Assistant Professor in High-Energy Astrophysics

The Department of Physics at The George Washington University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning as early as Fall 2022 in Observational High – Energy Astrophysics. The search is open to the areas of gamma-ray and X-ray astrophysics with a focus on neutron stars, magnetars, Fast Radio Bursts, and other high-energy transients, multi-mission data analysis, and the development of X-ray and gamma-ray mission concept studies.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a highly active, externally funded research program with NASA and NSF, and be involved in the development of X-ray and low energy gamma-ray mission concept studies. The successful candidate is expected to advance the vision and reputation of the George Washington University as a leading global research University, and is expected to teach physics, astronomy, and astrophysics classes at both undergraduate and graduate levels as well as mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students. The successful candidate will contribute more broadly to the life of the department in the areas of diversity and inclusion initiatives, and alumni engagement.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicant must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Physics or a related field by date of appointment. Applicant must have at least six years postdoctoral or equivalent experience by date of appointment, a substantial history of external funding, experience in teaching Physics and/or Astronomy at the University undergraduate level, and a solid publication record demonstrating expertise in the area of observational high-energy astrophysics, in particular magnetars.

School/Department Information:

Our highly collegial Department of 19 tenure-line faculty offers degrees at the BA, BS, MS and PhD level. We have three major research strands in nuclear physics, biophysics, and observational astrophysics, with burgeoning programs in high-energy astrophysics, photonics theory and complexity, and data science, applying physics techniques in unconventional arenas. The high-energy astrophysics group is composed of 5 tenure-line faculty, and research faculty, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students. We have many established collaborations with local, national and international groups and institutions, including Memoranda of Understanding (Naval Research Laboratory; NRL, University of Amsterdam, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center) for the exchange of data, students and faculty.
We have a moderately sized undergraduate population, which is growing in both size and diversity, and a steadily growing graduate population. The department is mainly housed in the newly renovated Corcoran Hall, with two new state-of-the-art classrooms, fully equipped for classes delivered in modern pedagogical modes. In addition, we have two mixed-use labs, which are used for both undergraduate and graduate research projects. All physics faculty additionally have access to the core facilities in the 250,000 square foot Science and Engineering Hall, containing a state-of-the-art imaging suite and Class 100 nanofabrication/cleanroom facility. The University’s downtown DC location affords ready access to many national resources such as NASA, NRL, NIST and close proximity to many organizations such as DOE and NSF.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Please complete an online faculty application at https://www.gwu.jobs/postings/90184 and upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication list, and statements of research, teaching, and service interests. Please have three letters of recommendation sent by the referees to [email protected]. A list of anticipated referees should be appended to the cover letter. Review of applications will begin March 16, 2022 and will remain open for 30 days. Only complete applications will be considered. Employment offers are contingent on the satisfactory outcome of a standard background screening.

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis as prohibited by applicable law. Employment offers are contingent on the satisfactory outcome of a standard background screening.