The UCLA Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences (EPSS) invites applications for a tenure-track position in Exoplanet Characterization at the Assistant Professor rank. Applications from individuals with expertise that complements and synergizes existing strengths of UCLA’s planetary science and exoplanet research are especially encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from those with experience in research, teaching, and community/collegial service that has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to excellence in scholarship and equity, diversity, and inclusion. The successful candidate is expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program and, through UC’s Time Allocation processes, will have the opportunity to apply for observing time at W. M. Keck (https://www.keckobservatory.org) and Lick Observatories (https://www.lickobservatory.org). Candidates are expected to hold a Ph.D. in Planetary Science, Astrophysics, or a related field by the date of hire, July 1, 2024. 

EPSS faculty conduct research in geology, geobiology, geochemistry, planetary science & extrasolar planets, geophysics, paleobiology, and space physics. The Department has a strong tradition of integrative research that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. The ability of applicants to contribute to this multidisciplinary ethos will be a consideration in evaluation, in addition to their commitment to excellence in research and to enhancing the diversity of EPSS faculty and students. 

To apply, candidates must submit (a) cover letter, (b) CV, (c) statement of research, (d) statement of teaching, (e) statement of contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, (f) up to three writing samples, (g) the names of three to five individuals who are familiar with your work and can serve as references, and (h) the reference check authorization release form.

Applications will be accepted via the UC Recruit web site at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF09070 beginning December 15, 2023 and reviews of submitted applications will commence on February 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. 

The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See Table(s) 1 The salary range for this position is $74,600 - $97,200 annually. “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. See campus compensation page for additional information. 

The target start date is July 1, 2024.

UCLA has programs to assist in partner employment, childcare, schooling and other family concerns. For additional information, visit the UCLA Academic Personnel Office website or the UC Office of the President’s website.

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 applications 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.