Category: Education/Public Outreach

Assistant Professor in Physics and/or Astronomy Education Research

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Physics
City: Orlando
State/Province: FL
Category: ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Eduardo Mucciolo
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Central Florida
Application Due Date: Sunday, January 31 2016
Web Link: https://www.jobswithucf.com/postings/43735

The Department of Physics (physics.cos.ucf.edu) at the University of Central Florida invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level beginning in August 2016. We seek candidates with experience in physics education research to add to UCF’s blossoming program in that area. Preference will be given to candidates with strength in cognitive science, and/or research and development in upper division physics courses, and/or astronomy education research. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Physics, or a related discipline, from an accredited institution and have a substantial record of independent, well regarded research. The successful applicant is expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded and creative research program and have a strong commitment to excellence in graduate and undergraduate education.

Interested individuals must complete an online application by going to https://www.jobswithucf.com/postings/43735. The application must include:1) a cover letter; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a statement of research plans and goals; 4) a statement of teaching philosophy including experience with diverse student populations and student-centered learning approaches; and 5) reprints of 2-3 recent key publications. Applicants must also arrange to have at least three letters of reference sent to the Search Committee (email to [email protected] with the subject line: PER Search Committee). Screening of applications will begin December 15, 2016 and will continue until the position is filled.

Questions regarding this search may be directed to Dr. Eduardo Mucciolo, Chair, PER Search Committee, at [email protected].

UCF is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, including minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities. As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

Two Assistant Professors in Astronomy

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Physics
City: Storrs
State/Province: Connecticut
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Jeanette Jamieson
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Connecticut
Application Due Date: Thursday, December 31 2015
Web Link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/5978

The Department of Physics (http://www.phys.uconn.edu/) at the University of Connecticut invites applications for two full-time tenure-track faculty positions in astronomy at the rank of Assistant Professor. Researchers in all subfields of astronomy are encouraged to apply, especially those applicants whose research programs take advantage of new resources and facilities such as LSST, JWST, Gemini, and ALMA.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to research and scholarship, obtain extramural funding, and produce high quality publications. S/he should be deeply committed to effective instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including the development of innovative courses and mentoring of students in research, outreach and professional development. The successful candidate will also be expected to broaden participation among members of under-represented groups.

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants should possess a Ph.D. or foreign equivalent in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field, a demonstrated ability to initiate and lead an independent research program, and an established record of publications in major scientific journals. Preferred Qualifications: a leadership role in active, on-going research in observational astronomy, at least two years post-doctoral experience, strong teaching skills, and the ability to contribute through research, teaching, and/or public engagement to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience.

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2016.  The successful candidate’s primary academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. To apply, go to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/5978 to complete your application. Submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae, as well as a teaching statement (including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development, etc.), research and scholarship statement (innovative concepts that will form the basis of the academic career, experience in proposal development, mentorship of graduate students, etc.), and commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.). Applicants are also encouraged to submit sample writing including journal articles, book chapters or books. Please follow the instructions in Academic Jobs Online to direct at least three reference writers to submit supporting letters. 

Any questions regarding this position should be directed to [email protected].  Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.  The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The University of Connecticut is an AA/EOE.

Simulation Developer for Physics-based Space Game

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
City: Seattle
State/Province: WA
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Dan Dixon
Contact Email: [email protected]
Application Due Date: Thursday, January 15 2015
Web Link: http://universesandbox.com/blog/2014/12/hiring-a-planetary-scientist/

Giant Army is looking for a planetary scientist or astronomer with a strong scientific computing background to join our team. You should be interested in helping us extend, improve, and develop the physical simulations at the heart of Universe Sandbox ². This is a contract position, but has the potential to become more permanent.

You will work closely with Giant Army’s current astronomer, as well as the creator of Universe Sandbox, in addition to our climate scientist, core game architect, numerical physics developer, graphics programmer, and technical artist.

Join us… we’re making something incredible that’s never been done before.

Your Role

  • Help design, improve, and code the real-time simulation, which merges the gravity simulator with other simulated systems and incorporates as much realistic science as possible
  • Help discover simulation edge cases and develop solutions to solve them
  • Advise the team on how to best make the simulation, data, and visuals more realistic
  • Some potential areas for development include connecting composition and physical properties, gas giant atmospheres, habitability, major impact aftermath, and your favorite project

 Ideal Candidate

  • Loves physics simulations and fantastical what-if scenarios: https://what-if.xkcd.com/
  • Is a self-driven and talented programmer with experience developing numerical models in a compiled language using modern developer best-practices
  • Writes clean code that is comprehensible to teammates
  • Is excited about developing a tool that allows users to experiment with simulations, pushing the boundaries of what has been done in real-time for public consumption
  • Can envision what makes the best interactive experience with physical concepts, and how best to crunch the numbers to make it happen

Mandatory Qualifications

  • Planetary science || (astronomy && (physics || chemistry)) background
  • Simulation design and coding experience
  • Strong enthusiasm for using models to explore both realistic and fantastical what-if scenarios
  • Strong interest in helping change the way the world perceives our universe and fragile planet
  • Good communication skills and proficiency in English, both writing and speaking

Preferred Qualifications

  • (Strong C# && Unity Engine experience) || (Experience with an entity component model && object-oriented programing)
  • M.S. or PhD in relevant field
  • Ability to meet in person at least once a month in Seattle, WA, United States, but will consider outstanding candidates from anywhere in the world

Company Overview

Giant Army is the company behind Universe Sandbox, a space simulator that’s sold hundreds of thousands of copies on Steam. Our headquarters are in Seattle, Washington, USA, with team members in Montana, Florida, Germany, and Denmark.

Team members enjoy a flexible, collaborative environment. We strive for work-life balance, and we pursue the features that get us excited about science. We do the work so that we can share that with others. We’re also committed to creating an accessible experience that can’t be found elsewhere.

Science is for everyone, and we welcome all qualified applicants.

Product Overview

Universe Sandbox ² is our core product that lets the user explore and learn about our amazing universe and fragile planet while creating and destroying on a scale they’ve never before imagined. It’s more than a game; it’s a way of experiencing and learning about reality in a way that’s never been done before. Early alpha access now available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

How to Apply

Email us: jobs at universesandbox.com In the email please include:

  • Relevant email subject
  • Link to or copy of your resume or CV
  • Answer to these two questions:
    • What is the most appealing part of this opportunity?
    • What feature would you be most interested in adding or helping make better?
  • Where you originally heard about this job posting