Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) – College of Science, School of Physics and Astronomy
Type: Full-Time
Category: Physics, Astronomy, and Astrophysics
Salary: $85,000 – $100,000 per year
Posted: October 28, 2025
Faculty Type: Tenure-Track
Faculty Rank: Assistant Professor
Anticipated Start Date: August 15, 2026
Job ID: 9923BR
Position Summary
The School of Physics and Astronomy at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) invites applications for a Tenure-Track Faculty position in Physics with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
This position is partially supported by the Simons Empire Faculty Fellows Program, a prestigious initiative of the Simons Foundation, designed to foster faculty hiring and research excellence across New York State. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong, independent, and externally funded research program while contributing to RIT’s collaborative and interdisciplinary scientific community.
Research Focus
The successful applicant will conduct research at the intersection of:
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Physics and Astrophysics
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Biotechnology and Materials Science
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Computational and Experimental Modeling
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Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)
Areas of research may include (but are not limited to):
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Physics-informed AI/ML models for materials and energy technologies
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Predictive modeling and data-driven simulation
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Brain-inspired or spiking neural network approaches
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Big data analysis for astronomical datasets
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Optimization and automation for next-generation materials and astrophysical systems
The candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with RIT’s AI Hub, which promotes AI-enabled innovations and provides a network of faculty engaged in AI research across disciplines.
Responsibilities
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Develop and sustain a vigorous, extramurally funded research program in AI/ML applied to physics or astrophysics.
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Teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Physics and related subjects.
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Mentor undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers.
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Contribute to the university’s mission of excellence in education, diversity, and innovation.
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Collaborate with interdisciplinary research centers and programs at RIT.
Qualifications
Required:
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Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field (by time of appointment).
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Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in recognized scientific journals.
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Ability to mentor and collaborate with scholars from diverse disciplines.
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Strong potential to secure external research funding.
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Commitment to the educational and teaching mission of the School of Physics and Astronomy.
Preferred:
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Postdoctoral research experience.
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Demonstrated success in teaching or mentoring students.
About the Department
The School of Physics and Astronomy at RIT includes:
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37 full-time faculty and 10 postdoctoral fellows
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190 undergraduate and 70 graduate students
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Degree programs in Physics (BS, MS, PhD) and Astrophysical Sciences and Technology (MS/PhD)
Faculty contribute to interdisciplinary programs in Materials Science, Microsystems Engineering, Sustainability, Imaging Science, and Mathematical Modeling.
The College of Science leads six major research centers, including:
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Center for Computational Relativity & Gravitation
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NanoPower Research Laboratory
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Center for Detectors
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Digital Imaging & Remote Sensing Laboratory
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Laboratory for Multiwavelength Astrophysics
RIT’s College of Science is committed to equity, inclusion, and fostering a collaborative academic environment.
Learn more: https://www.rit.edu/science/school-physics-and-astronomy
Application Instructions
Apply online at http://careers.rit.edu/faculty
Search using Keyword: 9923BR
Required Application Materials:
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Cover Letter
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Research Statement (up to 4 pages, 3 MB max) – include future research goals and potential for external funding.
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Teaching Statement – describe pedagogical approach, teaching experience, and contributions to inclusive education.
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List of at least three professional references (names, addresses, phone numbers).
Review of applications begins: December 5, 2025, and continues until the position is filled.
For inquiries, contact the search committee: ttaphyssrch@rit.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity
RIT is an Equal Opportunity Employer that promotes diversity, inclusion, and pluralism.
RIT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or veteran status.
For more information, visit:
Hourly/Salary Range: $85,000 – $100,000 per year
Job ID: jeid-92c3b353939fa444aa88e3dd76d49c86
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