Tenure Track Assistant Professor Experimental Optics Gravitational Wave Detection

Tenure Track Assistant Professor Experimental Optics for Gravitational Wave Detection

Job No: 529043

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Physical/Mathematical Sciences

Department:  - LS-PHYSICS-GENERAL

The Department of Physics at the University of Florida invites applications for a full-time, nine‑month, tenure‑accruing position at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning August 16, 2024. The targeted research area is precision interferometry and optical instrument science, generally, with a focus on gravitational wave detector instrumentation.

The Florida gravitational wave group is actively involved in the LIGO, LISA and Cosmic Explorer collaborations, carrying out research across the spectrum from theory and data analysis, through technology development, instrument modeling and design, to direct hardware contributions to detectors. The experimental group currently leads projects in Cosmic Explorer optical design, the ongoing A+ upgrade to LIGO, and performance testing of the LISA Telescope, as well as a wide range of simulation studies, all of which include postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students.

We seek candidates with experience in experimental optics and an interest in gravitational wave research, with the ability to collaborate in small and large groups. The new faculty member is expected to develop innovative projects, enhance our group's efforts, and attract external research funding. Applications are encouraged from scientists with interests in Cosmic Explorer, the Einstein Telescope, LISA, LIGO, Virgo, KAGRA, and similar precision optical experiments.

The successful candidate will be able to teach effectively at the graduate and undergraduate levels, as well as provide service to the department, the university, and the profession. Applicants should demonstrate a clear potential for supervising graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, while contributing to the educational mission of the department.

The UF Physics department maintains well‑equipped machine and electronics shops, to which the successful applicant will have access. The department enjoys a multitude of synergies internally and with many other university units and global initiatives.

• Health Insurance: UF participates in state‑ and university‑sponsored benefits programs for individuals, families, and domestic partners, and offers voluntary insurance that includes vision, dental, long‑term disability and more.
• Retirement Options:
  Attractive options include Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, State University System Optional Retirement Program, Florida Retirement System Investment Plan, and Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan.
• Leave: UF staff enjoy a generous paid leave plan as well as access to a sick‑leave pool, parental leave, and leave payouts.

Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field.

Post‑Doctoral experience.

For full consideration, applications must be submitted online. Click on Apply Now at the top of this posting.

A complete application includes (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae with publication list, (3) a research statement, (4) a statement of teaching philosophy, (5) a statement describing the broader impacts of past and planned professional activities, and (6) contact information for at least three confidential reference providers. Reference providers will be provided an upload link once an application is submitted, so early completion of an application is highly recommended.

To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by November 28, 2023, and the position will remain open until filled. Only complete applications will be reviewed at this time. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and/or hiring authority. For more information, please contact Paul Fulda (paulfulda).

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre‑employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

The selected candidate will be…