The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Los
Angeles invites applications for a full-time tenure-track assistant professor faculty position in theoretical/computational plasma physics, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025.

The UCLA Department of Physics and Astronomy has research programs in theoretical, computational, and experimental plasma physics, which include efforts in particle-in-cell simulation, turbulence and transport in magnetized plasmas, the nonlinear optics of plasmas, intense laser and beam plasma interactions, plasma-based acceleration, magnetic reconnection, inertial and magnetic confinement fusion energy, high-energy density plasmas, space and astro plasmas, and physics informed machine learning. Outstanding candidates are sought with expertise in theory and simulation, and who have demonstrated exceptional research in frontier areas of plasma physics. The candidate is expected to carry out a vibrant research program that complements existing programs, and to effectively teach at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The successful candidate should also have a clear commitment to enhancing the diversity of the faculty, graduate student population, and of the majors in physics and astronomy. A Ph.D. or equivalent degree is required.

Candidates should submit a cover letter; a curriculum vita including a list of publications; a synopsis of educational goals, including a commitment to teaching and a philosophy for teaching a graduate level plasma physics course; a statement of research accomplishments, interests and plans; a statement on past, present or planned contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion; complete a reference check authorization release form; and arrange for at least three and up to five letters of reference to be uploaded to UCLA Academic Recruit.

The deadline for full consideration is January 15, 2025; however the search will remain open until the position is filled. The Department has a strong commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff.
The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See Table 1 Faculty-Ladder Ranks-Professor Series Academic Year (ucop.edu). The salary range for this position is $78,200-$101,400. “Off-scale salaries” and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in a safe and secure environment, free of violence, harassment, bullying and other demeaning behavior, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. With this commitment as well as a commitment to addressing all forms of academic misconduct, UCLA conducts targeted employment reference checks for finalists to whom departments or other hiring units would like to extend formal offers of appointment into Academic Senate faculty positions. The targeted employment reference checks involve contacting the finalists' current and prior places of employment to ask whether there have been substantiated findings of misconduct that would violate the University's Faculty Code of Conduct. To implement this process, UCLA requires all applicants for Academic Senate faculty positions to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled "Authorization to Release Information" into RECRUIT as part of their application. If the applicant does not include the signed authorization to release information with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete. As with any incomplete application, the application will not receive further consideration. Although all applicants for faculty recruitments must complete the entire application, only finalists (i.e., those to whom the department or other hiring unit would like to extend a formal offer) considered for Academic Senate faculty positions will be subject to targeted employment reference checks.