The Department of Physics and Astronomy at West Virginia University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track appointment in experimental plasma physics at the assistant professor or associate professor rank. The preferred start date is August 2025.

The plasma research program at WVU consists of five professors, one research professor, ten postdocs and research scientists, and nearly 30 graduate and undergraduate students. Plasma research activities at WVU are supported by NASA, NSF, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, and the Office of National Intelligence. The state-of-the-art PHASMA experimental facility is a resource for new faculty. The plasma group is home to the Center for KINETIC Plasma Physics (kineticplasma.wvu.edu), a cross-disciplinary team with complementary approaches to address cutting-edge plasma science. Other research areas in the WVU Department of Physics and Astronomy (physics.wvu.edu) are condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and physics education research. The entire Department moved into a new facility with state-of-the-art research laboratories in 2012.

Responsibilities:

The applicant is expected to establish an externally funded, nationally competitive research program. Teaching responsibilities will normally include one lecture course per semester in core areas of the physics curriculum (1-1 teaching load) and one course per semester equivalent associated with advising undergraduate and graduate students in research. The candidate will also be expected to serve the community, university, and profession.

Qualifications

Professional Qualifications:

The Department welcomes applications from all qualified professionals in the areas of experimental laboratory-based plasma physics and/or experimental laboratory-based physics with a connection to space physics. Minimum requirements are a Ph.D., or equivalent, in physics or a related field with a commitment and ability to lead an independent research program and to excel in teaching physics courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidate will present a record of research productivity as evidenced by journal publications, technical innovation, scientific collaborations, and the potential to develop an externally funded, nationally competitive, research program. For applicants at the associate professor level, a significant record of external funding is expected.

Application:

To apply, please visit https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities and upload (1) a cover letter addressed to the Plasma Physics Search Committee, (2) a curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications and relevant teaching experience, (3) a research plan for the first five years including an estimate of research group size and equipment start-up costs, and (4) a statement of philosophy of instruction and any relevant supervisory experience. Please arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to plasmasearch@mail.wvu.edu. Review of applications will begin October 31, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information, please contact Earl Scime earl.scime@mail.wvu.edu.

WVU is a comprehensive land grant university and WVU’s Carnegie Classification is R1 (“Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity”). Morgantown is centrally located and regularly makes “Best Place to Live” lists because of its good schools, excellent health care, low unemployment rate, low crime rate, and abundant recreational opportunities. WVU provides faculty members with a supportive environment for developing a visible and productive career (https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/new-employees) and commits to assist in partner employment.

WVU is a comprehensive land grant university and WVU’s Carnegie Classification is R1 (“Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity”). Morgantown is centrally located and regularly makes “Best Place to Live” lists because of its good schools, excellent health care, low unemployment rate, low crime rate, and abundant recreational opportunities. WVU provides faculty members with a supportive environment for developing a visible and productive career (https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/new-employees) and commits to assist in partner employment.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging working environment and actively seek candidates who bring diverse ideas, approaches and experiences.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. We value diversity among our faculty, staff and students and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.