Asst. /Assoc. Professor (F3/F4) Outer Solar System Science & Space Grant Assoc. Director (0088508)

University of Hawaii • Honolulu, HI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa is seeking a full-time, permanent, tenure-track faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor. The ideal candidate will have interests in outer solar system science, aligning with existing and upcoming high-priority missions and complementing current expertise within HIGP. Specific research areas may include icy ocean worlds and habitability, giant planet and satellite characteristics, small bodies (including trans-Neptunian objects and exoplanets), astrobiology in outer solar system environments, and laboratory, theoretical, computational, or observational studies of relevant planetary materials. The successful candidate will be expected to secure extramural funding for a robust research program. Additionally, the selected individual may be appointed as the Associate Director of the NASA Hawai'i Space Grant Consortium (HSGC), with the potential to become Director after successfully completing their probationary period. HIGP is a multidisciplinary unit within the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) at an R1 research university, focusing on Earth and planetary science through advanced instrumentation and techniques. HIGP's research encompasses extra-terrestrial material analysis, remote sensing of solar system bodies, instrument development, small satellite technologies, materials science, and geological/geophysical processes relevant to Hawaii. The institute boasts state-of-the-art facilities and offers undergraduate certificates and minors in Earth and Planetary Exploration Technology and Human Space Flight Technology. The Hawai'i Space Grant Consortium (HSGC), housed within HIGP, manages interdisciplinary programs in space and Earth science, remote sensing, human space exploration, small satellites, and aerospace technology, aiming to inspire students in STEM and promote public understanding of NASA's goals.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree from a college or university of recognized standing and in a field relevant to the position (e.g., planetary science, space science, physics, astronomy, or related field), obtained by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated scholarly achievement in the field of outer solar system science, such as a record of publications in scholarly journals.
• Demonstrated ability to generate independent grant proposals and reports.
• Experience in STEM outreach at K-12 and community levels.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and/or mentoring students.
• Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.
• Four years of service as Assistant Professor or equivalent (for Associate Professor rank).
• Strong record of publication in scholarly journals in the field of outer solar system science, and other demonstrated scholarly experience (for Associate Professor rank).
• Established record of research funding as Principal Investigator (for Associate Professor rank).
• Demonstrated leadership in STEM outreach at K-12 and community venues (for Associate Professor rank).
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring students (for Associate Professor rank).
• Strong history of service to the profession (for Associate Professor rank).

Nice To Haves

• Established record of research funding as Principal Investigator (for Assistant Professor rank).
• Experience participating in missions to explore the outer solar system.
• Evidence of leadership potential in program coordination or team management.
• Experience preparing and managing STEM programs at the university, K-12, or community level.
• Experience with proposal development for education, outreach, or public engagement programs.
• Five or more years of experience at the level of Assistant Professor or equivalent (for Associate Professor rank).
• Established record of scientific leadership in the field/discipline (for Associate Professor rank).
• Experience proposing and participating in missions to explore the outer solar system (for Associate Professor rank).
• Demonstrated leadership in program coordination and team management (for Associate Professor rank).
• Ability to build and sustain partnerships with academic institutions, industry, government agencies, or community organizations in support of STEM workforce development (for Associate Professor rank).
• Record of securing extramural funding for STEM education, workforce development, or public engagement initiatives, including as PI or Program Director (for Associate Professor rank).
• Experience with federal program management and compliance, including familiarity with NASA Space Grant or similar cooperative agreement structures, performance metrics, and reporting requirements (for Associate Professor rank).

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research in the field of outer solar system science.
• Pursue and obtain extramural funding to support a vigorous research program and HSGC activities.
• Regularly publish findings in appropriate peer-reviewed journals and discipline-specific publications.
• Teach one (1) undergraduate course per academic year in support of HIGP’s Earth and Planetary Exploration Technology undergraduate certificate/minor, Human Space Flight Technology minor, or through other UH Manoa departments.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and supervise research assistants and post-doctoral fellows as required.
• Provide experiential learning/research opportunities for undergraduate students.
• Play a full and positive role in contributing, as a HIGP faculty member, to Institute governance.
• Provide service to SOEST, UH Manoa, the local community, and the wider scientific community, that is aligned with the appointee’s core discipline.
• Serve as Associate Director (and eventually as Director) of HSGC.
• Directs the Hawai'i Space Grant Consortium and leads its STEM education, outreach, and community engagement programs.

Benefits

• Nine (9) months of annual salary support from state funds (if appointed as Associate Director and temporarily converted to an 11-month appointment).
• Competitive and commensurate salary based on qualifications and experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree