Employment Opportunities

The Department of Physics within the Faculty of Science at Simon Fraser University (SFU) invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Experimental Biophysics. We seek an outstanding scholar with a strong commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and service. While an appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor is preferred, exceptional candidates with qualifications for higher ranks may also be considered for appointment at the Associate Professor level.

SFU Biophysics is one of the leading Biophysics subgroups in Canada, a vibrant and collaborative community integrating experiment and theory. It is a core pillar of the supportive and collegial SFU Physics Department and has strong ties to neighbouring departments, especially Chemistry and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry.

The successful candidate is expected to develop a successful research program that is internationally recognized, teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute to building equitable, diverse and inclusive environments. We invite applications from experimental researchers across all scales of life, from molecules to ecosystems.

Qualifications

At a minimum, the successful candidate must hold a PhD in Physics or a field closely related to Biophysics and must demonstrate:

• An outstanding research record for their career stage encompassing publications and/or patents, research presentations, and other relevant accomplishments.
• Future research plans with scientific potential that complement and strengthen Biophysics at SFU. 
• Interest and ability to realize excellence in teaching (across a range of Physics courses) and supervision of students.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for students, faculty, and staff.

To be considered for an appointment at the rank of Associate Professor, applicants must additionally have an outstanding record in teaching and clearly outline potential synergies with existing research groups at SFU.

How To Apply

The chair of the search committee is Professor John Bechhoefer, to whom informal inquiries about the position can be directed (johnb@sfu.ca). The application itself should be submitted as a single PDF, emailed to the Physics Chair’s Assistant at physchairsec@sfu.ca, containing:

• A concise (1-2 page) cover letter providing: 1) your reasons for applying for the position, and 2) a narrative description highlighting how you meet the job qualifications and would effectively fulfill job expectations.
• A complete up-to-date curriculum vitae that lists your education and employment history, publications and conference presentations, funding and awards, student supervision, collaborations/partnerships, teaching experience, and service contributions.
• A research statement (3-5 pages) describing your past research contributions, broad future goals, and five-year research plan.
• Three examples of peer-reviewed published scholarly work.
• A statement (maximum 2 pages) describing your philosophy and experience of teaching and mentoring.
• A statement (maximum 2 pages) describing past and desired future contributions to enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within research, teaching, and service.
• Names, titles, and email addresses for three referees who can comment on your research, service, and, if possible, teaching capabilities. (Letters will be requested for candidates advancing to later stages of the selection process.)
• Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.

Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their application how alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g., parental leave, leave due to illness, research delays due to COVID-19) have impacted them; we commit to ensuring these are taken into careful consideration. We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact the Equity Office at edi@sfu.ca.

Full consideration will be given to applications received by January 15, 2026. Applications received after this date may be reviewed if the position is still open. The anticipated start date is July 15, 2026.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside.

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role at the Assistant Professor rank is $104,700 - $133,322, depending on experience. The estimated base salary range for Associate Professor is $130,142 - $168,305, depending on experience. SFU also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including pension, health, and dental benefits. For details on the benefits offered by SFU, please visit the Faculty Relations website.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details, see the full Collection Notice.

Job Description

The Silicon Quantum Technology research group at Simon Fraser University is looking for highly skilled and motivated Postdocs to join our team in developing groundbreaking photonic quantum processor and networks.

For enquiries and details about the position, please contact Prof. Daniel Higginbottom at daniel_higginbottom@sfu.ca. Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and the contact details of at least two references. Applications will be evaluated immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

For the latest postings, please visit https://www.sfu.ca/human-resources/prospective-employees/tssu-postings/science-postings/physics-postings.html  

Simon Fraser University's CERC program is hiring a part-time Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Coordinator to support inclusive research initiatives in astroparticle physics and quantum internet systems. This contractor role involves coordinating EDI initiative, tracking progress, and supporting diverse stakeholder engagement aligned with the commitments outlined in the EDI action plans.

For more details, visit CERC EDI Coordinator position. If you have questions, please contact physcerc@sfu.ca

Applications due by October 24, 2025.

Please visit SFU's central posting site for TA postings, application procedures, and related information.

PHYSICS DEPARTMENT – TEACHING ASSISTANT (TA) HIRING PRIORITIES (23 JUNE 2016)

Priority for appointment/reappointment as a Teaching Assistant is in accordance with Article XIII of the Collective Agreement with the Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU).

In allocating Teaching Assistant positions, the department will also take into account the following:

• Amount of financial support offered on admission to the graduate program;
• Suitability for particular courses (e.g. discipline of prior degree(s), publications, experience);
• Applicant’s preferences.

If an assignment within a priority group requires a selection between applicants, the graduate student without financial support from merit based scholarships or merit based fellowships during the semester of appointment with a value equal to at least a 5.17 appointment, will have priority for the appointment.