Open Rank Tenure System Faculty Position in Space Science

Posting Number: F01219P

Department: Space Sciences

Salary Range: Negotiable

Pay Basis: Monthly

Position Status: Academic Year

Location: Richardson

Job Summary:

Position Description

The Department of Physics in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics ( NSM ) at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) seeks a visionary, collaborative individual for an open rank tenure system faculty position in space sciences. Although open rank, the preferred appointment would be at the associate or full professor level with tenure.

We invite applications from candidates who are highly accomplished scholars and academic leaders with experience in spacecraft instrument development and management, and an established record in ionosphere-thermosphere-magnetosphere ( ITM ) system research.

The selected candidate will be a faculty member in the Department of Physics and affiliated with UT Dallas’s W. B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences ( CSS ), which has developed and flown over 60 spacecraft and rocket instruments during its >60-year history. Currently, nine satellites carry CSS instruments in Earth orbit, and the planned addition of GDC Trailblazer in 2027 will further expand CSS -based measurements relevant to ITM science. In addition to projects related to spacecraft instrumentation, the CSS has a vigorous research program associated with fundamental and applied studies of the Earth’s ITM system using a wide variety of ground-based instrumentation, advanced numerical models, and data analyses.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute new externally funded projects that leverage the engineering expertise and spacecraft instrumentation development resources available at the CSS . Additionally, the candidate is expected to engage with space science faculty and staff in synergistic efforts towards strengthening the CSS . The candidate is expected to lead space instrumentation efforts at the center into the future.

The appointment commences for the fall 2027 semester.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: A PhD or equivalent in Physics or a closely related discipline is required prior to employment. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We are seeking candidates who will be able to produce outstanding scholarly research and creative achievements that enhance the program & discipline, and able to deliver high-quality teaching in the Department of Physics using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

Preferred Experience: Experience in spacecraft instrument development and management is preferred as well as an established track record in ITM research. We are seeking an exceptional scholar and educator who not only demonstrates excellence in research and teaching but also possesses the vision, interpersonal skills, and desire to potentially transition into a formal leadership role within the CSS . Thus, a successful record of leadership and administration gained through department-level leadership, center or program leadership, major project coordination, or comparable experience in academic, governmental, nonprofit, or other complex organizational environments is strongly preferred.

The School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics

NSM has been a crucial anchor of UT Dallas, even before its beginnings in 1969. Its six departments and two research centers continue to play a vital role in the University’s transformation to one of the top research institutions in the United States. Asking fundamental questions about the universe and developing responsive tools for global dilemmas creates a powerful engine for our innovations and discoveries. The School boasts approximately 200 outstanding faculty members performing in areas ranging in size and diversity from the smallest nano-machines to the great cosmos. Over 30 programs – several of which are highly ranked by US News and World Report – provide students with hands-on laboratory and project experience in frontier areas of fundamental and applied sciences that promise rich academic experiences and lead to exciting professional opportunities. UT Dallas also features state-of-the-art research facilities to support the most advanced transdisciplinary research activities.

Application Instructions

Applicants should upload the following:

• Full curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing their interests and qualifications for the position.

• Statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

• Research statement describing past, present, and future research, including how they mentor (or will mentor) student researchers and foster (or will foster) collaborative research environments.

• Full contact information for at least three academic or professional references.

Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on May 31, 2027.

The University and Community

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer 160 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, plus undergraduate and graduate certificates. Our student body is around 30,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of perspectives and experiences. Over 60% of our undergraduate students receive some form of need- or merit-based financial aid, and 62% of graduating seniors have no student debt compared to 49% in all Texas publics and 51% in all national publics (UT Dallas Fast Facts (https://www.utdallas.edu/about-us/fast-facts/) ).

Under the dynamic leadership of President Prabhas V. Moghe, UT Dallas is charting a path built on three strategic pillars – student success, academic and research convergence, and external impact. Guided by the Roadmap 2030 (https://roadmap.utdallas.edu/) plan, UT Dallas will accelerate its upward trajectory to become a university of even greater impact and distinction.

UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. Our mission centers on providing Texas and the nation with excellent and innovative education and research. The University’s rapid growth is fueled by our creative and enterprising spirit, bright students, innovative programs, renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and research that matters.

The University promotes a welcoming environment through programs and initiatives designed to support engagement and success for members of the campus community. Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources, competitive insurance and retirement plan options, lactation facilities located throughout the campus, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.g., Universal Access ERG , Military and Veteran ERG , UT Dallas Young Professionals). Additionally, the University’s modern campus, 400+ campus organizations, and prime location foster collaboration and community.

Situated in Richardson, Texas, the University’s location offers abundant professional development and entertainment options. The Dallas-Fort Worth ( DFW ) metroplex is rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails, and much more, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The University’s partnerships with regional higher education institutions, local school districts, numerous companies, and the Richardson Innovation Quarter (https://richardsoniq.com/) (Richardson IQ) – a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities – promote collaboration, professional growth, and educational excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination (https://policy.utdallas.edu/utdbp3090) against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

Minimum Qualifications:

An earned graduate degree appropriate to the academic discipline and a record of productivity and professional achievement.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Experience in spacecraft instrument development and management is required as well as an established track record in ITM research. We are seeking an exceptional scholar and educator who not only demonstrates excellence in research and teaching but also possesses the vision, interpersonal skills, and desire to potentially transition into a formal leadership role within the CSS . Thus, a successful record of leadership and administration gained through department-level leadership, center or program leadership, major project coordination, or comparable experience in academic, governmental, nonprofit, or other complex organizational environments is strongly preferred.

Important Message:

1. All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2. The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator ([email protected]) . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator ([email protected]) .