Assistant Professor - Tenure-Track Position - Physics - 21296
ATTENTION:
The Department of Physics in the College of Letters and Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of astrophysics or astronomy beginning August 2025.
This is a full-time position with responsibilities for teaching undergraduate courses in astronomy and physics, research, and service to the university and community. Research experience in astrophysics or astronomy should complement existing faculty research programs.
JOB DETAILS:
The successful candidate is expected to teach introductory courses in astronomy and physics, upper-level physics courses, and laboratories as part of the physics program. The candidate is expected to pursue an active research program that engages undergraduate students, results in publications and contributes to advancing the department, university, the profession, and society. The candidate is also expected to participate in service activities and embrace inclusion as a member of the university community.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications:
- A Ph.D. in physics or astronomy completed by August 2025 is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Postdoctoral and teaching experience is preferred.
- The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate commitment to teaching undergraduate students and evidence of involving undergraduate students in research, creating an inclusive environment, and serving as an active member of the university community.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.
- Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Teach introductory courses in astronomy and physics, upper-level physics courses, and labs.
- A typical teaching load is 12 units per semester.
- Develop new physics or astronomy, or interdepartmental courses as needed.
- Maintain a productive program of research and mentoring that involves undergraduate students.
- Seek external and internal funding for research or teaching.
- Advise students in the physics major.
- Participate in, departmental, college, and university service committees.
- Additional responsibilities as needed by the department, college, and the university.
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION:
The Physics Department (https://www.uww.edu/cls/departments/physics) offers undergraduate degrees and is part of the College of Letters and Sciences (https://www.uww.edu/cls) of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The department also offers dual-degrees in physics and engineering with other University of Wisconsin System programs.
The department's mission is student oriented with strong commitment to student success through small upper division classes, close student mentorship, and dedication to undergraduate research. Each faculty member is provided with substantial laboratory space and technical support through shared university resources.
UNIVERSITY INFORMATION:
UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university's 11,000 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs - online and in person - from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW has approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university's arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities - a priority mission since the 1970s.
UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin's Park Place.
Belonging and mattering are central to the university's culture, and UW-Whitewater strives to maintain an environment where individual and collective efforts are valued and celebrated. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus University of Wisconsin System (https://www.wisconsin.edu).
Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).
Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and UW System Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.
For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. If you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $60,000 - $65,000 commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications.
UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION:
Applications received by November 4th, 2024, are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or hr@uww.edu.
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dr. Martin Tchernookov, Search committee chair, (262) 472-5766, tchernom@uww.edu
or
Dr. Ozgur Yavuzcetin, Department chair, (262) 472-1076, yavuzceo@uww.edu
TO APPLY:
Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:
- Cover letter introducing themselves and the qualities that make them a strong candidate for the job
- A detailed curriculum vitae
- A two-page statement on teaching with an emphasis on educating and mentoring undergraduates
- A two-page statement of research interests and plans, including an outline of the resources that would be required and a discussion about integrating undergraduate students into their research
- Name and contact information for 3 professional references. Arrange for three letters of reference to be sent upon request.
This Job ID is 21296.
Application Links:
A potential applicant who is NOT currently employed by the University of Wisconsin System, click here:
UW-Whitewater External Applicants
A current employee of the University of Wisconsin System, click here:
UW-Whitewater Internal Applicants
Before you get started with the online application process, we recommend you preview the frequently asked questions (FAQs) by selecting the link below.