Assistant/Associate Research Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants . Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants . This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State invites applications for a full-time Assistant or Associate Research Professor position (non-tenure track) to begin immediately. Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will be responsible for undertaking research involving nanofabrication of diffraction gratings and application to future missions. The research involves creating reflection gratings for UV and X-ray applications on a variety of substrates with a variety of groove directions and shapes. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing the various nanofabrication techniques required to fabricate such gratings including, but not limited to, electron-beam lithography, grayscale lithography, ion etching, wet chemistry, deposition, and surface metrology such as ellipsometry, electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. It is expected that the candidate will disseminate their research through refereed publications and conference talks. It is also expected that the candidate will contribute to studies specific to future missions such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory and help write proposals for related funding support. Education and Experience A Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics is preferred, a Ph.D. in a related field with strong research experience in astronomical instrumentation or nanofabrication will be considered. Experience with nanofabrication is desired. Applicants must have demonstrated ability as a researcher and should have a record of successful grant funding. Additional Information Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter, CV, statement of research interests, and a list of publications. In addition, please arrange for three professional reference letters to be sent to . Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.) CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here . EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines