Description
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
