Overview
Assistant Professor in Condensed Matter Physics – Durham
The Department of Physics at Durham University seeks to appoint a dynamic scientist to the role of Assistant Professor in Condensed Matter Physics. We welcome applications from those able to demonstrate research excellence in the field of soft condensed matter physics, coupled with the enthusiasm and dedication to develop and deliver teaching for our students to a high standard. Applicants must also aim to understand and engage with the services, citizenship and values of the Department of Physics. Durham University provides a diverse working and teaching environment which is inclusive and welcoming, where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate the key principles of equality, diversity and inclusion as part of the assessment process.
For this post within soft condensed matter, we are keen to hear from candidates with track records in the general areas of soft matter physics, including solid-liquid interfaces, rheology, fluid dynamics across scales, lubrication and wetting, biophysics as well as machine learning or metamaterials. For experimentalists, we particularly interested in applicants aligned with our existing research infrastructure and complementing our internationally recognised activities involving optical- and atomic force microscopy-based techniques. We are keen to hear from applicants enabling collaborations between experimentalists and theorist within our soft matter grouping and with industrial partners.
Candidates will be expected to develop their own research programme, to publish high-quality research with a focus on quality in high impact journals and have the potential to engage with industrial partners. They will also be expected to collaborate in the development and delivery of high-quality research-led teaching in an inclusive and supportive learning environment which enables undergraduate and postgraduate students to achieve their potential. The position will start around January 2026.
Candidates should have a PhD in Physics or a related subject and an established record of research at an internationally competitive level. They should also demonstrate potential for teaching and postgraduate student supervision and a clear commitment to developing an inclusive and welcoming working environment.
The Department of Physics is committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. It is pledged to the Athena SWAN charter, where we hold a silver award, and has the status of IoP Juno Champion. We embrace equality and particularly welcome applications from women, black and minority ethnic candidates, and members of other groups that are under-represented in physics. Durham University provides a range of benefits including pension, flexible and/or part time working hours, shared parental leave policy and childcare provision.
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
