Multi-Messenger and Time-Domain Astronomy Faculty - University of Wisconsin-Madison

The UW-Madison Department of Astronomy is seeking faculty candidates with an active research program in Multi-Messenger Astronomy (MMA)—the study of gravitational waves and astrophysical neutrinos, and their electromagnetic counterparts—and Time Domain Astronomy of high-energy phenomena (observations; theory; or instrumentation). The ideal candidate will complement the Department's expertise in areas related to MMA/Time Domain Astronomy, interfacing and collaborating with Department members and members of the wider high-energy and observational astrophysics community in the Statistics and Physics departments, as well as the Data Science community at UW-Madison.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field at the time of appointment; demonstrated experience, or combined education and experience, in conducting research related to MMA and Time Domain Astronomy; a record of peer-reviewed research publication in journals appropriate to the candidate's field; and one or more years of experience, or combined education and experience, in teaching at undergraduate or graduate levels in astronomy or a related field.

Successful applicants will be expected to develop a vibrant, internationally recognized and externally funded research program and contribute to the teaching and service mission of the Department of Astronomy. We are especially interested in candidates who are committed to building an equitable and inclusive educational environment, and who can bring new perspectives on recruiting, mentoring, and educating students from diverse backgrounds.

The Department of Astronomy is a founding member of a campus-wide cluster hiring initiative, also including the Statistics and Physics departments, that aims to further build the community of scholars working in MMA/Time Domain Astronomy. UW-Madison has a strong track record in the new science of MMA, with research activities in the Astronomy and Physics departments and at the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center. Further information can be found at: https://facstaff.provost.wisc.edu/cluster-hiring-initiative/. The position described herein is part of the cluster.

UW-Madison is a founding partner of the WIYN 3.5m telescope on Kitt Peak and of the 11m Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). The Department has proprietary access to the NOEMA interferometer and IRAM 30-m telescope. Each offers its own unique time-domain capabilities. Other facilities include the Washburn Astronomical Laboratories instrumentation lab and the UW-Madison Center for High-Performance / High-Throughput Computing. Applicants are encouraged to outline plans to take advantage of these facilities in the cover letter and/or research statement of the application packet.

Applicants should submit a cover letter including a brief description of how they envision their role in the multi-disciplinary research environment in MMA and Time Domain Astronomy at UW-Madison and, if relevant, how they may utilize departmental access to observing facilities, a curriculum vitae, and a document containing a set of three statements discussing 1) research (up to 3 pages), 2) teaching (up to 3 pages), and 3) contributions to diversity and inclusion (up to 2 pages), respectively. These materials must be submitted as one document online at: http://jobs.wisc.edu. Candidates will be asked to provide contact information for three references; these references will each receive an electronic link through which they can upload a signed letter of reference. To ensure full consideration, all application materials, including letters, must be received by December 1st, 2022. However, the position will remain open until filled.

The University of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.