Position Information
Position Title: Associate or Full Professor of Empire Innovation, Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
Department: Department of Physics
Position Summary
The Department of Physics at the University at Buffalo (UB), The State University of New York (SUNY), is seeking to fill a senior faculty position at the associate/full professor level in experimental condensed matter physics. This strategic hire is part of UB's Advancing Quantum Information Research and Engineering (AQuIRE) initiative, a multi-year, multi-faculty recruitment effort in quantum science and technology supported by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Office of the Provost, and the State of New York. This position will hold the title of SUNY Empire Innovation Professor and is partially supported by SUNY's Empire Innovation Program, a flagship initiative designed to recruit and retain exceptional faculty with nationally recognized records of research and scholarship in strategically important fields.
The successful candidate is expected to build an active, externally funded research program in the broad area of quantum sensing, such as the physics of sensing and its application in studies of quantum materials. Candidates with a research focus in other domains of quantum information adjacent to quantum sensing, such as quantum simulation, quantum communication, quantum engineering, quantum optics or hybrid quantum platforms will also be considered.
The ideal candidate will be a nationally/internationally recognized scholar, with a proven publishing and external funding record (or research leadership in industry). They should demonstrate strong ties with other leading researchers in academia, government labs, and/or industry. The successful candidate should additionally have a strong background in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as in student mentoring.
The EIP Professor will strengthen and expand the Department of Physics' existing expertise in quantum materials, quantum optics, quantum information and their applications. This appointment will also complement broader campus strengths in quantum science and technology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across research units. The department is in a dynamic phase of growth, with the addition of seven tenure-track faculty members between 2022 and 2025. Their specialties span MBE growth of quantum materials, neutron scattering, quantum optics, many body physics, novel semiconductors, and quantum information science.
For further inquiries on the position, please contact Professor Wanyi Nie at wanyinie@buffalo.edu or Professor Herbert Fotso at hffotso@buffalo.edu.
All job applications should be submitted via UBJobs at https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/xxxxx. The position is open until filled, with an initial application deadline of December 15.
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About the University at Buffalo
The University at Buffalo (UB) #ubuffalo is one of America's leading public research universities and a flagship of the State University of New York system, recognized for our excellence and our impact. UB is a premier, research-intensive public university dedicated to academic excellence. Our research, creative activity and people positively impact the world. Like the city we call home, UB is distinguished by a culture of resilient optimism, resourceful thinking and pragmatic dreaming that enables us to reach others every day. Visit our website to learn more about the University at Buffalo.
The University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Minimum Qualifications
PhD in Physics or related discipline
Scholarly profile appropriate to rank
Preferred Qualifications
- Nationally/internationally recognized scholar, with a proven publishing and external funding record (or research leadership in industry).
- Record that demonstrates strong ties with other leading researchers in academia, government labs, and/or industry.
- Strong background in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as in student mentoring.
Physical Demands
Salary Range
Competitive
Job Type
Full-Time
Special Instructions Summary
Review of applications will begin December 15, 2026. The position is open until filled with anticipated start in August 2027.
Applicants should submit a CV, Cover Letter, Research Statement and Teaching Statement.
All application materials must be submitted via UB Jobs. Application materials submitted directly to the posting contact will not be acknowledged and cannot be considered.
Is a background check required for this posting?
No
Contact Information
Contact's Name: Herbert Fotso
Contact's Title: Associate Professor of Physics
Contact's Email: hffotso@buffalo.edu
Contact's Phone: 716-645-3603
Posting Dates
Posted: 10/20/2026
Deadline for Applicants: Open Until Filled
Date to be filled: 08/16/2027
