Human Resources

Lake Forest College Department of Physics invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level. The successful candidate will teach at all levels in our physics curriculum, including teaching and developing advanced laboratories and will establish an on-campus research program involving undergraduate students. The Department of Physics has research programs in electron-molecule collisions, quantum optics and laser spectroscopy, granular materials, computational physics, and acoustic levitation.

A Ph.D. in physics or astronomy is required (ABD is acceptable if a degree is conferred prior to the start of the 26-27 academic year.), and postdoctoral training is a plus but not required. Successful candidates will express enthusiasm for a liberal arts education. This position involves teaching three courses each semester (labs count as a full course) and developing an active undergraduate-led research program that expands our departmental expertise and results in peer-reviewed publications. The department and college support research with funding and lab spaces to establish an active research program. Tenure-track faculty are eligible for a fully funded, one-semester junior research sabbatical after a successful third-year review.

In a single PDF, please submit: 1) a cover letter that describes how the small liberal arts college environment aligns with the candidate’s professional goals; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a one-page teaching statement, which particularly addresses how the candidate would mentor and teach Lake Forest College’s diverse student body; 4) a one-page research statement that describes an on-campus research program that includes undergraduate participation; and 5) unofficial graduate school transcript(s). Letters of recommendation will be requested from those who are chosen for first-round interviews. Application materials should be e-mailed to physics2025@lakeforest.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled but must be received by 12/1/2025 to be assured full consideration.

Lake Forest College offers comprehensive and competitive pay and benefits to attract and retain talented individuals to further our mission. The salary range for this position is $67,000 - $74,000 and our benefits can be found at www.lakeforest.edu/offices-and-departments/human-resources/employee-benefits.

A highly selective liberal arts college located on Chicago’s North Shore, Lake Forest College enrolls approximately 1,800 students from more than 40 states and from more than 100 countries. Lake Forest is one of the most diverse small colleges in the Midwest with approximately 50% of our student body comprised of domestic students of color and international students. The majority of our STEM pool is female and also includes a significant number of first-generation and historically underrepresented students.

At Lake Forest College, the quality of a faculty member’s teaching is the most important criterion for evaluation. The College also expects peer-reviewed publications and active participation in the College community.

If you are interested in learning more about employment at Lake Forest College, please visit Working at Lake Forest | Lake Forest College