Faculty Position in Particle Astrophysics

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a tenure-system faculty position in experimental particle astrophysics to complement the department’s existing program in multi-messenger astrophysics centered on the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. The successful candidate will have the ability to carry out forefront research and a commitment to building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment, and will be expected to fulfill teaching and service responsibilities at MSU. The appointment is expected to be at the level of assistant professor, but appointment at a more senior level may be considered in exceptional circumstances. 

MSU’s IceCube group is active in data analysis related to neutrino astronomy, multi-messenger astronomy, neutrino oscillations, and beyond Standard Model physics, as well as hardware development and sensor production for both the IceCube Upgrade and P-ONE. The MSU high energy physics group has a tradition of strength in both instrumentation and analysis, with active experimental efforts on IceCube, HAWC, NOvA, T2K, and ATLAS and participation in the planned P-ONE, IceCube-Gen2, SWGO and DUNE experiments. A successful application may include research plans related to these or other programs related to particle astrophysics or multi-messenger astronomy, but must include significant contributions to IceCube.

The particle astrophysics group benefits from close connections to MSU’s efforts in high energy physics, astronomy, nuclear physics, and nuclear astrophysics, which provide excellent complementarity and opportunity for collaboration. The high energy physics group has extensive engineering resources and facilities which are shared by ATLAS, IceCube, and DUNE, and has recently launched a graduate certification program in high energy physics instrumentation. MSU also has extensive programs in nuclear physics, hosting the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, and in computational modeling and high performance computing, anchored by the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering.

Applicants for this position must hold a Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field, and have a demonstrated record of research in experimental particle astrophysics or a related area.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following characteristics, which should be described in their application materials:

• ability to conduct scholarly research
• ability to lead collaborative research projects and/or analyses
• future research program including IceCube that enhances and/or complements existing particle astrophysics efforts at MSU
• strategy for obtaining external research funding
• ability to teach physics courses using evidence-based techniques
• ability to advise student research projects
• ability to work with diverse groups and to contribute to a climate of inclusion
• commitment to service – to the field of particle astrophysics, the department, college, university, or public at large

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, planned contributions and complementarity or enhancement to MSU’s IceCube effort.
2. a CV, including a list of publications, contributed and invited talks, teaching and mentoring roles, leadership positions, accepted and pending proposals for funding/resources, awards, contributions to the academic community, and efforts related to public outreach.
3. a 2-4 page statement highlighting past research accomplishments and future research interests and plans. This statement should include past experiences with and future plans to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in research. This statement should also list which one of your publications you would most like the committee to read and describe your contribution to it.
4. a 1-2 page teaching statement describing the applicant’s experience with and/or approach to both classroom instruction and mentoring of students, including experiences or plans to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment for students from broadly diverse demographic and social backgrounds. The statement should include anticipated challenges and plans to address them. MSU is a land-grant university serving a diverse student body, and a leader in evidence-based physics and STEM instruction.
5. a 1-2 page statement of contributions to the academic community and/or to society at large. 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 doing so at MSU. This statement should include current or planned efforts relevant to diversity, equity and inclusion in service and outreach.
6. Contact information for at least 3 (and no more than 5) people who will provide reference letters on request.

Applications should be submitted through the MSU hiring website ( http://careers.msu.edu ), posting #829629. Materials should be submitted by January 15, 2023 to ensure full consideration, but review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Questions may be directed to Prof. Tyce DeYoung ( [email protected] ). Applicants are encouraged to peruse the MSU departmental website: https://pa.msu.edu.

We actively encourage applications from 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.