Tenure Track Assistant Professor - Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of Delaware seeks an Assistant Professor (tenure track) in the area of space physics, who would be initially supported by the NSF’s Faculty Development in geoSpace Science (FDSS) program. We seek creative and innovative individuals who are eager to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment and become leaders in their fields. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated background in heliophysics, space physics, or plasma physics, and a PhD degree and postdoctoral experience in physics or a related discipline. We seek a candidate with a strong background in space plasma physics observations, including magnetic reconnection, turbulence, and particle energization in the heliosphere. Of particular interest are candidates with expertise in analyzing global scale phenomena, dynamics at magnetohydrodynamic scales, and/or kinetic processes at smaller scales. UD’s space physics group has a growing interest in advanced methodologies such as multi-spacecraft analysis. Related subjects of interest are charged-particle propagation, the impacts of solar variability, solar events, and galactic cosmic rays on the geospace environment. Space physics and solar-terrestrial physics are longstanding specialties of the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Bartol Research Institute, which have strong records of research in theory, computation, and observation. Current faculty are also involved with multiple current/future in-situ missions (Wind, Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, and ACE), multi-spacecraft missions (MMS and HelioSwarm), remote-sensing missions (PUNCH and IMAP), and ground observatories (neutron monitors).
We seek candidates who will engage in high-quality teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and who will contribute to development of the space physics curriculum. The successful candidate will provide effective instruction and advising to a diverse population of students and will demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in their educational, research, and academic service activities. International candidates are welcome to apply, and UD’s International Students and Scholars Services provides assistance to international scholars.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy (DPA) at the University of Delaware is within the College Arts and Sciences. The DPA traces its ancestry back to a small teaching department, which began in 1920. By the early 1960’s, the department had expanded into a major research department with the construction of Sharp Laboratory and the development of a full-scale doctoral program. The arrival of the Bartol Research Institute in the late 1970’s transformed developing research areas in astrophysics, particle physics, and solar-terrestrial physics into full-fledged programs for PhD students. In July of 2005, the Bartol Research Institute merged with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, becoming a research center within the Department. Multiple DPA faculty are also associated with the UD’s Data Science Institute. The DPA also hosts the offices of the Delaware Space Grant Consortium (DESGC) and Delaware NASA EPSCoR, which serve the entire State of Delaware.
Today, more than 30 faculty do research at the DPA in its two main themes: quantum science and physics of the Universe, the latter of which includes astronomy, space physics, high-energy particle physics, and particle astrophysics. Research in space physics is a longstanding specialty of the Bartol Research Institute and includes theoretical and computational studies as well as studies utilizing spacecraft observations.
In addition to traditional physics and astrophysics curricula, current educational initiatives include computational physics, data science, and large scale simulation. The department has a strong commitment to enhancing representation and equity in the classroom with actively funded initiatives focused on increasing access to STEM education and data science for traditionally underrepresented and excluded groups.
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at the University of Delaware offers exceptional educational experiences including integrated instruction, research, and public engagement. With 24 academic departments and more than 25 centers, programs and institutes, the CAS serves close to 7,000 undergraduate students and over 1,000 graduate students with CAS majors, but also every single University student through foundational course work. The College’s 600 faculty members emphasize the enduring value of an arts and science education and share a deep commitment to excellence in scholarship and all forms of creative and intellectual expression. The College has departments in the arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, and features outstanding research and teaching facilities. Faculty and staff encourage and support innovative interdisciplinary collaborations, and students engage local, national, and global audiences through research and creative activity. With annual research expenditures of approximately $38 million and growing, the CAS currently houses several large, interdisciplinary grants with significant funding from the NIH and NSF.
The University of Delaware (UD) is one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher education, combining tradition and innovation. The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the experience of its employees and in supporting its academic mission. We are committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds, and we strongly encourage applications from educators from under-represented groups. UD provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Review of applications will begin October 15, 2024. Applicants should upload (1) a cover letter (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a three-page maximum research proposal, (4) a one-page statement on their teaching experience, interests, and philosophy (5) a one-page inclusivity plan that describes how their research, teaching, and service activities will successfully engage with a diverse population of students and coworkers and (6) contact information for three references. The reference contacts will receive automated requests to upload reference letters upon application submission, which must be received before the application can be reviewed. For additional information, please email inquiries to dpa-facultysearches@udel.edu.
Compensation packages are highly competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The UD benefits package is one of the best in the nation. The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
