The Department of Astronomy at the University of Maryland College Park invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position. Outstanding candidates in any area of theoretical astrophysics will be considered. A PhD in physics, astronomy or a related discipline is required, and the successful candidate must have an established record of research excellence. As the duties of this position include undergraduate and graduate teaching, a potential for teaching excellence is necessary. We are searching for candidates at the Assistant Professor (tenure track) level, but will consider applications for a more senior (tenured) rank in exceptional cases.
The Department of Astronomy has an active group in theoretical/computational astrophysics, with expertise including planetary science, stellar remnants, active galactic nuclei, and cosmology. The Department has active observation programs in these areas as well, with a leading role in CARMA for mm/radio astronomy, the Deep Impact and follow-on EPOXI missions, and guaranteed access to the 4.3-meter Discovery Channel Telescope via a newly established partnership with Lowell Observatory. The Astronomy Department has also recently begun a joint-PhD program with Pontificia Universidad Católica in Chile. The Department has close ties with the UMd-Physics Department and NASA-Goddard (formalized through the recently created Joint Space Science Institute, as well as the UMd-Geology Department. The Astronomy Department has priority access to in-house and University computational facilities including high-performance computing clusters. The University and Johns Hopkins will be receiving $30M to establish new computer cluster facilities. Finally, the University has approved the formation of a Center for Planetary Origins, which will include several future junior faculty hires contingent upon the identification and recruitment of a senior professor to anchor the Center.
TO APPLY: Applications must be submitted through http://jobs.umd.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=57797. A complete application will include a CV, a statement of research interests and plans, and a statement of teaching philosophy. In addition, the candidate must arrange for 3 letters of reference to be sent by e-mail to profsearch@astro.umd.edu. For full consideration, all application materials, including letters of reference, must be received by 30 November 2012. Any queries concerning this position can be directed to the chair of the search committee, Prof. Derek Richardson (dcr@astro.umd.edu).
The University of Maryland is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
