Senior - energy science

University of Rochester: Office of the Provost: Academic Center: Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences: Dean's Office SEAS

Salary Range or Pay Grade

$180K - $230K (9-month salary)

Description

The Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Rochester, invite applications for a senior tenured faculty position in the field of High Energy Density (HED) science. The successful candidate will be a distinguished scholar with a world-class research program, in the school(s) and department(s) best suiting the candidate. We are looking for a dynamic individual to join our faculty and lead efforts in this rapidly evolving field, with a planned start date of Fall Semester 2026.

The University of Rochester is a private, comprehensive institution dedicated to student success, academic excellence, and cutting-edge research. The Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences as well as the School of Arts and Sciences and their implicit departments are collaborative, world leading academic units committed to high-quality teaching and breakthrough research. The University is home to the Laboratory for Laser Energetics which houses the largest university-based lasers together with ~300 scientists focused on Fusion, high energy density science, plasmas, and lasers. The Center for Matter at Atomic Pressures, an NSF Physics Frontier Center focused on understanding the nature of extreme matter and its implications to planets, stars, and revolutionary states of matter, is also based at the University of Rochester.

High Energy Density (HED) Science

HED science is a rapidly evolving, interdisciplinary research frontier that focuses on understanding and controlling matter under extreme conditions, such as those found inside stars or the cores of giant planets. The field has critical applications for society, including fusion energy, planetary science, and national security. We are seeking a candidate with a strong research background in one or more areas of HED science, which may include:

• Astrophysics and Planetary Science under extreme conditions

• Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) and Fusion Energy

• Warm Dense Matter

• Dynamic Materials under extreme pressure

• Laser-Plasma Interactions

• Nuclear and Atomic Physics in Plasma Environments

• Extreme Quantum Matter

• Plasma Physics

There is excellent collaboration among faculty across multiple departments, and close ties to the Laboratory for Laser Energetics and the Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The city of Rochester, NY is a diverse, energetic, and family-friendly community located on Lake Ontario adjacent to the Finger Lakes region with a metropolitan population of 1+ million. Rochester also boasts a thriving arts and music culture, substantial employment opportunities in various sectors, affordable housing, a rich history of social justice, and easy access to urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods

Questions concerning this position can be addressed to Gilbert Collins ( gcollins@[email protected] , chair of the search committee and Tracy Hyde Harris, Professor in Mechanical Engineering and in Physics. Review of applications will begin on January 15 th 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Salary: $180K - $230K (9-month salary)

The referenced pay range represents the full base range of pay for this job. Individual salaries will be determined within the job's salary range and established based on market data, experience, and expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

The University of Rochester community is committed to Meliora - becoming ever better. Through our Vision & Values statement ( ) we affirm our commitment to equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect and accountability.

EOE / Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled

Qualifications

Candidates should hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Applied Physics, Astronomy, Engineering, or a closely related field and should have considerable research experience.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter, 2) a CV including a list of publications, 3) a statement of research, 4) a teaching statement, 5) OPTIONAL: a statement discussing the ways in which your experiences will shape your pursuits as a member of our faculty and help you add to the University's core values of Meliora ( (ever better), 6) up to three articles (as three separate attachments), and 7) contact information for three referees who we may contact at later stages of the interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

EOE, including disability/protected veterans

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Classes). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.