Position Overview
California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is hiring a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Physics to begin in Fall 2027 (August 2027). The successful candidate will help establish an applied mechanics track within the university’s Applied Physics bachelor’s degree program.

Key Details

• Type: Full-time, tenure-track (Instructional Faculty, Unit 3 – CFA)
• Salary: $6,221 – $13,224 per month
• Location: San Marcos, CA (San Diego North County, ~15 miles east of the Pacific)
• Department: Physics
• Job No: 562610

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate in Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related field
• Specialization in geophysics, continuum mechanics, fluid dynamics, rheology, soft condensed matter, structure of materials, granular materials, or related areas
• ABD candidates may be considered, but the doctorate must be completed by appointment
• Demonstrated teaching excellence and ability to teach across the undergraduate physics curriculum
• Record of published research and ability to develop a research program involving undergraduates
• Effective communication and cooperative working skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to contribute to developing an applied mechanics track
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and related software
• Demonstrated intercultural competence in teaching, research, and/or service

About CSUSM

• Designated a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)
• Offers a B.S. in Applied Physics
• 2020 recipient of the APS Award for Improving Undergraduate Physics Education
• Named one of the top 32 colleges most friendly to junior faculty by COACHE

Application Materials

• Cover letter addressing minimum and preferred qualifications (2 pages max)
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching philosophy statement (2 pages max)
• Research plans statement (2 pages max)
• Contact information for 3 references
• Optional: representative publications, teaching evaluations with average GPAs, graduate transcripts

Important Notes

• CSUSM is not sponsoring H-1B applicants subject to the $100,000 fee under the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation
• Employment requires working in California (per CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy)
• Position is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• Offers contingent on background check, employment/education verification, and reference checks
• Applicants must disclose certain sexual harassment determinations in later stages

How to Apply
Apply via the CSUSM careers portal: https://careersmanager.pageuppeople.com/873/sm/en-us/job/562610/assistant-professor-of-physics-applied-mechanics