Open-Rank Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Experimental Space Physics

OPEN-RANK TENURE-TRACK FACULTY POSITION IN EXPERIMENTAL SPACE PHYSICS

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Iowa invites applications for an experimental space physicist. The position is targeted at the rank of tenure-track assistant professor, but strong applications at the rank of associate or full professor will be considered.

Duties of the position include: (1) leading a productive, visible, and externally funded research program in experimental space physics, (2) teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels; and (3) service to the departmental, collegiate, and scientific community.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has maintained excellence in space-based research from the dawn of the space age – marked by James Van Allen’s pioneering discovery of the Earth’s radiation belts in 1958 – to the present day, as the TRACERS Small Explorer mission carries on the Iowa legacy. To strategically support continued excellence in this area, the University has created the Iowa Spaceflight Laboratory, a unified spaceflight laboratory with commissioned, state-of-the-art fabrication and testing facilities. The University also employs an extensive engineering and technical team with the expertise and processes required to develop, fabricate, and test spaceflight hardware, and to support space missions. We seek an outstanding candidate to build a productive, visible, externally funded research program in experimental space physics that leverages these unique resources.

In addition, the successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and to providing supportive mentorship to both undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty specializing in space-based experiments currently teach a variety of courses, including astrophysics, plasma physics, magnetospheric physics, and space-based instrumentation classes, as well other introductory courses, intermediate and advanced physics courses, and graduate level courses. The successful candidate is also expected to provide service to the department, college, and university.

The University of Iowa is a leading public university located in Iowa City, a midsize Midwest college town and UNESCO City of Literature with a high quality of life. Iowa City is the host of the Writers’ Workshop, Hancher Auditorium, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

REQUIREMENTS

• PhD in physics or closely related discipline awarded by the position start date.
• A demonstrated record of scholarship in experimental space physics; a strong commitment to effective teaching and mentoring of students; strong potential to develop an internationally recognized and externally funded research program; and excellent communication skills.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in suborbital and/or space missions; demonstrated ability to obtain external funding; concrete plans to utilize the space physics infrastructure and technical staff at Iowa; and potential for research collaborations with current faculty in space physics or other physics disciplines.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Informal inquiries about the position can be directed to Professor Jasper Halekas (jasper-halekas@uiowa.edu), with the subject line “Experimental Space Physics Faculty Search.” To apply, please visit the submission website Jobs@UIowa at https://jobs.uiowa.edu/content/faculty/ and refer to requisition #75971. Materials should be submitted electronically, including a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, and email contact information for three letters of recommendation. Note that references will be automatically contacted through the Jobs@UIOWA application system and prompted to submit a letter of reference/recommendation electronically. The review of applicants will begin on October 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

WORK AUTHORIZATION INFORMATION

If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.