Overview
The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor level in observational astronomy and astrophysics. UCSC is one of the world’s leading centers for research in astronomy and astrophysics. The campus is also the home of the University of California Observatories (UCO), which supports researchers access to observing and instrumental facilities, including the UCO Technical Laboratories, the Laboratory for Adaptive Optics, and the Lick and W. M. Keck Observatories.
The successful candidate will develop innovative, externally-funded research programs, contribute to mentoring and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and work to enhance diversity and inclusivity in the UCSC Astronomy and Astrophysics community. The current faculty has strengths in optical and near-infrared observations, instrumentation, theory, numerical simulations, and software development, with special concentrations in cosmology and galaxy formation, exoplanet detection and characterization, galactic structure, high-energy astrophysics, time-domain astronomy, star and planet formation, and particle astrophysics. We seek candidates whose research can enhance or expand on the programs mentioned above and can leverage UCO facilities. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity through UCO to develop projects – hardware, software, or collaborations – of value to the University of California astronomy and astrophysics community across its multiple campuses. We are especially interested in applicants who have demonstrated leadership experience through the opportunities available to them at their career stage.
UCSC is distinguished by our high-impact research and our commitment to diversity, social justice, the environment, and educational opportunity. We recognize the inherent link between diversity, innovation, and excellence in all aspects of the academic enterprise. Our innovative approach to research and experiential education provides a transformative student experience. UCSC is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander (AANAPISI) Serving Institution. UCSC enrolls over 18,000 students, many from historically underserved communities; over 34% are first-generation and approximately 40% are Pell recipients. The successful candidate will actively support students, faculty and staff from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds. We welcome candidates who understand the barriers facing women and minorities who are underrepresented in higher education careers (as evidenced by life experiences and educational background), and who have experience in equity and diversity with respect to teaching, mentoring, research, life experiences, or service towards building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment. Activities promoting equity and inclusion at UC Santa Cruz will be recognized as important university service during the faculty promotion process. More information can be found at https://apo.ucsc.edu/diversity.html. UCSC is committed to addressing the holistic needs of faculty. We welcome applications from those who have had non-traditional career paths, who have taken time off for personal reasons, or who have achieved excellence in careers outside academia.
The chosen candidate will be expected to sign a statement representing that they are not the subject of any ongoing investigation or disciplinary proceeding at their current academic institution or place of employment, nor have they in the past ten years been formally disciplined at any academic institution/place of employment. In the event the candidate cannot make this representation, they will be expected to disclose in writing to the hiring Dean the circumstances surrounding any formal discipline that they have received, as well as any current or ongoing investigation or disciplinary process of which they are the subject. (Note that discipline includes a negotiated settlement agreement to resolve a matter related to substantiated misconduct.)
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
- PhD (or equivalent foreign degree) in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a related field.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Applications are accepted via the UCSC Academic Recruit online system; all documents and materials must be submitted as PDFs.
- Cover Letter – Letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.
- Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V., which should include a list of published and submitted papers; successful or pending proposals (e.g. for funding, observing, and computing) submitted and awarded; classes taught; students mentored or supervised; awards; and other relevant signs of preparation and recognition.
- Research Statement – Describe your research strategies and goals in the context of your prior work. Explain your major accomplishments and future scientific objectives. A maximum of three pages, plus up to one additional page for references.
Initial screening of applicants will be based ONLY on the research statement and the statement on contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Teaching and Mentoring Statement – This statement should focus on
- your previous formal (classroom, laboratory) teaching contributions and future teaching goals,
- your previous mentoring and supervision contributions and future mentoring and supervision goals, and
- your knowledge of pedagogical techniques and approach to using inclusive and effective practices in teaching, mentoring, and supervision.
- A maximum of three pages, plus up to one additional page for references.
After the initial screening, this committee will also be referring to this rubric for our teaching and mentoring screening.
- Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Statement should include experience in leadership positions that build community either within your discipline or more broadly, including your contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, your record of activities to date, and your specific future plans and goals for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, teaching, and/or service at UC Santa Cruz. Candidates are urged to review guidelines on statements before preparing their application. A maximum of three pages, plus up to one additional page for references.
Reference requirements
- 3-5 letters of reference required
Applications must include confidential letters of recommendation. Note that your references, or dossier service, will submit their confidential letters directly to the UC Recruit System.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the Universitys equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by phone at (831) 459-2686.