26445BR

Physics and Astronomy

Position Overview

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas (KU) seeks applicants for the J.D. Stranathan Assistant Professorship in Experimental Physics in the field of experimental high-energy particle physics (HEP) or experimental high-energy nuclear physics (HNP). The position can begin as early as August 18, 2024. This named professorship is partially supported by endowment funds, in addition to the negotiable start-up package.

The University of Kansas is a Carnegie doctoral/research-extensive university with a $1.4 billion endowment and a faculty of 2,600. Current enrollment is 28,500 (19,000 undergraduate), with students drawn from 110 nations and all 50 states, 20.6% of KU students are members of minority groups. The 1,000-acre main campus is in Lawrence, a community of 95,000 in hilly northeast Kansas that lies about 35 miles west of Kansas City. Lawrence has a lively downtown and a thriving arts and music scene, and its local government has enacted ordinances supporting equality for all members of its population. Lawrence also offers numerous sports and recreational opportunities, local shops, and a wide range of good restaurants. KU's research residential campus is in the center of a vibrant and culturally-rich community & a quintessential college town. Visitors, students and new employees from outside the area enjoy discovering the many wonders of Lawrence, including a thriving downtown, diverse local and regional events, area lakes, vibrant arts and music scenes, and an indelible history. Home to nearly 95,000 people, Lawrence is located 45 minutes west of Kansas City and 30 minutes east of Topeka, the state capital. Along with the music, arts, culture and sports experiences offered at KU and in Lawrence, the short drive to Kansas City provides quick access to historic jazz clubs, museums, world-class music and theatre venues, and professional sports teams.

In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal educational and employment opportunities, the university actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups in higher education. KU's vision is to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society. The Jayhawks Rising Strategic Plan was developed around three Institutional Priorities: creating a clear and ambitious direction to fulfill our mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world. Additional information is available at https://jayhawksrising.ku.edu/ .

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has faculty with a broad research agenda including research interests spanning experimental and theoretical investigation of the fundamental interactions of elementary particles, astro-particle physics, investigations with heavy-ions, observational astronomy, cosmology, space physics, plasma physics, exoplanets, and applied physics research in biophysics, photonics, and condensed matter physics.

Job Description

The primary focus of the KU HEP group presently is the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. The group is also working to develop future detectors including planning for future e+e- colliders, and is very active in various outreach projects. The KU HNP group participates in both the ALICE and CMS heavy-ion programs, and works on developments for the Electron Ion Collider (EIC) program at Brookhaven, as members of the EPIC collaboration. Both the KU HEP and HNP groups have significant responsibilities for detector development, software and computing, and a strong participation in physics analysis.

Qualifying candidates must have a Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field, one year of relevant postdoctoral experience, and experience with particle detector instrumentation. A strong record of research and commitment to excellence in teaching are required. Candidates with research interests synergistic with the existing experimental high-energy particle or nuclear programs, including spanning across them through instrumentation opportunities, are particularly encouraged to apply.
Job Duties:
40% - Research:  The Department of Physics & Astronomy maintains a national profile of high quality faculty research.  An active and productive research program with impactful publications in experimental high energy particle or nuclear physics is expected to lead towards establishing and maintaining a national and international reputation.

40% - Teaching:

• Teach two classes per academic year in physics at the graduate or undergraduate level.  Teach advanced undergraduate and graduate classes in area of specialization.
• Participate in the advising of undergraduate and graduate students.
• Participate in the advising of masters and doctoral students with he goal of actively participating as a dissertation/thesis director and professional mentor for doctoral students; supervise Honors studies.
• Conduct course evaluation with student input as directed by the university.
• Hold regular office hours for students of courses taught.

20% - Service:

• Attend Departmental meetings.
• Contribute service to the Department and perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.
• Serve on committees at the Departmental, College and University levels as the opportunities arise.
• Participate in professional service that may include reviewing scholarly articles, activity in national organizations, organizing meetings or workshops.

Required Qualifications

Evaluation of the following requirements will be made through (1) descriptions of work experience, educational experiences in letter of application, (2) record of accomplishments and productivity demonstrated by publications and c.v., (3) assessment of candidate’s statements on research and teaching, and (4) information provided from professional references:

Contact Information to Applicants

For questions regarding this position, contact Professor Graham Wilson, Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Kansas, gwwilson@ku.edu

Additional Candidate Instruction

For a complete announcement and to apply online, go to https://employment.ku.edu/academic/26445BR .
A complete online application includes the following materials: (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) research agenda; (4) teaching philosophy statement; and (5) names, email and contact information for three professional references. When you complete your application, your reference writers will be contacted directly by email from KU with instructions for uploading their letters of recommendation separately. Please alert them to respond promptly so that all necessary application materials are received in a timely fashion.

In addition to the materials above, learning about each applicant's contribution and engagement in areas of diversity is an important part of KU's mission. As a result, applicants will be presented the following question at the time of application:

• Describe your experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds and explain how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Applicants are also encouraged to include or expand upon how they have contributed to building a culture of belonging through DEI initiatives within the required application materials provided.

Application review will begin November 15, 2023 and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants is obtained.

Application Review Begins

15-Nov-2023

Anticipated Start Date

18-Aug-2024

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Advertised Salary Range

commensurate with experience

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.