The Grainger College of Engineering: Teaching Assistant Professor - Department of Physics

The Department of Physics in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for a full-time Teaching Assistant Professor position. This is a non-tenure-track, benefits-eligible appointment with primary responsibilities in teaching. Candidates who can contribute to the development of upper-level undergraduate project-based courses, including courses involving instrumentation will be strongly considered. Candidates with strengths in teaching introductory courses and contributing to other areas of the undergraduate and graduate curriculum are also encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates must be able to teach effectively in these and other areas while contributing to the excellence of our programs through leadership in curriculum and educational initiatives. Candidates are expected to maintain a sustained record of high‑quality instruction, engage in scholarly and evidence‑based teaching practices, and provide service to the department, the university, and the broader educational community.

The Department of Physics consistently ranks among Top 10 programs across the country and hosts one of the largest graduate and undergraduate student populations. We offer two undergraduate degree programs (Physics and CS+ Physics) and a professional Masters of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree, in addition to the Ph.D program. Growing enrollments have highlighted the need for in-classroom laboratory experiences to help students prepare for research in graduate programs, national labs, and industry.

A doctoral degree in Physics or a related field is required by the expected fall 2027 start date; however starting date is negotiable. The budgeted salary range for the Teaching Assistant Professor position is $85,000 to 95,000, for a 9-month service basis paid over 12 months. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Full consideration will be given to applications received by November 15, 2026. Applications may be reviewed as they are received. Those submitted after the stated deadline may still be considered until the position is filled. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. This position is eligible for work authorization sponsorship.

To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu. The application package should include the following materials uploaded as a single PDF file in the “Resume/CV” section: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) research statement, 4) teaching statement, 5) service statement, and 6) names and contact information for three professional references (no letters required at this time). The research, teaching, and service statements offer a chance to share your motivation, approach, experience, leadership, impact, and vision in each area, including how you would support the university’s land-grant mission (https://boldly.illinois.edu/), through campus, community, or professional engagement. For further information regarding application procedures, please address questions to Stephanie Swearingen and sswearin@illinois.edu.

Faculty and students at Illinois benefit from access to world-class experimental and computational facilities across campus, including: the Coordinated Science Laboratory, Materials Research Laboratory, Holonyak Micro & Nanotechnology Lab, the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications. Several programs support high-quality and innovative teaching practices at U of I, including: the Grainger College of Engineering’s Academy for Excellence in Engineering Education (AE3) and the Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning.

We have an active and successful Dual Career Academic Couples Program and a strong commitment to work-life balance and family-friendly programs for faculty and staff (https://provost.illinois.edu/faculty-affairs/work-life-balance/).

Founded in 1867 as Illinois’s flagship public university, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign empowers a global community of students, scholars, and alumni to change the world through bold, innovative research and transformative education. With a land-grant heritage rooted in progress, Illinois faculty drive paradigm-shifting discoveries, mentor future leaders, and collaborate across 15 colleges and instructional units and more than 20 research institutes. The university’s legacy of excellence includes 24 Nobel Prizes and 29 Pulitzer Prizes awarded to its faculty and alumni, $755 million in sponsored research funding, and 94 academic programs ranked in the top 20 nationally. Illinois offers the resources, recognition, and reach to accelerate your career — along with a highly competitive benefits portfolio. Discover how the Illinois Value Proposition fosters professional longevity, personal fulfillment, and a deep sense of purpose in every role.

Faculty Recruitment
Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.