Position Description

CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN THEORETICAL PHYSICS

Case Western Reserve University Department of Physics seeks a candidate possessing an outstanding record of innovative research in theoretical physics and an interest in teaching for a position targeted to begin January 2026.  The successful candidate will interact with theoretical, experimental and observational faculty, research staff and students in the Department of Physics, and will have the opportunity to extend those interactions to colleagues in other departments individually and through existing interdisciplinary structures. The department conducts research in three major strategic research areas: (1) biophysics/imaging/soft matter, (2) particle astrophysics and cosmology, and (3) quantum materials and devices. Candidates conducting theoretical research in any of those areas will be considered. 

The department has a twenty-year track record of appointing and supporting Visiting Assistant Professors (VAPs) who are then well-positioned to take up tenure-track positions at research universities. Responsibilities include conducting a vigorous program of innovative research, interacting and collaborating with graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level. The standard teaching load is one course plus up to two recitations per semester during the academic year, with no teaching expected during the summer. The appointment will be for a two-year period with the possibility of renewal for up to an additional one-year period. Information about our department is available on the website http://physics.case.edu. 

Qualifications

Qualifications for the position include a Ph.D. or equivalent in physics or a closely related discipline, as well as a record of outstanding scholarly research appropriate to the level of the position. Candidates must have a strong interest in teaching and must possess the skills needed to be an effective instructor. 

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications submitted by this date will receive the fullest consideration.  All applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications and statements of research plans and teaching.  Materials should be submitted online via Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/171745. Applicants should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted. Questions regarding the search may be directed to Prof. Idit Zehavi at idit.zehavi@case.edu. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at equity@case.edu. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.