Assistant Professor or Associate Professor in Planetary Science
Job details
Unleash Your Potential With Us As a next-generation public research institution, we are an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to shape the future and solve the world’s most challenging problems. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you become an integral part of our mission to become a university for the future. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with uniquely talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses and regional locations. That means greater challenges to tackle, more meaningful opportunities to grow, and rewarding experiences that go beyond a paycheck. The Opportunity The Department of Physics (physics.ucf.edu) at the University of Central Florida invites applications for two full-time, 9-month, faculty positions at the rank of assistant professor (tenure earning) or associate professor (tenured), anticipated to begin in August 2024. We seek candidates whose experience and plans emphasize fundamental research in the fields of space resources, planetary and remote-sensing instrumentation, analysis and modeling of mission datasets, planetary surface processes, and SmallSat mission development. We are especially interested in candidates that have skills and research expertise to successfully propose for flight hardware projects, including commercial missions, as well as flight instruments, mission science teams, and mission leadership. Successful candidates are expected to establish vigorous, externally funded, creative research programs and have a strong commitment to excellence in graduate and undergraduate education. UCF is a leading, metropolitan, research-intensive university with over 68,000 students. The Department of Physics has 54 faculty, offers B.S., B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees, and has modern well-designed laboratories. UCF provides competitive startup funds and research-active faculty teach one course per semester. We offer support for expectant mothers, paid parental leave for both parents, on-site pre-school, and professional development and leadership training for all faculty at all career stages. Hiring and promotion are based solely on merit. Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in physics, planetary sciences, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution at time of application and a substantial record of independent research. To be eligible for appointment as a tenured associate professor upon hire, the selected candidate must have a demonstrated record of teaching, research, and service commensurate with a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of associate professor. Preferred Qualifications: Flight mission experience. Experience in developing laboratory or spacecraft instrumentation. Experience teaching physics or astronomy at the college or university level. Additional Application Materials Required: UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, . In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload: 1) a cover letter; 2) a current curriculum vita (CV); 3) a research statement; 4) a teaching statement; and 5) the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials. Review of applications will begin on January 16, 2024, and continue until the positions are filled. Questions regarding this search can be directed via email to Professor Daniel Britt, search committee chair, at dbritt@ucf.edu . Special Instructions to the Applicants: N/A Job Close Date: Open until filled. Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted as ‘ Open until filled ’ may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position. Are Benefits Important to You? Working at UCF has its perks! In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, UCF offers:
- Benefit packages including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, healthcare flexible spending accounts, and an Employee Assistance Program.
- Paid time off, including annual leave (12-month faculty) and sick leave and paid holidays.
- Retirement savings options.
- Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando area attractions.
- Education assistance.
- Flexible work environment.
The UCF affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., upon request. As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request. The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.
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