ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Department of Space Science is seeking an outstanding scientist and teacher to fill a tenure-track assistant professor position in the field of heliophysics. This position will complement a National Science Foundation Established Program in Support of Competitive Research (EPSCoR) grant that was previously awarded to UAH. Within the general field of low temperature plasma physics, areas of particular interest to the Department include solar and interplanetary physics, especially research that supports the new Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, IMAP, and HelioSwarm missions in which the Department is engaged, particularly in the areas of coronal and solar wind physics including heating processes, turbulence, particle transport and energization (including pickup ion physics), and related space weather research. We are also looking to possibly expand departmental expertise in the area of magnetospheric and ionospheric physics and computational heliophysics, including AI/ML. The ideal candidate will complement existing strengths within the Department while expanding significantly research capabilities and competencies. We are seeking someone who uses theory, modeling, computation, and observations to address these areas of interest. The successful candidate will teach in accordance with a typical teaching load in the Department, will develop at least two new advanced graduate level courses reflecting their research expertise, and will support and mentor graduate students pursuing MSc and PhD degrees and undergraduate students in summer programs.
Minimum Qualifications:
The candidate must have a PhD or equivalent degree in Physics, Space Science, Astronomy & Astrophysics, or a demonstrably closely related field. The candidate must have completed a minimum of two years post-doctoral experience and must have published refereed international journal publications since graduating from their PhD or equivalent degree. The candidate must have a demonstrated record of having submitted proposals as a principal investigator to a national funding agency (either US or international).
Preferred Qualifications:
The candidate should have published at least one or more papers in international refereed journals such as The Astrophysical Journal, The Journal of Geophysical Research, Astronomy and Astrophysics, MNRAS, etc. annually since graduation with a PhD or equivalent, is or was a principal investigator on at least one federally (or nationally) funded research grant in the candidate’s field of expertise. Preference will be given to candidates who have evidence of excellence in teaching and experience in mentoring graduate students. Finally, active participation in appropriate professional organizations is preferred.
APPOINTMENT DATE:
Beginning of Spring 2027
ABOUT THE COLLEGE:
The College of Science at UAH is home to eight academic departments, including Atmospheric & Earth Science; Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Computer Science; Engineering Technology; Mathematical Sciences; Physics & Astronomy; and Space Science. The College offers a range of rigorous, research-focused academic degree programs at the Bachelors, Masters, and PhD levels. We take pride in the innovative research our faculty and students perform, which is often conducted in collaboration with our community partners in Cummings Research Park, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, and Redstone Arsenal. We strive to ensure low costs for students while maintaining high-quality standards, and by offering different course modalities, we serve the needs of various types of learners. The College actively promotes the professional development of our faculty and staff, encourages innovation in teaching, and seeks to create a welcoming and supportive environment that enables all of us to improve and realize our potential. We invite you to explore the UAH College of Science website for more information.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY:
Founded in 1969, The University of Alabama in Huntsville is one of America’s premier doctoral-granting, comprehensive universities known for addressing some of the world’s most critical technological challenges. UAH, a part of the University of Alabama System, offers an environment where students are able to explore, discover, create and communicate knowledge. UAH has eight colleges, more than 100 areas of study, and 17 high-tech research centers and institutes. Located in the heart of the Technology Hub of the South, UAH serves as the anchor tenant of the second-largest research park in the United States, Cummings Research Park. UAH boasts storied partnerships with Redstone Arsenal, NASA and the Department of Defense. The institution is a member of the Gulf South athletic conference. UAH is where technology and human understanding converge to prepare students to transform their future. Learn more about the University on the UAH website.
ABOUT HUNTSVILLE:
Defense, space, telecommunications, biotechnology, diversified manufacturing and a variety of emerging specialties provide challenging work in Huntsville, also known as the Rocket City. The area enjoys a favorable cost of living and quality of life in the Southeast. More than 1.2 million people reside in the Huntsville metro area, and it is now the largest city in Alabama. From outdoor recreational activities to an enhanced arts and entertainment community, Huntsville contributes to a wonderful way to live, work, and play. More information about our city is available on the City of Huntsville website.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE:
Applicants must submit a cover letter, complete CV, a list of publications, a list of awarded research grants, a research statement, a teaching statement, and arrange to have three letters of reference sent to the SPA Space Physics Faculty Search Committee 2026, Department of Space Science, Cramer Research Hall, 320 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899 or by email to spa@uah.edu with the header “Faculty Space Physics Search Committee 2026”. Applications will remain open until the position is filled.
Inquiries regarding the position or the application procedure can be directed to Prof. Gary Zank (gpz0001@uah.edu) and Dr. Keyvan Ghanbari (kg0055@uah.edu), respectively. Please refer to log number 26-27-5008 when applying.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
