Assistant Professor Jobs in New Mexico
Assistant Professor jobs in New Mexico are concentrated in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe, with the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and Central New Mexico Community College among the most consistent hirers across disciplines from STEM and health sciences to the humanities and fine arts. Demand is steady at the tenure-track and visiting levels, and specialties in engineering, nursing education, and Indigenous and Southwestern studies reflect the state's research priorities and demographic profile. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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INTRODUCTION
The Department of Physics at New Mexico State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics beginning in Fall 2027. We seek outstanding candidates who will develop a vigorous externally funded research program and contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. New Mexico State University is a Carnegie R1 research university located in Las Cruces, a vibrant city in southern New Mexico known for its outstanding climate, affordable cost of living, rich cultural diversity, outdoor recreation opportunities, and proximity to major national laboratories and research facilities.
POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Assistant Professor in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
College/Division: Arts and Sciences College
Department: 331500-PHYSICS
Location: Las Cruces
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: 85,082 to commensurate with qualifications
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
FLSA Status: Exempt
Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Department of Physics at NMSU has active research programs in condensed matter physics and nuclear physics. The successful candidate will join a growing experimental condensed matter and quantum materials effort with access to modern thin-film synthesis, optical characterization, and low-temperature measurement infrastructure.
Existing facilities include:
- Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS)
- Four-circle X-ray diffraction (XRD)
- Low-temperature spectroscopic ellipsometry and infrared ellipsometry
- Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and laser-assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy (laser-MBE)
- Single-crystal growth facilities
- High-pressure measurements in a diamond anvil cell
- Other on campus shared facilities
Collaborative opportunities exist with national laboratories including:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Sandia National Laboratories
- Air Force Research Lab
Research Areas of Interest
We encourage applications from candidates working broadly in experimental condensed matter physics and materials physics, including but not limited to:
- Semiconductor quantum physics
- Novel forms of magnetism and superconductivity
- Emergent phenomena at material surfaces and interfaces
- Topological quantum materials
- Spintronic, superconducting, and nanoelectronic devices
- Advanced electrical, optical, and spectroscopy characterization
Candidates whose research leverages, complements, and expands existing departmental strengths are especially encouraged to apply.
Teaching Responsibilities
The successful candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction in physics, including introductory and advanced laboratory courses.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Experience:
- Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field by the time of appointment
- Demonstrated potential for excellence in research and teaching
Preferred Qualifications:
- Postdoctoral research experience
- Strong publication record
- Potential to secure external research funding
- Potential to establish external research collaborations
- Experience mentoring students in research
Applicants should submit:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae with full publication list
- Research statement (5 pages, including plans for building lab facilities and leveraging existing infrastructure at NMSU physics)
- Teaching statement (2 pages)
- Contact information for at least three references
Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, applications should be received by December 12, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. For further information or questions please contact the chair of the search committee, Prof. Ludi Miao at lmiao@nmsu.edu
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT
Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.
Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Physics at New Mexico State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics beginning in Fall 2027. We seek outstanding candidates who will develop a vigorous externally funded research program and contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. New Mexico State University is a Carnegie R1 research university located in Las Cruces, a vibrant city in southern New Mexico known for its outstanding climate, affordable cost of living, rich cultural diversity, outdoor recreation opportunities, and proximity to major national laboratories and research facilities.
POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Assistant Professor in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
College/Division: Arts and Sciences College
Department: 331500-PHYSICS
Location: Las Cruces
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: 85,082 to commensurate with qualifications
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
FLSA Status: Exempt
Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Department of Physics at NMSU has active research programs in condensed matter physics and nuclear physics. The successful candidate will join a growing experimental condensed matter and quantum materials effort with access to modern thin-film synthesis, optical characterization, and low-temperature measurement infrastructure.
Existing facilities include:
- Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS)
- Four-circle X-ray diffraction (XRD)
- Low-temperature spectroscopic ellipsometry and infrared ellipsometry
- Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and laser-assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy (laser-MBE)
- Single-crystal growth facilities
- High-pressure measurements in a diamond anvil cell
- Other on campus shared facilities
Collaborative opportunities exist with national laboratories including:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Sandia National Laboratories
- Air Force Research Lab
Research Areas of Interest
We encourage applications from candidates working broadly in experimental condensed matter physics and materials physics, including but not limited to:
- Semiconductor quantum physics
- Novel forms of magnetism and superconductivity
- Emergent phenomena at material surfaces and interfaces
- Topological quantum materials
- Spintronic, superconducting, and nanoelectronic devices
- Advanced electrical, optical, and spectroscopy characterization
Candidates whose research leverages, complements, and expands existing departmental strengths are especially encouraged to apply.
Teaching Responsibilities
The successful candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction in physics, including introductory and advanced laboratory courses.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Experience:
- Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field by the time of appointment
- Demonstrated potential for excellence in research and teaching
Preferred Qualifications:
- Postdoctoral research experience
- Strong publication record
- Potential to secure external research funding
- Potential to establish external research collaborations
- Experience mentoring students in research
Applicants should submit:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae with full publication list
- Research statement (5 pages, including plans for building lab facilities and leveraging existing infrastructure at NMSU physics)
- Teaching statement (2 pages)
- Contact information for at least three references
Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, applications should be received by December 12, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. For further information or questions please contact the chair of the search committee, Prof. Ludi Miao at lmiao@nmsu.edu
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT
Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.
Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
See All 25 Assistant Professor Jobs in New Mexico
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Find Assistant Professor JobsAssistant Professor Jobs by City in New Mexico
Where New Mexico roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Assistant Professor Job Market in New Mexico
A snapshot from current New Mexico openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of New Mexico16
- New Mexico State University4
- Eastern New Mexico University4
- Alfred State College1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What New Mexico Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant professor jobs across New Mexico.
- Terminal degree (PhD, MFA, or equivalent) required in the relevant discipline
- Demonstrated record of scholarly research, publication, or creative output in field
- Prior teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level preferred
- Ability to develop and deliver curriculum aligned with departmental learning outcomes
- Commitment to serving a diverse student body in a Hispanic-Serving Institution context
- Experience with online or hybrid course delivery platforms such as Canvas or Blackboard
Assistant Professor Jobs in New Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a assistant professor in New Mexico?
Becoming an assistant professor in New Mexico requires earning a terminal degree in your field, typically a PhD or MFA, from an accredited institution. New Mexico does not issue a state license for most faculty roles, but positions at community colleges may require or prefer a New Mexico teaching credential or vocational certification through the New Mexico Public Education Department. Candidates typically build a file of peer-reviewed publications, teaching evaluations, and a research or creative agenda before applying.
Which companies hire assistant professors in New Mexico?
Employers hiring assistant professors in New Mexico right now include University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and Eastern New Mexico University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. New Mexico's public university system, its network of community colleges, and research-affiliated institutions like Sandia National Laboratories' academic partnerships are among the most active long-term sources of faculty openings in the state.
Which New Mexico cities have the most assistant professor jobs?
Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Portales account for the most assistant professor openings in New Mexico. Albuquerque leads because it is home to the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College, while Las Cruces draws openings through New Mexico State University, and Santa Fe's concentration of arts institutions and state government generates additional faculty demand in policy, education, and the visual arts.
Are there remote assistant professor jobs in New Mexico?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since most faculty roles involve in-person instruction, lab supervision, or campus service. About 0% of assistant professor openings tied to New Mexico are remote or hybrid as of July 2026. Online program development roles and adjunct positions in fully asynchronous degree programs are the most likely to be conducted entirely off-campus.
How can I get hired as a assistant professor in New Mexico with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a visiting assistant professor or lecturer appointment, which New Mexico institutions such as the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University regularly post for candidates still finishing or recently completing a terminal degree. Postdoctoral fellowships at UNM's research centers and adjunct teaching contracts at Central New Mexico Community College let candidates build a classroom record. A strong dissertation chapter, a conference presentation, and a clear research agenda carry significant weight in these early-career searches.
Where can I find and apply to assistant professor jobs in New Mexico?
You can find and apply to assistant professor jobs in New Mexico on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across New Mexico institutions and updates regularly. Search for roles that match your discipline and career stage, then apply directly to the positions that fit your background and interests.
See All 25 Assistant Professor Jobs in New Mexico
Find roles in New Mexico that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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