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AY2025-2026 Position 5768 Physics - Assistant Professor
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Position Number: 5722679
Location: Dallas, TX
Position Type: Science - Physics

AY2025-2026 Position 5768 Physics - Assistant Professor
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

Location: Dallas, TX
Open Date: Oct 14, 2024

Description:
Position No. 5768. The Department of Physics at Southern Methodist University (SMU) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in theoretical physics or experimental physics. We seek candidates in areas that enhance and expand on the current research strengths of the department in particle physics, nuclear physics, cosmology, and astrophysics.

The Physics Department at SMU is an intellectually dynamic community covering a broad range of fundamental physics research. Our theoretical particle physics activities include perturbative and non-perturbative QCD, proton and hadron structure, beyond the standard model phenomenology, medium energy nuclear and heavy ion physics, and nuclear astrophysics. Our theory faculty engage in major international collaborations with CTEQ, ATLAS, and the future EIC. We have a vibrant experimental high energy physics group focused on Higgs physics and searches for new physics on ATLAS. We have a state-of-the-art lab that supports key roles in particle physics instrumentation and R&D, including readout opto-electronics for LHC experiments. Our cosmology and astrophysics program includes key theoretical and observational/experimental efforts in several international collaborations, including LSST, DESI, Simons Observatory, CMB-S4, and COMAP. We focus on the study of the cosmic expansion history, large-scale structure, and galaxy formation, which includes galaxy clusters, gravitational lensing, cosmic microwave background, line-intensity mapping, and supernova programs, in addition to detector R&D. We have strong computing support, with access to SMU's ManeFrame III high-performance computing cluster, and one of the only two DGX SuperPODs in U.S. academia.

The Department's culture fosters collaboration across all of our areas of research. We aim to provide a collegial scientific community with equitable access and participation for all individuals and groups, and we recognize the value of this participation to the quality of our research.

SMU is a nationally ranked, private, non-sectarian research institution located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan areas. Researchers are part of an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of internationally recognized scholars across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and business. SMU offers excellent benefits, including full same-sex domestic partner benefits. The City of Dallas is one of the nation's most cosmopolitan commercial and cultural centers, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is the fourth largest in the US. Dallas' quality of life is exceptional, with a relatively low cost of living and various housing options. A full range of professional sports teams, music venues, a lively and innovative restaurant scene, and more make Dallas an extremely livable city. Explore SMU at http://www.smu.edu.

Qualifications:
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a closely related field and a record of research excellence. The successful candidate will develop a vigorous research program, supervise graduate and undergraduate students, and teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels. SMU faculty members are expected to teach and mentor diverse students within the physics program and throughout the university. The appointment will start in August 2025 or later.

The successful theorist candidate would complement existing strengths of the department in particle physics, nuclear physics, cosmology and astrophysics. The successful experimental/observational candidates will be expected to develop and lead a strong program in instrumentation in the general areas of particle physics, nuclear physics, cosmology, or astrophysics. Applications from theorists whose research is relevant for proton collider or electron-ion science, and from experimental candidates with experience in opto-electronics are especially encouraged.

Application Instructions:
To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/150779

Applications must be submitted for Position No. 5768 via http://apply.interfolio.com/150779 and should include a cover letter, research statement, statement addressing teaching and mentoring, curriculum vitae, and at least three confidential letters of reference. Review of applications will begin immediately. To ensure full consideration, the application should be received by December 1, 2024, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Questions or inquiries may be directed to the search chair, Prof. Fredrick Olness (olness@smu.edu). The committee will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.