Tenure-stream faculty position in astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a tenure-system faculty position in astronomy. The search is open to all fields of observational, data-intensive, or survey 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. While we expect the appointment to be at the assistant professor level, depending on the experience of the candidate, an appointment at the level of associate or full professor will be considered.

MSU has strong astrophysics research programs in compact objects, nuclear astrophysics, galaxy clusters, 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 Pachón with the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope. MSU also hosts the headquarters of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics Center for the Evolution of the Elements (JINA-CEE). 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 educational priorities and plans to address them.

(5) a 1–2 page statement of contributions to the academic community. Faculty assume diverse responsibilities, including fostering student learning, advancing research, disseminating knowledge, and sustaining healthy inclusive 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.

(6) Contact information for three people to provide reference letters on request.

Applications should be submitted through the MSU hiring website (http://careers.msu.edu), posting #611820. While letters will not be solicited for the initial evaluation of candidates, applicants should ensure that letters will be submitted promptly upon request. The selection process will begin on November 21, 2019, 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.