The Departments of Physics and Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position (open rank) beginning August 1, 2025. We encourage candidates in physics, computer science, or data science with a vibrant research and teaching profile that engages with artificial intelligence to apply. Applicants should have a PhD or an anticipated PhD completion by August 2025 in physics, computer science, data science or a related field. Depending on qualifications, the appointee to this position may be recommended for tenure at the time of hiring. 

Candidates should be effective teachers and must be strongly committed to excellence in scholarly research and student mentorship. We envision a faculty member who can teach and mentor undergraduate students in both departments and who can secure external funding to support their research agenda. In addition to scholarship and teaching, responsibilities will include participation in department, school and university activities and service. This position is part of a university-wide initiative to enhance our capacities in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. 

American University is a private institution with an increasingly diverse student population in a dynamic metropolitan area. Our campus is within easy reach of the many science centers located in and around the nation’s capital, including NASA, NOAA, NIST, DOE, NSF, NIH, DOD, and many other federally funded labs and research centers. Our departments pride ourselves on our student-centered approach to mentorship and teaching and we are committed to building an inclusive and welcoming community for all students interested in physics and computer science. The Physics Department offers undergraduate degrees in Physics, and the Computer Science Department offers both undergraduate and MS degrees. We welcome applications that demonstrate interest in collaboration with existing faculty and local institutions, including interdisciplinary collaborations in adjacent fields. Tenure-track faculty teach a maximum of two courses per semester. 

The annual salary ranges based on rank are as follows: Assistant Professor $90,000-101,000; Associate Professor $101,000-150,000; Professor $150,000-220,000. Review of applications will begin November 1st and will continue until the position is filled, subject to ongoing budgetary approval. Please submit applications via: https://american.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/AU/job/Main-Campus-Washington-DC/Assistant-Associate-Full-Professor_R1755. Include a letter of application which explains your career trajectory; a curriculum vitae; three letters of recommendation, a research statement that includes plans for undergraduate participation; and a teaching statement that includes strategies for teaching a diverse student body. Please contact Nathan Harshman, Search Committee Chair, harshman@american.edu if you have any questions.   

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities. 

American University is a tobacco and smoke free campus. 

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.?