Position Description

Assistant or Associate Professor at the Intersection of Theoretical High Energy Physics and Astrophysics
Department of Physics
College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

The Department of Physics at The Ohio State University announces an opening for a tenure-track faculty position for a theoretical physicist working at the intersection of high energy physics and astrophysics.  The appointment will be effective in Autumn 2025 at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor.  We seek a candidate whose work complements that of the high energy physics and astrophysics efforts at Ohio State and/or helps initiate new research directions at their intersection.  Our high energy theory group is interested in all aspects of particle physics, quantum field theory and string theory, and is currently focused on quantum chromodynamics (QCD), physics beyond the Standard Model and black holes. A non-exhaustive list of points of possible connection to astrophysics includes neutrinos, dark matter, inflation, gravitational waves, dark energy, early- or late-universe cosmology, and the StarLab facility.  The successful candidate will work to advance the Department’s mission in research, teaching, and service and is anticipated to become a member of the Ohio State Center for Cosmology and AstroParticle Physics (CCAPP).  This opening in high energy theory connected to astrophysics is complemented by a similar opening in nuclear theory connected to astrophysics.

Performance Objectives

Applicants should demonstrate the potential to be a recognized leader at the intersection of theoretical high energy physics and astrophysics, who will develop a productive, well-funded, and internationally prominent research program. Successful candidates will be expected to:

• foster cross-disciplinary research with sustained impact;
• develop and maintain an extramurally funded research program;
• have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring; and
• contribute to the teaching (graduate and undergraduate) and service missions of the University.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: Candidates must hold a PhD in Physics or a closely related field. Candidates should have an established research record on topics that cover both high energy physics and astrophysics.  

Desired: We are seeking candidates who, in addition to building their independent research program, will have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to building a diverse intellectual community, in line with OSU’s Shared Values (see below).

How to Apply

Apply to the Careers at Ohio State website at https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Assistant-or-Associate-Professor_R116215-1. A competitive application consists of the following required elements: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate research and teaching statements, and three letters of reference. Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2024. Inquiries may be directed to Samir Mathur at mathur.16@osu.edu.

You will be presented with the opportunity to attach up to FOUR documents in the Application Documents section. Please include the following:

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: Research Statement: Summary of your past research accomplishments, current work/research, and proposal for your future research plan as a faculty member.
• Attachment 4: Teaching Statement: A statement of your approaches, experience and philosophy regarding your teaching, learning, and mentoring.

You will be sent an email with instructions to provide the names and contact information for three or more reference letters following the submission of application materials.  

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success. 

Department Information

The Department of Physics at the Ohio State University is one of the university's largest and most diverse departments. As a department in the division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences in the College of the Arts and Sciences, the Department of Physics occupies the Physics Research Building as well as instructional and advising space in Smith Laboratory, the former home of the department. The department is the home to multiple internationally renowned centers and research facilities. The department currently has 50 faculty and approximately 60 postdoctoral researchers and research scientists, 210 graduate students, and 430 undergraduate majors. For more information, see: https://physics.osu.edu/about-us.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers and recently ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ list of best U.S. employers for diversity. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

The Ohio State University’s Shared Values include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect. Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual careers partner consultations, identifying potential employers and/or employment opportunities, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are provided to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering or transitioning to The Ohio State University. 

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies.  Ohio State is an NSF ADVANCE institution and a member of the Ohio/Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC).

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and diverse metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.