Announcements

Current Announcements

Welcoming a New Professor
We would like to welcome Dr. Anders Knospe to our department! Dr. Knospe is an experimental nuclear physicist who specializes in studying resonances in ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions. Coming from working at the University of Houston and CERN, he will be starting in the Physics Department as an Assistant Professor in the fall of 2020.

Past Announcements (Selected)

Faculty Search in High Energy or Nuclear Physics
Department of Physics
Lehigh University

The Department of Physics at Lehigh University invites applications for a faculty position in High Energy or Nuclear Physics, broadly defined (including quantum field theory, high energy theory, string theory, theoretical cosmology, experimental medium or high-energy nuclear/particle physics). The search is for a tenure-track Assistant Professor, or for highly qualified candidates at the Associate or Full Professor level. The anticipated starting date is August 2019. Candidates should have a PhD in Physics, or equivalent.

This faculty search aims to strengthen the fundamental physics component of the Physics Department, which includes research programs in nuclear and particle physics, string theory, astrophysics, atomic and molecular physics, statistical physics, computational physics, condensed matter physics, nonlinear optics and photonics, biophysics and soft matter. Physics faculty are committed to research excellence, teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and service to the academic community.

All materials should be uploaded to academicjobsonline (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/11781). Applicants should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a complete list of publications, statements of research and teaching interests, and the names and affiliation of three references. Consideration of candidates will begin on Dec. 1, 2018.

Lehigh University is a private research university experiencing significant growth that ranks in the top 50 among national universities in the 2018 U.S. News & World Report ratings. It offers a distinct academic environment of undergraduate and graduate students from across the globe. It is located on a scenic campus in the Lehigh Valley of eastern Pennsylvania, a vibrant and historic community about one and one-half hours from New York City and Philadelphia and with a population of about 1 million residents. The Lehigh Valley is an attractive place to live and work with reasonable cost of living, easy commuting, good schools, and abundant cultural and outdoors activities.

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, and offers excellent benefits including domestic partner benefits. Lehigh is a recipient of an NSF ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award for promoting the careers of women in academic sciences and engineering (see https://advance.cc.lehigh.edu/). It provides a wide range of networking, mentoring and development opportunities for early-career faculty, and is a leader in promoting work-life balance (https://provost.lehigh.edu/). Lehigh is also a founding member of the Lehigh Valley Inter-Regional Networking & Connecting Consortium to assist highly qualified couples who face the dual career challenge.

Faculty Search in Condensed Matter Theory
Department of Physics
Lehigh University

The Department of Physics at Lehigh University invites applications for a faculty position in Condensed Matter Theory, broadly defined. The search is for a tenure-track Assistant Professor, or for highly qualified candidates at the Associate or Full Professor level with tenure. The anticipated starting date is August 2018. Candidates should have a PhD in Physics (or equivalent), a strong interest in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and are expected to develop a vibrant externally supported research program. The Department of Physics has established research programs in condensed matter physics, nonlinear optics and photonics, soft materials and biophysics, statistical physics, nuclear and particle physics, string theory, astrophysics, and atomic and molecular physics. We expect the successful candidate to strengthen and complement existing fields. There will also be opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary activities with faculty in other departments, as well as at Lehigh's Center of Photonics and Nanoelectronics (https://www.lehigh.edu/~incpn/). All materials should be uploaded to academicjobsonline (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/9722). Applicants should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching interests, a list of publications, and the names and affiliation of three references. Consideration of candidates will begin on Dec. 1, 2017.

Located in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley and in close proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia, Lehigh University is a premier residential research university, ranked in the top tier of national research universities. Lehigh University is a coeducational, nondenominational, private university that offers a distinct academic environment of undergraduate and graduate students from across the globe.

Lehigh University and the Physics Department have a strong commitment to our growing population of culturally diverse students. Therefore, we encourage applications by individuals who can serve as mentors and role models for students belonging to groups that are currently underrepresented in STEM.

Lehigh University is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer, and offers excellent benefits including domestic partner benefits. It also provides a wide range of networking, mentoring and development opportunities for early-career faculty, and is a leader in promoting work-life balance (https://provost.lehigh.edu/).

Click Here for this Announcement in PDF form.

Assistant Professor of Physics

Lehigh University

The Department of Physics at Lehigh University invites applications for a tenure track position at the Assistant Professor level beginning in August 2017. We are seeking a theorist, computational physicist, or experimentalist working on Atomic and Molecular Physics, Cosmology, Plasma Physics, or Quantum Computing/Information. Successful candidates will have a PhD or equivalent and a strong interest in an academic career combining research and teaching Physics at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The department has strong research programs in Astrophysics, Biophysics, Condensed Matter and Nanophysics, High Energy and Nuclear Physics, Nonlinear Optics and Photonics, Plasma Physics, Statistical Physics, and String Theory. The current search is part of an effort to broaden the department’s research portfolio. In addition to interactions within the Physics Department, many opportunities exist for interdisciplinary collaborations, for example in Computer Science and Engineering, Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

Located in Pennsylvania's scenic Lehigh Valley, the campus is situated on 1,600 acres in close proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia. Lehigh is a premier residential research university, ranked in the top tier of national research universities each year. Lehigh University is a coeducational, nondenominational, private university that offers a distinct academic environment of undergraduate and graduate students from across the globe.

Lehigh University and the Physics Department have a strong commitment to our growing population of culturally diverse students. Therefore, we seek candidates who will successfully serve as mentors and role models for students belonging to groups that are currently underrepresented in STEM.

Lehigh provides a wide range of networking, mentoring and development opportunities for early-career faculty, and is a leader in promoting work-life balance (see https://provost.lehigh.edu/). Lehigh is a recipient of the 2006 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Faculty Career Flexibility and a 2010 National Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award to increase the advancement of women faculty in science, engineering, and math (see http://advance.cc.lehigh.edu). Lehigh offers excellent benefits, including domestic-partner benefits, and is a founding member of the Lehigh Valley Inter-Regional Networking & Connecting Consortium to assist highly qualified couples who face the dual career challenge.

Lehigh University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Click Here for this Announcement in PDF form.

Assistant Professor of Physics (the position has been filled)

Tenure Track Position

The Department of Physics at Lehigh University invites applications for a tenure track position at the Assistant Professor level beginning in August 2016. We are seeking a theorist, computational physicist, or experimentalist working on biological, nonlinear, nonequilibrium, soft condensed matter, or other complex systems, using the methods of statistical physics, broadly defined. Candidates in the area of computational physics or related areas such as fluids and chemical physics are also encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will have a PhD or equivalent and a strong interest in an academic career combining research and teaching Physics at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The department has research programs in Astrophysics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Biophysics, Condensed Matter and Nanophysics, High Energy and Nuclear Physics, Nonlinear Optics and Photonics, Plasma Physics, Statistical Physics, and String Theory. Many opportunities exist for interdisciplinary collaborations with faculty across the University, for example in Computer Science and Engineering, Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, and Chemical Engineering.

Lehigh provides a wide range of networking, mentoring and development opportunities for early-career faculty, and is a leader in promoting work-life balance (see https://provost.lehigh.edu/). Lehigh is a recipient of the 2006 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Faculty Career Flexibility and a 2010 National Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award to increase the advancement of women faculty in science, engineering, and math (see https://advance.cc.lehigh.edu/). Lehigh offers excellent benefits, including domestic-partner benefits, and is a founding member of the Lehigh Valley Inter-Regional Networking & Connecting Consortium to assist highly qualified couples who face the dual career challenge.

Lehigh University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Filled

Mini-symposium on the Foundations of Nonlinear Optics, August 4-5, 2015, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA

The meeting will focus on fundamental issues of light-matter interactions from the quantum point of view, the transition between quantum and classical perspectives, and the applications of the insights gained in such a way to the design of molecules and other artificial structures. The program is designed to maximize the breadth of topics, yet maintain a common focus that fosters stimulating interactions that generate new ideas. Unlike large international meetings with many disjoint parallel sessions of low attendance, our aim is to provide a stimulating program that encourages all attendees to spend time together.

A top priority of the meeting is to promote interactions and to allow discussions to flow freely. The meeting will be informal, with no tight schedule. Speakers will present talks in the form of a classroom lecture, and aimed at the level of a graduate student with only a basic knowledge of nonlinear optics. Interruptions for questions and discussions are encouraged. Each speaker will provide documents in advance that can be studied or used as a reference by the attendees.

For further information, Click Here

SPS Election Results

We are happy to announce that SPS elections have been completed. The following is a list of SPS Executive Board Members for the 2015-2016 academic year...

President: Veronica McKinny
Vice President: Joshua Kapcsos
Secretary: Pond Siroattanakul
Treasurer: Jay Glucksman

Tenure-Track Faculty Position (The two Positions have been filled)

The Department of Physics at Lehigh University invites applications for a tenure track position at the Assistant Professor Level beginning in August 2015. Lehigh University and the Physics Department have a strong commitment to the inclusion and engagement of our growing population of culturally diverse students. Therefore, we particularly seek candidates who will successfully serve as mentors and role models for students belonging to groups that are currently underrepresented in physics. Successful candidates will have a PhD in Physics and a strong interest in an academic career combining research and teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Preferably, candidates should have strong interest and expertise in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics; Plasma Physics; Elementary Particle Physics; Cosmology; or Nuclear Physics. Both theorists and experimentalist are invited to apply.

The department has well-established research programs in Astrophysics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Biophysics, Condensed Matter and Nanophysics, Nonlinear Optics and Photonics, Plasma Physics, and Statistical Physics and is looking for candidates who will expand the breadth of our current research offerings. The department is undergoing a major period of transformation and we expect 5-7 faculty positions will become available in the next 10 years.

Lehigh is a recipient of the 2006 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Faculty Career Flexibility and a 2010 National Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award to increase the advancement of women faculty in science, engineering, and math (see https://advance.cc.lehigh.edu/). Lehigh provides a wide range of networking, mentoring and development opportunities for early-career faculty, and is a leader in promoting work-life balance (see https://provost.lehigh.edu/). Lehigh offers excellent benefits, including domestic-partner benefits, and is a founding member of the Lehigh Valley Inter-Regional Networking & Connecting Consortium to assist highly qualified couples who face the dual career challenge.

Applicants should include a cover letter describing their area of expertise and major contributions, curriculum vitae, publication list, the names and affiliations of three references, a statement of research interests, a statement of teaching interests, and a statement on diversity. The diversity statement might include (but is not limited to) the applicant’s experience and vision regarding diversity issues such as recruitment, inclusion, retention, mentoring, and serving as role models for students from underrepresented groups. All materials should be uploaded to the website https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/4563 and must be received by Dec. 1, 2014.

Lehigh University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Physics Department Annual Spring Picnic and Barbecue: Sunday, 6/1/14, at 2:00 PM (rain or shine), South Mountain Park, Upper Pavilion, 1600 E. University Ave., Bethlehem. Click for Announcement

SPS Special Event: Amazing Physics Exhibition: September 18, 2014; 6:30 PM; Lewis Lab 270 and Lobby

SPS Special Event: Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Gathering: September 8, 2014; 7:00 PM; South Side of Fairchild Lab (Outside)

REU Physics Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Gathering: June 11, 2014; 1:30 PM; Lewis Lab 270 Lobby

Lehigh Students to Compete in the 2013 Cantalobber Contest at Kutztown University, Sunday, April 14, 12 noon

Carl Faust and Brian Knorr will be representing the physics graduate students at the 7th Annual Cantalobber competition this Sunday, April 14th at Kutztown University beginning at noon. They will be defending their previous two wins (with a record of 1530 feet!), and going for their third victory. Kara Richter and Brandon Mitchell will also be competing with a second air cannon. Come out to support the two groups, and stay for the free food which will be provided. See attached Announcement and Map of Kutztown University showing the location of the event.

Nobel Prize winner, Sir Anthony J. Leggett, will give two presentations at Lehigh University on Wednesday and Thursday, March 27 and 28...

Karakash Lecture: Why Can't Time Run Backwards Wednesday, March 27, 4:10 PM, Lewis Lab Room 270. Refreshments will be served beginning at 3:30 PM. (appropriate for a general audience) Click for Announcement

Feigl Lecture: Bell's Theorem, Entanglement, Quantum Teleportation and All That Thursday, March 28, 4:10 PM, Lewis Lab Room 270, with a "Meet and Greet" including refreshments beginning at 3 PM. Click for Announcement

SPS Special Meeting: Building Electric Motors, Pizza, and a Surprise! March 6, 2013; 4:30 PM; Lewis Lab 270

SPS Special Event: Research Presentations: February 14, 2013; 5:30 PM; Lewis Lab 316

SPS and Physics Department Barbecue: November 15, 2012; 5:30 PM; Lewis Lab 270 Lobby.

SPS Special Event: Amazing Physics Exhibition: October 25, 2012; 5:30 PM; Lewis Lab 270 and Lobby

September 2015: A Message from the Chair

Lehigh University Physics - Volkmar Dierolf Fall 2015: As we transition back into our academic-year mode, fresh air is breezing through the fourth floor of Lewis Lab in the form of two new faculty members who we welcome into our department.

Sera Cremonini joins us from the Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics at Texas A&M University. Her research field is String Theory. The excitement for this field in our department is readily apparent, judging by the high enrollment in her new course, “Introduction to String Theory.”

Rosi Reed enriches our department through her research in experimental high-energy physics. She joins us from Wayne State University where she was an Assistant Professor, and a member of the ALICE experiment at the large hadron collider (LHC) at CERN in Switzerland. She studies the properties of a peculiar state of matter, the quark-gluon plasma, which existed for a short time after the big bang and can be recreated in accelerators. Rosi is now a member of the STAR collaboration at Brookhaven National Lab.

Both Sera and Rosi join us as tenure track Assistant Professors, with their active research programs adding to the department's research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

The renewal of the department continues. During this academic year, we have initiated another faculty search. Click for Details

We further welcome a new class of eleven graduate students. Two of them come with fellowships from the University and the Dean, respectively. Most notable to me was our success in strengthening the quality of this cohort by attracting several former participants of our REU program, and students who faced a “two-body problem” (i.e., they came as pairs). We will continue to take an opportunistic approach to the enrollment and assistantship support for pairs of excellent students.

Volkmar Dierolf

September 2014: A Message from the Chair

Lehigh University Physics - Volkmar Dierolf Fall 2014. Students are back. In fact, they are back in big numbers, resulting in a record-breaking enrollment for our intro-level courses. Nevertheless, thanks to Gary DeLeo’s organizational skills and additional TA and adjunct funding from the Provost office, we got off to a smooth start. While our REU program was running smoothly during the summer, I had some time to work on department reports. While digging into numbers, I ran across some interesting statistics. Did you know that currently 25% of our undergraduate students, 40% of our graduate students, and 40% of our post-docs are female? These numbers are well above the national averages in Physics. Faculty productivity also went up. Comparing the time period of 2000-2005 for which NRC ranking data had been collected with 2008-2013, I found that the number of publications increased by 60% while the citations of these publications tripled during the same period (from 1,047 to 3,365). We are on our way up!! Finally, I would like to welcome our newest faculty member, Paola Cereghetti, who was appointed Professor of Practice starting this Fall. Paola earned a Ph.D in Physics from ETH in Switzerland, and also holds an M.A. in Chinese studies from University of Pennsylvania. She will mostly teach courses in our intro-level physics series (Phys 5, 10, and 13). Have a great semester!

Volkmar Dierolf

September 2012: A Message from the Chair

Lehigh University Physics - Volkmar Dierolf

All of us in the Department would like to extend a warm welcome to incoming students and to our returning undergraduates. We also welcome back Professor Yong Kim and his graduate student, Ryan Cress, who spent time in Korea at Seoul National University over the summer.

2012 is shaping up as a banner year for graduating Ph.D. students. Ten physics graduate students defended their dissertations since April! As we offer our congratulations, we are also sorry to see them go. The outgoing class was replaced by a diverse group of nine incoming graduate students from all across the country and around the world. Among them are one recipient of a Dean’s Fellowship and three GAANN fellows.

On Friday, September 14th, the department was one of the hosts of the Pennsylvania Network Meeting on the Physics and Chemistry of Biological Systems. The event, organized by Professor Dimitrios Vavylonis, attracted 120 participants from 25 institutions from around the state and beyond. An exciting series of oral presentations complemented by a poster session gave ample opportunities for the exchange of ideas and networking. Congratulations to Dimitris for organizing such a great event.

Volkmar Dierolf

August 2012: A Message from the Chair

Lehigh University Physics - Volkmar Dierolf All of us in the Department would like to extend a warm welcome to incoming students and to our returning undergraduates. We look forward to seeing you.

As usual, our summer research activities were enhanced by contributions from students supported by our NSF-funded REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) Program, one of the longest-running NSF-REU programs in the Country. These 25 students were selected from a pool of 627 applicants!

Our first colloquium, scheduled for Thursday, September 6th, will be given by University of Pennsylvania Professor Andrew Rappe. Details and the full colloquium schedule will appear shortly.

Some of you might notice that this is an altogether new Physics website. Please bear with us as we fill in the blanks and iron out the difficulties. Your comments are always welcome! Volkmar Dierolf