Job Description

The Physics Department and the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks invite applications to fill a joint tenure-track position in space physics or physics aligned with the mission of the Geophysical Institute and the Physics Department. The successful applicant will become a faculty member in the Physics Department of the College of Natural Science and Mathematics and will join the Geophysical Institute.

Candidates should hold a PhD in Physics, Space Physics, Geophysics, or related areas. Expectations for this position include conducting research in space physics, aeronomy or other areas of geophysics, teaching courses in physics, mentoring and advising graduate students in the Physics Department, and supporting the University’s wider mission through service and outreach. Approximately 40% Teaching/mentoring, 50% research and 10% service will make up the duty expectations of this position. The Physics Department offers a full range of physics courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels and the successful applicant is expected to teach across the physics curriculum. Current research activities should support any of a variety of research activities of the Geophysical Institute. The successful applicant will be committed to pursuing external funding to continue or establish their research program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The Geophysical Institute has an instrumentation laboratory, a machine shop, and an electronic shop. In addition, UAF is the home of the Geophysical Institute’s Research Computing Systems, which can provide resources for large-scale computing needs. Opportunities exist for collaboration with other departments within the College of Natural Science and Mathematics, e.g. Atmospheric Sciences, other groups within the Geophysical Institute, and other units from the wider University. We would like for the successful candidate to be able to start at the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester.

To thrive in this role, candidates must have experience working with a diverse student population, supporting student retention, and assisting students in achieving academic and professional success. They must also have an advanced understanding of the fundamentals and principles of space plasma physics or geophysics, excellent oral and written communication, engagement and collaborative skills, outstanding pedagogical skills, ability to design and teach courses in field-based, distance online and in-person modalities, and the ability to integrate space physics with social sciences, arts and/or humanities. The ability to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into your teaching is highly desirable. Individuals who are self-motivated, student-centered, and believe in excellence through teaching, research, collaboration, adaptability, and creativity will flourish within UAF's CNSM Department of Physics.

Minimum Qualifications:
PhD degree in Space Physics, geophysics or a closely related science field, with a preference in Space Physics related research

Position Details:
This position is located on the Troth Yeddha’ campus in Fairbanks, AK. This is a full-time, 9-month base appointment, FLSA exempt faculty position complete with a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, paid holidays, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be offered a competitive salary based on education and experience.

This position is open until filled however a 1st review of application will occur on January 6, 2025. To ensure consideration, make sure all required documents listed below are submitted prior to 11:59 pm AKST, January 5, 2025

Required documentation:
-Cover Letter
-Curriculum Vitae
-Statement of teaching and research philosophy (1-2 pages)
-Statement of commitment to and/or experience with improving diversity, equity and inclusion in science (1 page) (upload as a supporting document)
-Please make sure the 3 references listed on the application are professional and work related, preferably current or past supervisors.

Finalists invited to on-campus interview/visits will be required to give a teaching presentation and a research presentation (if applicable) during their visit. Feedback from faculty, staff and students will be considered.

There are places in this world where you are destined to discover who you truly are. Here at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, as wisdom passes from one generation to the next, revolutionary ideas are thriving and a new academic culture is taking shape. Smarter questions. Better answers.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a Land, Sea, and Space Grant university and an international center for research, education, and the arts, emphasizing the circumpolar North and its diverse peoples. UAF integrates teaching, research, and public service as it educates students for active citizenship and prepares them for lifelong learning and careers.

Existing facilities available for research include Poker Flat Research Range, the NSF’s Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR), rocket launch facilities, the Davis Science Center, a lidar observatory, the Subauroral Geophysical Observatory (SAGO), and the High Frequency Active Auroral Program (HAARP) facility.