Assistant Professor, Physics Department

About Drexel

Drexel is one of Philadelphia's top 10 private employers, a comprehensive global research university and a major engine for economic development in the region. With over 24,000 students, Drexel is one of America's 15 largest private universities. Drexel has committed to being the nation’s most civically engaged university, with community partnerships integrated into every aspect of service and academics.

Job Summary

The Department of Physics at Drexel University invites applications for an Assistant Professor in topics related to Big Data Physics. The successful candidate is expected to develop a robust, externally funded, and internationally recognized research program that addresses research questions of fundamental importance in Astrophysics and/or Particle Astrophysics, with a focus on Big Data methods. They are also expected to teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses to a diverse student body and supervise graduate students, demonstrating a commitment to effective and engaged teaching in both physical science and data science. Candidates should have a broad understanding of modern methods in data science, including machine learning, as relates to their program of research in Astrophysics and/or Particle Astrophysics. Department members play leading roles in a wide range of research projects, including the Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) and the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, and we expect this position to catalyze interdisciplinary collaboration with the College of Computing and Informatics. More details about research in the Department of Physics can be found at https://drexel.edu/coas/academics/departments-centers/physics/research/.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join a family-friendly department in an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and believes that this requires a diversity of perspectives. We particularly encourage applicants from groups that are underrepresented in physical sciences. Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and believes that an inclusive and respectful environment enriches the University community and the educational and employment experience of its members.

The Department of Physics is a family-friendly department that provides a solid understanding of physical principles, problem solving, mathematical and computational skills, as well as broad experimental training. Students studying physics have countless opportunities to conduct research as early as freshman year through Drexel's renowned cooperative education program and through worldwide collaborations. Physics is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences (CoAS), which delivers a time-honored liberal arts education paired with Drexel's renowned focus on applied learning.

Our faculty members lead world-class research programs in a wide variety of disciplines including astrophysics, biophysics, high-performance computing, ultra-low temperature physics, nanotechnology, particle physics, and physics education research. Faculty and students work side-by-side to explore the full range of universal phenomena. The department has a large and vibrant undergraduate program as well as an active and highly-ranked Master's and Ph.D. graduate program. The Department is located in the University City area of Philadelphia with several academic and research institutions concentrated in a vibrant urban atmosphere.

Essential Functions

• Teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels Advise PhD and MS students
• Supervision of senior research and other individual student projects
• Service to the college and/or university
• Establish/maintain strong sponsored research
• Promotion of an inclusive environment
• Active participation in the shared governance of the Physics Department, the College of Arts and Sciences, and Drexel University
• Other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• PhD or Doctorate in Physics or closely related discipline
• A minimum of 2 years of postdoctoral experience or related post-graduate work experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong publication track record
• Evidence of ability to attract external funding
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and research

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table

Location

University City, Philadelphia, PA

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Applications must be submitted through Drexel's hiring portal and must include (as PDF files): (1) a current curriculum vitae with complete professional and academic history; (2) a list of publications; (3) a statement of research interest, including relevance to interdisciplinary Big Data Physics; (4) a statement of teaching philosophy and interests, and (5) arrange for three letters of reference to be e-mailed to the search committee chair at gtr@physics.drexel.edu.

Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled. Please direct all inquiries to Professor Gordon T. Richards, Chair of the Physics Search Committee at gtr@physics.drexel.edu .

Advertised:Oct 25 2021 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:Aug 15 2023 Eastern Daylight Time