Assistant ProfessorThe George Mason University Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin in August 2022. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment. Responsibilities:We seek applications from qualified candidates in all areas of astronomy, astrophysics, and space science, including theorists, observers, and instrumentalists. The position's duties include conducting research, supervising graduate and undergraduate research, contributing to departmental initiatives to foster a more inclusive environment, and teaching. Our department includes 28 tenured/tenure-track faculty and over 30 research faculty conducting cutting edge research in exoplanets, space weather, planetary science, the physics of the interstellar medium, and black holes and galaxy evolution using state of the art space and ground-based observatories. The department maintains close ties with research labs in the area including NASA Goddard, the Naval Research Laboratory, and the US Naval Observatory. The salary is competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and includes a full benefits package. Required Qualifications: Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in physics or a closely related field;Postdoctoral research experience;Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring a diverse undergraduate and graduate student body, while establishing a well-recognized research program. Preferred Qualifications:Demonstrated research experience in astronomy, astrophysics, and space science. Application review will begin on November 30, 2021. For full consideration apply by November 29, 2021. For questions, contact the chair of the search committee, Prof. Shobita Satyapal (ssatyapa@gmu.edu). Located close to the nation's capital, George Mason University is an R1 institution and is the largest public university in the state of Virginia. George Mason University prides itself on having one of the most diverse campuses in the nation with a student body representing 130 countries, and has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment. Our evaluation process places an emphasis on the applicant's written statements, as well as independent evaluations from faculty, staff, and students. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call Faith Gaile at (703) 993-3807.George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application. Applicants should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, 3 letters of recommendation, a research statement (5 pages max), a teaching statement (3 pages max), and a statement of inclusive excellence (3 pages max).The three letters of recommendation should be sent to physsrch@gmu.edu. At least one letter should comment on the applicant's potential to foster an inclusive learning and research environment and at least one letter should comment on the applicant's teaching potential.The research statement should describe past research accomplishments and plans for a research agenda at Mason, including prospects for external funding and involvement of graduate and undergraduate students. It should demonstrate to specialists that the goals are realistic and to non-specialists that the work is scientifically important.The teaching statement should describe your teaching philosophy, experience incorporating innovative and inclusive teaching practices in the classroom, and indicate courses you would like to teach and/or develop and describe goals for student learning, strategies you will employ to accomplish them, and, if applicable, lessons learned from prior teaching experiences.The statement of inclusive excellence should describe how you will supplement our efforts to foster an inclusive environment, and/or promote diversity in physics and astronomy, through research, mentorship, teaching, and/or outreach. Please be as specific as possible and realistic about your time commitment. If applicable, describe previous work on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and/or how your background and experiences inform your approach to DEI. The physics and astronomy faculty at GMU recognize the unique barriers that members of under-represented groups face in pursuing an education and career in the STEM fields, and work to actively dismantle those barriers, both in their own efforts (ex.// the Faculty Mentoring committee created to brainstorm joint faculty-student solutions to DEIA concerns, the Females of Color Underrepresented in STEM (FOCUS) summer camp), as well as by supporting the efforts of our students (ex.// a student-run mentoring program and weekly professional development lunches). These efforts are embedded within a university culture that values inclusive excellence and antiracism efforts to challenge the status quo and move the institution forward (https://arie.gmu.edu).

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education. Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create. If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/! George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."