered. To apply, please visit http://hr.fullerton.edu/workforce/careers.html, choose full-time faculty, search for the position 562328, and provide the following required materials:

  • Cover letter in which you respond to the required qualifications.
  • A complete curriculum vitae, which must include all evidence of academic activity the candidate wishes to receive consideration.
  • Graduate transcripts (unofficial copies are sufficient for review).
  • A maximum 3 page description that addresses the following: your teaching philosophies; how you will structure your courses; specific teaching interests; and knowledge of student-centered learning approaches.
  • A maximum 5 page description including all the following: research plans and general goals; plans to obtain independent support for research activities; plans for the involvement of undergraduate and masters students; and estimated start-up needs.
  • Candidate statement on commitment to inclusive excellence (no more than 500 words):
  • Inclusive excellence is a strategic framework that recognizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in achieving organizational success and high-quality learning and teaching. It’s a way of thinking and acting that integrates these values into all aspects of an institution, from curriculum and pedagogy to recruitment and hiring. Essentially, it means that excellence is not just about achieving high standards, but also about ensuring that all members of the community have the opportunity to thrive and contribute (Williams et al., 2005).
  • With the Inclusive Excellence Statement, we aim to learn about the applicant’s perspective on their past and present contributions to and future aspirations for promoting and engaging with a diverse student population. This statement should showcase the candidate’s professional experience, intellectual commitments, and/or willingness to teach and create an academic environment supportive of all students, including but not limited to those of diverse ages, abilities, cultures, ethnicities, gender identities, languages, religions, and sexual orientations.
  • Cal State Fullerton serves a student body that reflects the rich cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic mosaic of Southern California. Please provide concrete examples of how you, as a faculty member, will support our students in one or more of the following areas, which fall under the areas of awareness and understanding, experience and commitment, and future plans.
  • Your contributions (past, present, or future) to embedding perspectives that are reflective of the student population into your teaching and/or scholarship.
  • Your experience in service activities that are reflective of a diverse student population.
  • Your experience and commitment to mentoring and providing opportunities to a diverse student body inside and outside the classroom environment.
  • Your experience integrating creative activities that are inclusive of the identities of our student body and communities.


A list of three references with relevant contact information:
Semi-Finalists must submit three letters of recommendation. Please have these ready for the referents to submit. On the References page of the online application, enter information and email addresses for three referents who will provide a confidential letter of reference for your application. At the appropriate time in the search process, they will receive a request via email along with information on uploading the letter. You can verify that CSUF has received each letter by logging back into your applicant portal.
Semifinalists and/or finalists may be asked to submit additional materials for further consideration (e.g., scholarly articles, portfolio, etc.).

Please direct all questions about the position to: Dr. Leigh Hargreaves (Search Committee Chair) at physicssearch(at)fullerton.edu.

Application Deadline
To be assured full consideration, all application materials must be received by November 1, 2026. The anticipated appointment date is August 2027.

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Postdoctoral Associate Astrophysics at University of Florida

The Department of Physics at the University of Florida invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct research on topics related to supermassive black hole astrophysics under the mentorship of Prof. Laura Blecha. Preference will be given to candidates with experience and/or interest in modeling gravitational-wave or multi-messenger source populations, the cosmological evolution of black holes and galaxies, or other topics that overlap with the research of Blecha’s group. The preferred start date is August 16, 2027. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.

The position is renewable annually for two years and may be extended to a third year, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. A salary of $60,000 and travel funding will be provided, as well as a full benefits package. The successful candidate will have access to the state-of-the-art HiPerGator computing cluster: (it.ufl.edu/rc/hipergator/). The Physics and Astronomy Departments at the University of Florida have active research groups in numerous areas of astrophysics.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Law. If an accommodation due to disability is needed to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

Expected Salary: $60k

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.
Preferred:

Experience and/or interest in modeling gravitational-wave or multi-messenger source populations, the cosmological evolution of black holes and galaxies, or other topics that overlap with the research of Blecha’s group.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications must include: (i) a cover letter, (ii) a statement of research interests and plans, and (iii) a CV that includes a list of publications. In addition, names and email addresses for three references must be provided. After initial review, letters of recommendation will be requested for selected applicants.

To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received by December 4, 2026. Please contact Laura Blecha at lblecha(at)ufl.edu with any questions.

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Department Head of Chemistry and Physics, Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA, home to a collaborative, student-focused Department of Chemistry and Physics, is searching for a Department Head to serve beginning in Spring or Summer 2027. The head is primarily responsible for advancing the culture of academic excellence and serves as a driving force behind programs, efforts, and initiatives that further the department's strategic goals. Application deadline: November 9, 2026.

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