About The University of Texas at El Paso:
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a Carnegie R1, opportunity, and community engaged university at the heart of the U.S.-Mexico border region that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education and economy of the community we serve. UTEP enrolls more than 25,000 students, 85% of whom are Hispanic and half of whom are the first in their families to attend college. UTEP offers 171 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.
Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, El Paso is set against the backdrop of the Franklin Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert in one of the largest binational communities in the world. A family-oriented community that is one of the safest large cities in the U.S., the cost of living in El Paso is very reasonable with an average home value of $224,000 in 2025, and Texas has no income tax. The region's rich culture includes a vibrant street art and mural scene, art galleries, a new children's museum and science center, the state's longest-running symphony orchestra and a full schedule of seasonal events and festivals. Sports fans will enjoy Division I college athletics, Triple-A baseball affiliate the El Paso Chihuahuas and professional soccer team El Paso Locomotive FC, and outdoor enthusiasts will be drawn to year-round hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing in nearby state and national parks.
Job Description:
The Department of Physics at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is excited to announce two fixed-term Research Assistant Professor (RAP) positions in (a) experimental discipline of flexible and microelectronic energy storage, and (b) computational physics of strongly correlated electron systems closely related to energy storage in layered materials. Both positions will be for 3 years to work collaboratively and synergistically in the newly constituted Center for Flexible and Microelectronic Energy Storage (CFMES) which brings together faculty and staff members from the departments of physics and chemistry. The CFMES team aims to develop energy storage solutions, based on novel layered materials, which can be efficiently translated into practical applications. The two RAPs must be eager to actively engage in a stimulating interdisciplinary environment that fosters research by closely working with faculty members in College of Science. They should be willing to work with a team of researchers in writing grant proposals to secure external funding.
Requirements:
The experimental candidate must have a PhD in physics with strong research experience related to the development of novel, layered energy-storage materials with strong knowledge and expertise in electrochemical energy storage and conversion, battery-related science and engineering, testing, electrochemical characterization, manufacturing or recycling of batteries and flexible components for energy storage, and advanced manufacturing of electrochemical storage devices.
The successful computational candidate must hold a Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field and demonstrate expertise in developing quantum many-body methods, such as GW combined with dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT), for strongly correlated electron systems. Candidates should also have a strong research record in correlated quantum materials, including low-dimensional electron systems studied using density-functional methods for energy storage applications.
Ideal candidates would have a previous 2-year postdoctoral appointment and demonstration of impactful research in the advertised topics.
Additional Information:
The initial salary is competitive, based on qualifications and experience, and comes with excellent fringe benefits. Hiring decisions are based on budget approval.
In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.
The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu , or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.
For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu .
To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.
Application Instructions:
Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants must clearly indicate in their letter of interest whether they are applying to the experimental or the computational position advertised.
Candidates must submit 1) a cover letter detailing their research strengths for the advertised position, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information for at least three professional references.
For more information about the positions, please contact Dr Hari Nair (hnair@utep.edu ), Department of Physics, UTEP.