Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Plasma Physics - Department of Physics and Astronomy

Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Plasma Physics

Department of Physics and Astronomy

West Virginia University

The Department of Physics and Astronomy, in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, at West Virginia University, invites applications for a faculty position in Plasma Physics at all Professorial ranks. The preferred start date is August 14, 2026. Qualified candidates in any area of theoretical, computational, or observational plasma physics are encouraged to apply.

The current plasma research program at WVU consists of five professors, one research professor, eight postdocs and research scientists, and nearly 30 graduate and undergraduate students. Plasma research activities at WVU are supported by NASA, NSF, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, and the Office of National Intelligence. The plasma group is home to the Center for KINETIC Plasma Physics (kineticplasma.wvu.edu) and the state-of-the-art PHASMA experimental facility. The Center is a cross-disciplinary team with complementary approaches to address cutting-edge plasma science. Other research areas in the WVU Department of Physics and Astronomy (physics.wvu.edu) are condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and physics education research. The entire Department moved into a new facility with state-of-the-art research laboratories in 2012. On-campus shared computational facilities are also available.

Responsibilities:

The applicant is expected to establish an externally funded, nationally competitive research program. For applicants at the associate professor level or above, a significant record of external funding is expected. Teaching responsibilities will normally include one lecture course per semester in core areas of the physics curriculum (1-1 teaching load) and one course per semester equivalent associated with advising undergraduate and graduate students in research. The candidate will also be expected to serve the community, university, and profession.

Professional Qualifications:

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D., or equivalent, in physics or a related field with a commitment and ability to lead an independent research program and to excel in teaching physics courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.  The following research areas would complement existing strengths within the department: (1) space or solar plasma physics theory/ simulation or observation/data analysis; (2) high energy density physics theory/simulation; (3) fundamental plasma physics theory/simulation; and (4) low temperature plasma physics theory/simulation.

Application:

To apply, please visit https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities and upload (1) a cover letter addressed to the Plasma Physics Search Committee, (2) a curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications and relevant teaching experience, (3) a research plan for the first five years including an estimate of research group size and equipment start-up costs, and (4) a statement of philosophy of instruction and any relevant supervisory experience. Please arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to plasmasearch@mail.wvu.edu. Review of applications will begin December 19, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Please contact Earl Scime earl.scime@mail.wvu.edu with questions.