Assistant Professor, Photonics -Department of Physics, Photonics and Optical Engineering

Posting Details

Position Information

Title Assistant Professor, Photonics -Department of Physics, Photonics and Optical Engineering Rank Assistant Professor Tenure Information Tenure Track Department Summary

The Department of Physics, Photonics and Optical Engineering at Bridgewater State University (BSU) is an active and growing department. We have approximately 90 majors. The Photonics program is a new major concentration and was recently granted full accreditation by ABET for six years. The successful candidate will join a department that values teaching and conducting research with undergraduate students. The department has a broad and expanding breadth of theoretical and experimental based courses with research lab spaces housed in the $98M Dana Mohler-Faria Science Building. The Physics program at BSU has been recognized nationally for its strong number of majors and graduates (average 12 per year) and is now graduating an additional 5 or more students per year in Photonics and Optical Engineering. These numbers reflect a strong student-workforce development history with ties to Photonics/Optics related industries, top graduate schools (most recently in biophysics, particle physics, quantum technologies, astronomy and general relativity) while continuing our tradition of training high school teachers.

Undergraduates in the department come from a mix of backgrounds and identities, with 46% first generation students, 32% students of color, 25% female students, and 14% openly LGBTQIA+ students. The Photonics program has created new paths and opportunities for our graduates in both physics and photonics. The Department has strong connections and collaborations with local laboratories and companies along with a working relationship with AIM Photonics and the region's AIM Photonics LEAP (Labs for Education and Application Prototypes) Academies. Students can join two student groups, BEAM (Bridgewater Emission and Absorption Manipulators) a Chapter in Optica and the Society of Physics Students (American Institute of Physics). The Department of Physics, Photonics and Optical Engineering embraces diversity and inclusion and is an inaugural member of the APS IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance) network.

The successful candidate will work with their colleagues in advancing the mission of the department in serving and supporting our racially and ethnically diverse campus community.

Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students; focused on the continuous improvement of its people; and is responsible for leading innovation that benefits Southeastern Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewater's accessible environment of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking and the pursuit of new knowledge and deeper understanding. The teaching and learning environment at Bridgewater also cultivates meaningful and diverse interpersonal relationships and fosters an appreciation for global engagement aimed at transforming lives and improving the human condition. Our commitment is reflected in our institutional values, which ensure that all students are supported and succeed.

Essential Duties

The Department of Physics, Photonics and Optical Engineering invites applications for a full-time, tenure track position of Assistant Professor in the field of Photonics or Optical Engineering. The Department seeks candidates that can complement our existing capabilities, with skills in areas such as optical engineering (system design, signal processing, image processing, and modern optics hardware), semiconductor devices, fiber optics, quantum optics, and digital devices. Strong candidates will demonstrate the ability to bring industry-sponsored projects into the Senior Design course, engage majors in meaningful undergraduate research opportunities, and contribute to the department's longstanding commitment to assessment, continuous improvement, and accreditation.

The successful candidate will be a dedicated and passionate teacher. Department needs require that the new faculty member be flexible enough to teach mission critical courses in the college's core curriculum as well as courses in the physics and photonics major. The ideal candidate will teach both lectures and labs. The candidate will join their department colleagues in continuing to develop the overall vision for the photonics program. This includes assessment duties and working to foster connections with local labs and companies in effort to provide our students with internships, co-ops and senior design projects. The successful candidate will contribute to a department culture that is inclusive, student-centered and energetic, and which emphasizes experiences outside of the classroom.

Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Photonics Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering specializing in optics or related fields is required by September 1, 2027.

Applicants should have teaching experience and be strongly committed to excellence in teaching, advising, and research with undergraduate students.

Applicants should be committed to working in a multicultural environment that fosters diversity.

Applicants should have an ability to communicate effectively in speaking and writing, to use technology effectively in teaching and learning, and to work collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

Evidence of post-doctoral and/or industry work demonstrating the ability to support and mentor research appropriate at the undergraduate level.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is contingent upon completion of a successful background check. Bridgewater State University is an E-Verify employer.

Salary is commensurate with experience in accordance with the Appendix O of the MSCA contract. A reasonable starting salary range to expect for a new faculty member appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor is $75,000 to $85,000.

EEO Statement

Bridgewater State University is an equal employment opportunity employer and considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number F00656P Open Date 09/25/2026 Close Date 01/04/2027 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants

Please note the following information is required to complete your application for this position:

• A minimum of three (3) professional reference entries in space provided on the application form.
• CV
• Cover Letter
• Teaching Statement
• Research Statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Statement
• Research Statement

Optional Documents