Assistant Professor in Astronomy/Astrophysics at California State University, Los Angeles

Tenure-Track Faculty Position

College of Natural and Social Sciences

Position:
Department of Physics and Astronomy
 
Assistant Professor of Astronomy/Astrophysics

Starting Date:
August, 2023

Minimum Qualifications:
1) An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution (or equivalent) is required at the time of application.
2) Evidence of teaching experience in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
3) Evidence of the ability to establish an active, self-supported astronomy/astrophysics research program that will involve both undergraduate and master’s students.
4) Evidence of an established and current record of scholarly engagement (e.g., publications, grants, presentations, disciplinary engagement) in astronomy or astrophysics.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates who have:
1) Postdoctoral experience.
2) Demonstrated success in teaching a variety of astronomy and/or astrophysics courses, including lower- and upper-division courses, as well as graduate courses.
3) Experience mentoring students and supporting students’ research and/or educational activities.
4) Evidence of obtaining external funding for research activities (e.g., fellowships or grants).

Duties:
The primary professional responsibilities of instructional faculty members are: teaching, research, scholarship and/or creative activity, and service to the University, profession and to the community.  These responsibilities generally include: advising students, participation in campus and system-wide committees, maintaining office hours, working collaboratively and productively with colleagues, and participation in traditional academic functions.
 
The successful candidate will teach astronomy and astrophysics courses at all levels of instruction (including GE courses), as well as within the standard physics curriculum where appropriate, and will participate in the curriculum development process. The successful candidate will establish a funded research program in their field of expertise, actively involve undergraduate and master’s students in research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and support and further develop the department’s public outreach and community engagement activities.
 
The successful candidate will be committed to the academic success of all of our students and to an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates diversity and differences. To this end, the successful candidate will work effectively, respectfully, and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings. In addition, the successful candidate will be ready to join faculty, staff, students, and administrators in our University’s shared commitment to the principles of engagement, service, and the public good.

Salary:
Initial salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The University:
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is one of 23 campuses within the California State University system.  The University is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the U.S. for the upward mobility of its students, and is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good.  We offer nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, ethnic studies, and the humanities. Our faculty have a strong commitment to scholarship, research, creative pursuits, community engagement, and service.
 
Our 240,000 alumni reflect the City and County’s dynamic mix of populations.  The University has one of the most diverse student populations of any college or university in the nation.  As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, and Asian-American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, Cal State LA recognizes the transformative power of education and embraces its duty to identify and serve the needs of all of its students. The University is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live, work and learn in an atmosphere of civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual. 
The College:
The College of Natural and Social Sciences (NSS) is committed to programs of academic excellence in the fields of natural and social sciences that provide access and opportunity for a uniquely diverse student body. The College of NSS reflects a diversity of disciplines through its inclusion of 12 departments and interdisciplinary programs that serve nearly 6,000 undergraduate majors and over 500 graduate students. Our outstanding faculty and staff are committed to creating educational experiences for students that utilize and generate knowledge that is culturally responsive and inclusive and to facilitating the development of the next generation of leaders in their varying fields.
The Department:
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers both undergraduate and master’s degrees in physics. Areas of faculty research within the department include astrophysics, atmospheric science, biophysics, computational physics, condensed matter physics, and nuclear physics. Nearby institutions that offer opportunities for collaboration include Caltech, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), UCLA, USC, UC Irvine, plus many other Los Angeles area colleges.
Required Documentation:
Please submit the following to the Search Committee Chair at the Apply link listed below:
1) a cover letter specifically addressing minimum and preferred qualifications.
2) a narrative statement describing your commitment to working effectively with faculty, staff, and students in a multicultural/multiethnic urban campus environment with a substantial population of students who are among the first-generation of their family to attend a college or university.
3) a curriculum vitae.
4) a teaching statement that describes experience and strategies for successful teaching in a variety of astronomy and astrophysics courses.
5) a research statement that also proposes a plan for establishing an active, self-supported astronomy/astrophysics research program that will involve both undergraduate and graduate students.
6) unofficial transcripts of graduate work.
Finalists will be required to submit:
Official transcripts.
 
Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States. 
Application:
Deadline: For full consideration, complete applications must be submitted by December 1, 2022. Applications received after the deadline may be considered.