Origins of Life Cluster Hire

Two Origin of Life and Astrobiology Faculty Positions at University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking to hire two faculty members with expertise in origins of life and astrobiology.  The successful candidates will build impactful research programs focusing on the formation/evolution of planetary systems and planetary atmospheres (first position) and observational spectroscopy of exoplanetary atmospheres and biosignatures (second position). Given the nature of these positions, the Departments of Chemistry, Geosciences, Astronomy, or Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences within the UW-Madison College of Letters & Sciences are the likely tenure homes, though placement will be agreed upon by the University and candidate based on scholarly fit. The following are the two specific positions:

1. Assistant Professor in the area of observational exoplanet spectroscopy (PVL 241624): For this position, applicants must have a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Planetary Science, or a related field at the time of appointment; demonstrated experience, or combined education and experience, in conducting research related to observational exoplanet spectroscopy, astrobiology, and origins of life; 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 the astronomy or a related field.
2. Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in the area of planetary astrochemistry (PVL 241623). For this position, applicants must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Geoscience, Astronomy, Atmospheric Science, Planetary Science, or a related field at the time of appointment; demonstrated experience, or combined education and experience, in conducting research related to planetary astrochemistry, astrobiology, and origins of life; 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 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 their tenure department. 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.

These positions are the second and third in a campus-wide cluster hiring initiative on Origins of Life, Artificial Life, and Astrobiology (OoLALA; https://astrobio.wisc.edu/). The people hired are expected to contribute to the cluster through their research, teaching, and interaction with the vibrant OoLALA community and the Wisconsin Center for Origins Research (WiCOR), a new interdisciplinary research initiative in the UW-Madison Astronomy Department.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, the names and contact information of three references, and a document containing a set of three statements discussing 1) research, 2) teaching, and 3) contributions to diversity and inclusion, respectively. These materials must be submitted as one document to the specific position (PVL #) online at: http://jobs.wisc.edu. To guarantee full consideration, applications must be received by November 1, 2021. However, applications will be accepted until all positions are 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.