Assistant Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Delaware

Newark, Delaware

Posted in Education and Training


This job has expired.

Job Info


Job no: 499252
College / VP Area: College of Arts & Sciences
Work type: Faculty
Location: Newark/Hybrid
Categories: Physics & Astronomy, Full Time

Assistant Professor (tenure track) in the area of space weather, College of Arts and Sciences

INTRODUCTION/POSITION: We seek creative and innovative individuals who have a strong research background in the broad field of space weather, will engage in high-quality teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and are eager to become leaders in their fields, working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and diverse research environment. Here, space weather is broadly defined as a branch of space plasma physics and heliophysics focused on phenomena that impact the space environment, including influences on human and robotic presence in space, space technology, and space exploration.

Space physics and the subfield of space weather is a longstanding specialty of the Department of Physics and Astronomy and its Bartol Research Institute, with extensive theoretical, computational, and observational research programs. The range of research topics include plasma physics, fluid mechanics, magnetohydrodynamics, charged particle transport and acceleration, turbulence theory, and magnetic reconnection, and there is ongoing work using computational physics as tools and as related research disciplines. Specifically, the theoretical work in Space Physics at UD emphasizes these topical areas with applications to the physics of the sun, the solar corona, the magnetosphere, and the solar wind. Many of these theoretical research efforts incorporate close connection to space flight programs and associated observational studies in areas of research that are of great national and international interest including solar and cosmic ray physics, geospace impacts of space weather, and heliophysics more broadly. Further connections to satellite missions, laboratory experiments, and data science are potentially important and of interest. Current involvements include Parker Solar Probe, Magnetospheric Multiscale, Wind, Cluster, PUNCH, CURIE, Helioswarm, IMAP, and the neutron monitor network.

QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will have a demonstrated research background in heliophysics, space physics, or plasma physics, with applications to space weather or related subfields, a Ph.D. degree and postdoctoral experience in physics or a closely related discipline. The candidate will enhance and expand the department's current capabilities in space plasma physics and will establish independent research that complements and supports the existing program. Theorists and observationalists with data analysis, computational, and nonlinear simulation skills and interests are particularly sought, as are candidates with an interest in collaborative and synergistic efforts within the group, within the department, and in cooperation with extramural groups on major space and ground- based programs. The Delaware space physics group maintains broad interaction with international collaborators.

The position responsibilities include research (e.g., journal publications, presentations, securing external funding, and collaborating with researchers at UD and elsewhere), teaching (including teaching classes within the UD Physics and Astronomy Department and mentoring UD students involved in research), and a small fraction of their workload dedicated to service tasks to the Department, College, or University and academic community. Furthermore, the successful candidate will be expected to both provide effective instruction and advising to a diverse population of graduate and undergraduate students and, importantly, to demonstrate commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in their educational, research, and academic service activities. UD is a Research-1 University which offers a low teaching workload in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, typically one class per semester, such that sufficient time is available for developing a research-intensive career.

Individuals who identify as members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in and excluded from STEM are encouraged to apply. International candidates are also encouraged to apply and UD's International Student & Scholar Service will provide assistance to non-US employees.

THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY AT UD: 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 1960s, 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 1970s transformed developing research areas in astrophysics, particle physics, and solar-terrestrial physics into full-fledged programs for Ph.D. students. In July 2005, the Bartol Research Institute merged with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, becoming a research center within the Department. Several faculty of the DPA are also associated with the UD's Data Science Institute.

Today, more than 30 faculty do research at the DPA in its two main themes, which are quantum science and physics of the universe. The physics of the universe theme includes astronomy, space physics, high-energy particle and particle astrophysics. Research in Space physics and space weather ranges from theoretical and computational studies to satellite observations and is a longstanding specialty of the Bartol Research Institute.

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.Furthermore, the department actively seeks to continuously foster and improve an inclusive, equitable, and supportive culture that protects the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of all its members and promotes excellence in research and education.

The College of Arts and Sciences 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 College 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 College currently houses several large, interdisciplinary grants with significant funding from the NIH and NSF.

The University of Delaware (www.udel.edu) 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.

TO APPLY: For full consideration applications and reference letters should be submitted by November 15, 2022. 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 and (5) a one-page statement on how their teaching, research and/or service can demonstrate a commitment to and advance diversity, equity and inclusion and (5) Contact information for three references. The reference contacts will receive an automated request to upload the letters. Reference letters must be uploaded before the application can be reviewed. Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2022, and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information, please contact Dr. Michael Shay at dpa-facultysearches@udel.edu

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Compensation packages are highly competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The UD benefits package is one of the best in the nation.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Applications close: Open until filled


This job has expired.

More Education and Training jobs


Innovative Network of Knowledge (INK)
San Antonio, Texas
$65,000.00 per year
Posted about 1 hour ago

Innovative Network of Knowledge (INK)
Monroe, Louisiana
Posted about 1 hour ago

Innovative Network of Knowledge (INK)
San Antonio, Texas
$65,000.00 per year
Posted about 1 hour ago

Get Hired Faster

Subscribe to job alerts and upload your resume!

*By registering with our site, you agree to our
Terms and Privacy Policy.