Assistant Professor (Theoretical Astrophysics)

The Department of Astronomy at the University of Maryland College Park invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in theoretical astrophysics. Outstanding candidates in all areas of theoretical astrophysics will be considered, although we particularly encourage applicants with research programs in the areas of galaxy evolution (including star formation on all scales), and compact object and time-domain astrophysics. We are especially interested in candidates with demonstrable synergies with the observational faculty within the Department, and whose research programs connect well with the present and future landscape of observational facilities and NASA missions. 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 very exceptional cases.

The Department of Astronomy has an active group in theoretical/computational astrophysics, with expertise including planetary science, stellar remnants, galaxies, and cosmology. The Department also has active observation programs in these areas, with access to the 4.3-meter Discovery Channel Telescope and the Zwicky Transient Facility, as well as successfully competing for time in open facilities such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array and high-energy, optical, and infrared NASA observatories. In addition to an in-house computing cluster of over 500 cores, members of the Department have guaranteed access to over 1 million CPU hours per month on the campus 10,000-core supercomputer Deepthought2. The University also has a 15% share in the MARCC 20,000-core supercomputer Bluecrab that is available on a per-request basis. Departmental facilities include a 6k-resolution 9-panel visualization display wall that features a high-speed dedicated connection to Deepthought2. The Department has close collaborations with scientists in our departments of Physics, Geology, and Engineering as well as in neighboring institutions such as NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (formalized through the Joint Space Science Institute), the Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Space Telescope Science Institute. The Washington DC - Baltimore area is noted as a partner-friendly area due to its many employment opportunities in astronomy and other fields.

The Department of Astronomy has an established culture of collegiality, respect, and collaboration. The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. UMD is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected status in all aspects of employment. UMD is actively engaged in recruiting, hiring, and promoting underrepresented communities; minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to a climate of inclusivity, are encouraged to identify their experiences in this area.

TO APPLY: For full consideration, complete applications (including letters) must be submitted by November 15, 2018. See https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/63503 for details. Applications should include a cover letter, a curriculum vita (including publications), a statement of past and future research, a statement of teaching and advising philosophy, and a diversity and inclusion statement, as well as three letters of reference submitted through the eTerp application system. Applicants are encouraged to complete applications in advance of the mid-November deadline to give time for the letter writers to submit their letters by November 15, as letters are not requested by the system until an application is complete. Queries concerning the position can be directed to the search administrator, Ms. Olivia Dent ([email protected]).

Included Benefits: The University of Maryland's benefits package can be reviewed at https://uhr.umd.edu/benefits/

Related URLs:

University of Maryland Strategic Plan for Diversity - https://issuu.com/umaryland/docs/22628

National Science Foundation Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan - https://www.nsf.gov/od/odi/reports/StrategicPlan.pdf