Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in astronomy. The search is open to all fields of observational astronomy, including survey-based astronomy. The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to carry out forefront research and a commitment to building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment.

MSU has strong astrophysics research programs in compact objects, transients, galaxy clusters, nuclear astrophysics, and exoplanets. Current faculty members are experts in optical/IR, radio, and X-ray observations, in addition to large-scale simulations, statistical and computational techniques, and particle astrophysics. MSU astronomers enjoy guaranteed access to the 4.1-m SOAR Telescope, which is co-located on Cerro Pachon with the Rubin Observatory. MSU astronomers run both an astrophysics undergraduate major and an astronomy and astrophysics Ph.D. program.

To ensure a holistic assessment of candidates, we request that applications include:
(1) a 1 page cover letter that frames the application in the context of this ad and MSU’s astronomy group.
(2) a CV, including a list of publications, accepted proposals for funding/resources, contributed and invited talks, teaching and mentoring roles, leadership positions, contributions to the academic community, and efforts in public outreach.
(3) a 2–4 page statement highlighting past research successes and future research interests. This statement should also list which one of your lead-author publications you would most like the committee to read.
(4) a 1–2 page teaching statement describing the applicant’s teaching and mentoring priorities and plans to address them while creating an inclusive environment for student success.
(5) a 1–2 page statement of contributions to the academic community. Faculty assume diverse responsibilities, including, for example, advancing research (e.g., through open source software or editorial roles), disseminating knowledge (e.g., via public outreach or science communication), and sustaining healthy, inclusive, and equitable educational and scholarly communities. The applicant should describe how they have "given back" to their previous institutions and communities, and their interests and plans for enriching the MSU community. This community contributions statement should address the above prompt with detailed examples and should not be a nonspecific diversity statement.
(6) Contact information for three people to provide reference letters upon request.

Applications should be submitted through the MSU hiring website (http://careers.msu.edu), posting #901917 (see link below). While letters will not be solicited for the initial evaluation of candidates, applicants should ensure that letters will be submitted promptly if requested. The selection process will begin on November 15, 2023, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Questions may be directed to Prof. Laura Chomiuk ([email protected]) or to any other member of the astronomy group. Applicants are encouraged to peruse the MSU astronomy group website https://astro.natsci.msu.edu.

We actively encourage applications from—and welcome nominations of—women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities, and we endeavor to facilitate employment assistance to spouses or partners of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer and is committed to achieving excellence through diversity.