A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Our primary mission is providing instruction of the highest quality in physics and astronomy to undergraduate and graduate students at UNC-CH. Training in physics is fundamental among the natural sciences because it provides understanding of the forces governing the structure of matter, from subatomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe.

Our departmental instructional mission spans all segments of the student community. Over 60% of all college graduates from UNC-CH have taken a course in our department. Among them: undergraduate liberal arts majors who should master the power of quantitative reasoning; undergraduates seeking a degree in another of the natural sciences, who need physics as a foundation for their advanced scientific training; the small number of undergraduates who major in physics, to whom we provide broad and rigorous training. Our graduate education and research advances frontiers of knowledge at the two extremes of space and time, from the very small) the realm of particle physics) to the very large (the realm of astronomy, while expanding the boundaries of knowledge in the many subfields spanning length scales between. Forefront physics and astronomy research requires access to well-equipped laboratories and extensive computing capabilities; it also must be supported by comprehensive and accessible library collections. Again, in research at this advanced level, the bridging aspect of physics provides basic interdisciplinary insight for many other sciences.

This instructional mission is supported by a strong managerial, administrative, and technical staff. Duties of these employees range from budget planning and management for the numerous research grants held by faculty in the department to maintaining course and student records. These activities are usually accomplished in a standard 40- hour week schedule.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks to hire a tenure-track Assistant Professor working in theoretical high-energy physics with an emphasis on particle physics beyond the Standard Model, quantum field theory in curved spacetime, or nonperturbative field theory. We seek an outstanding physicist who is prepared to lead a broad and ambitious research program that will enhance fundamental theoretical physics at UNC while complementing our department’s existing strengths in areas such as cosmology, gravitational physics, quantum field theory, and neutrino physics. We are particularly interested in candidates who would contribute to the mission of UNC’s CoSMS Institute. The successful candidate will be comfortable teaching courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

A successful candidate is expected to have a PhD in physics or a related field and an established record of research achievements in their area of expertise.

At least two years of postdoctoral experience working in theoretical physics is preferred.

Applicants must submit the names of four recent mentors, supervisors, and/or collaborators who will provide letters of recommendation in order to be considered for this position.

Applicants should apply at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/307564 specifying Physics and Astronomy in the Department drop-down list box, and then upload PDF files of the requested documents by December 5th, 2025. Please use “other document” to upload a teaching/mentoring statement as one of the required documents.

Review of applications will begin on that date and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants will use the application system to have their reference writers submit the letters. Applicants are required to identify the names, titles, email addresses and phone numbers of four professional references (recent mentors, supervisors, and collaborators) when applying. Recommenders identified by the applicant will be contacted via email with instructions for uploading their letters of support. Questions should be directed to: Chair, Physics and Astronomy Search Committee, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; physicsandastronomy­ faculty-search@listserv.unc.edu

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status. 

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.