Careers @ MSU

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a tenure-system open rank faculty position in theoretical high-energy physics (HEP) to enhance existing theoretical and experimental efforts in the HEP group. The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to carry out forefront research and a commitment to building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment while fulfilling teaching and service responsibilities at MSU. The appointment will be at any rank, from the assistant- to full-professor level, depending on the experience and achievements of the candidate. We are particularly interested in outstanding applicants who would be considered for the Wu-Ki Tung Endowed professorship. The professorship will support future faculty members who share Wu-Ki’s passion for particle physics research combined with scientific collaboration and collegiality.

 

MSU plays a leading role in the global analysis of parton distribution functions (PDFs), and has a strong theory effort in Standard-Model quantum-chromodynamics (QCD) phenomenology and in lattice gauge theory. These areas of expertise complement the MSU experimental high-energy group's robust program in collider physics at the energy frontier (ATLAS at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC)), neutrino physics (T2K, SBN, DUNE) and astrophysics (HAWC, ICECUBE, P-ONE). Notably, the theory and experimental groups collaborate closely, especially in the context of the CTEQ collaboration. We are particularly interested in areas such as higher-order calculations, in QCD and electroweak physics, or in the implementation of these calculations in parton-shower Monte-Carlo programs.

Applicants for this position must possess a Ph.D. in Physics, and have a demonstrated record of impactful research in theoretical high-energy physics or related areas. Interested applicants must describe in their application:

● ability to conduct scholarly research

● ability to lead collaborative research projects and/or calculations

● a future research program that enhances and/or complements existing theoretical and experimental efforts at MSU

● ability to formulate scientific questions and effectively communicate scientific concepts

● potential for obtaining external research funding

● ability to teach physics courses with evidence-based techniques

● ability to advise student research projects

● ability to work with diverse groups and to contribute to a climate of inclusion

● a commitment to service in the field of high-energy physics, the department, the college, the university, and to the public at large

To ensure a holistic assessment of candidates, we request that applications include:

(1) a 1-page cover letter that describes their qualifications in the context of this search, such as describing planned contributions and complementarity or enhancement to MSU’s HEP theory and experimental program(s).

 

(2) a CV, including a list of publications, accepted and pending proposals for funding/resources, contributed and invited talks, teaching and mentoring roles, leadership positions, awards, contributions to the academic community, and efforts in public outreach.

 

(3) a research statement (2-4 pages) highlighting past research efforts and future research interests. This statement should list which one of the applicant’s publications they would most like the committee to read and should describe their contribution to it.

 

(4) a teaching statement (1–2 pages) describing the applicant’s approach to and/or experience with classroom teaching and mentoring in research, including experience teaching and mentoring students from broadly diverse demographic and social backgrounds. The statement should include anticipated challenges and plans to address them. MSU is a leader in evidence-based physics instruction.

 

(5) A broader impact statement (1–2 pages) of contributions to the broader academic community. Faculty assume diverse responsibilities, including fostering student learning, advancing research, outreach, disseminating knowledge, and sustaining healthy, inclusive communities. The applicant should describe how they have “given back” to their previous institutions and communities, and their interests and plans for enriching the MSU community, including current or planned efforts relevant to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

 

(6) References: contact information for at least 3 people (and no more than 5) who will provide reference letters on request and the applicant’s relationship to them.

Applications should be submitted through the MSU hiring website (http://careers.msu.edu), posting #903418. While letters will not be solicited for the initial evaluation of candidates, applicants should ensure that letters will be submitted promptly upon request. The selection process will begin on November 15, 2023 for full consideration, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

 

Questions may be directed to search committee chair Prof. Huey-Wen Lin (hwlin@pa.msu.edu) with the email subject prepended with “[HEPT-Search]”. Applicants are encouraged to peruse the MSU departmental website (https://pa.msu.edu) for additional information.

 

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.