Assistant Professor – Space Physicist

ABOUT THE POSITION: The Department of Space Science is seeking an outstanding scientist and teacher to fill a tenure-track assistant professor position in the field of heliophysics. This position will complement a National Science Foundation Established Program in Support of Competitive Research (EPSCoR) grant that was previously awarded to UAH. Within the general field of low temperature plasma physics, areas of particular interest to the Department include solar and interplanetary physics, especially research that supports the new Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, IMAP, and HelioSwarm missions in which the Department is engaged, particularly in the areas of coronal and solar wind physics including heating processes, turbulence, particle transport and energization (including pickup ion physics), and related space weather research. The ideal candidate will complement existing strengths within the Department while expanding significantly research capabilities and competencies. We are seeking someone who uses theory, and/or modeling, and observations to address these areas of interest. The successful candidate will teach in accordance with a typical teaching load in the Department, will develop at least two new advanced graduate level courses reflecting their research expertise, and will support and mentor graduate students pursuing MSc and PhD degrees and undergraduate students in summer programs. It is expected that the successful candidate will have a PhD or equivalent degree in a field appropriate to the job description above and will have and pursue independent research funding.

APPOINTMENT DATE: Fall 2023

ABOUT THE COLLEGE: The UAH College of Science advances cutting-edge research and offers first-rate degree programs thanks to our distinguished faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. Our location in Huntsville facilitates partnerships and collaborations with NASA, the US Army, NOAA, the HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology, and the numerous high-tech companies located in Cummings Research Park, the second largest research park in the country.

College of Science students enjoy the benefits of a research-intensive institution in a medium-sized university, including a 16:1 student-to-professor ratio and numerous research, leadership, and co-op/internship opportunities. The vibrant UAH campus, diverse student population, and academic and social organizations provide an enriching and cross-disciplinary student life experience. USA Today, Princeton Review, Consumers Digest, and Payscale have ranked UAH as a top educational value.

UAH is a recognized leader in space research, and the Department of Space Science was created to develop a corresponding academic program with a national ranking.

The Department is a graduate program exclusively, offering an MS or Ph.D. degree in Space Science, although we also teach an undergraduate class in space science for the UAH Honors College. Our students develop a broad spectrum of skills, including computational science, data analysis, analytic theory, and even space instrumentation development. Our graduates work at NASA centers, national labs, universities in the US and abroad, and private industry.

The department enjoys close collaborations with the Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research (CSPAR) and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. We run several summer schools and an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) program.

Created in September 2013, the Department of Space Science is the newest department in the College of Science at UAH. Our principal areas of expertise are solar and heliospheric physics and high energy astrophysics.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY: The University of Alabama in Huntsville, classified as a Very High Research Activity institution, offers academic and research programs in the Colleges of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering; Nursing; Professional Studies; and Science. Huntsville maintains one of the highest per capita incomes and standards of living in the Southeast. It is a national center of aerospace and high technology research and is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Huntsville and surrounding communities present many opportunities for healthcare research and professional practice.

ABOUT HUNTSVILLE: Huntsville is A Smart Place to live, work, and raise a family. Years ago, Huntsville played a major role in sending man to the moon. We continue with advancements in military and space – we are home to a thriving military base, Redstone Arsenal, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and the state’s top tourist destination, the US Space & Rocket Center!

Huntsville and Madison County offer a high quality of life, good schools, high paying jobs, and excellent medical care. We have the mountains in our backyard with plenty of hiking, fishing, and outdoor fun, and if you want to head down to the beach, it’s just a six-hour drive.

It’s true what you hear about Southern hospitality, too. You’ll find great neighbors! In 2018, US News & World Report named Huntsville the #7 Best Place to Live in the country. In addition, Forbes has named Huntsville one of the Top 20 Leading Metros for Business, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance has named Huntsville one of the country’s Top 10 Cities for Raising Families.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE: Applicants must submit a complete CV, a list of publications, a list of awarded research grants, a research statement, a teaching statement, and arrange to have three letters of reference sent to the SPA Space Physics Faculty Search Committee 2023, Department of Space Science, Cramer Research Hall, 320 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899 or by email to [email protected] with the header Faculty Space Physics Search Committee 2023. Applications will remain open until position is filled.

Inquiries regarding the position or the procedure for application can be directed to Prof. Gary Zank and Ms Antonia Pitts, respectively.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer of minorities/females/veterans/disabled.

UAH mandates that all employees maintain compliance with current federal regulations.

Please refer to log number: 23-24-586