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Assistant Professor in Big Data in Astronomy - Data Science Cluster Hire

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Position description

The University of California at Riverside (UCR) is implementing a major expansion of our faculty and investing in state-of-the-art research facilities to support their work. This expansion will build critical mass in 34 vital and emerging fields of scholarship, foster truly cross-disciplinary work, and further diversify the faculty at one of America’s most diverse research universities. We encourage applications from scholars committed to excellence and seeking to help define the research university for the next generation. For more information about our hiring initiative or to submit an application, please visit clusterhiring.ucr.edu or academicpersonnel.ucr.edu.

In collaboration with the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, the Bourns College of Engineering is leading a cluster of hires to enhance UCR’s research strengths in Data Science; such hires will have potential home departments in the Sciences and/or Engineering. Candidates will also join UCR’s Data Science Center and are expected to foster research collaborations with existing faculty across academic departments working on Data Science related topics (including astronomy, biological sciences, computational biology, environmental sciences, physics, precision agriculture, etc.) This year we are seeking to fill three tenure-track/tenured (open rank) faculty positions from the Data Science cluster with expertise in the following areas respectively:

(i) Genome Data Science. Key areas of specialization include: comparative genomics/proteomics, epigenetics, population genetics, network biology, and method development for analyzing next generation sequencing data. A Ph.D. in a field related to Genome Data Science is required by the start of service and several years of postdoctoral research.

(ii) Statistical Approaches to Big Data. Key areas of specialization include: computational statistics, modern statistical theory for big data or high dimensional problems, Bayesian approaches to big data, deep learning, neural networks, and other areas that can make fundamental contributions to the theory, algorithms, and systems aspects of data science. A Ph.D. degree in a field related to Data Science (such as Computer Science, Statistics, or Applied Mathematics) is required by the start of service.

(iii) Big Data in Astronomy. Key areas of specialization include: introduction and development of innovative Data Science techniques to extract scientific information from large astronomical data, large scale numerical simulations, analysis of data from large galaxy and star surveys and large-format imaging data obtained from ground and space-based observatories. A Ph.D. degree in Physics, Astronomy or a related field is required by the start of service and several years of postdoctoral research.

These positions will commence as early as July 1, 2017 or as negotiated. Salary level will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Senior candidates need to have an outstanding record of research, funding support, teaching, and graduate student mentorship, while junior candidates need to show potential to excel in these areas. Advancement through the faculty ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input.

The University of California, Riverside is situated in an historic citrus growing area surrounded by mountain ranges. Riverside is about an hour away from ski slopes, surfing, or hiking in mountain or desert environments, and housing in the area is affordable. The campus boasts a fully-accredited child care facility. UCR maintains a commitment to “family friendly” policies and programs including opportunity for spousal/partner hiring.

UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification.

Full consideration will be given to applications received by January 6, 2017. We will continue to consider applications until the position is filled. To apply, please register through the weblink at https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply. Minorities and members of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. For inquiries and questions, please contact us at datasciencesearch@ucr.edu

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability protected veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

  • Statement of Teaching

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through teaching, research, professional activity, and/or service.

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 letters of reference required

Job location

Riverside, CA