Job Description

The Department of Physics within the Faculty of Science at Simon Fraser University (SFU) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Experimental Biophysics. We seek an outstanding scholar with a strong commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and service.

SFU Biophysics is one of the leading Biophysics subgroups in Canada, a vibrant and collaborative community integrating experiment and theory. It is a core pillar of the supportive and collegial SFU Physics Department and has strong ties to neighbouring departments, especially Chemistry and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry.

The successful candidate is expected to develop a successful research program that is internationally recognized, teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute to building equitable, diverse and inclusive environments. We invite applications from experimental researchers across all scales of life, from molecules to ecosystems.

Qualifications

At a minimum, the successful candidate must hold a PhD in Physics or a field closely related to Biophysics and must demonstrate:

• An outstanding research record encompassing publications and/or patents, research presentations, and other relevant accomplishments.
• Future research plans with scientific potential that complement and strengthen Biophysics at SFU. 
• Interest and ability to realize excellence in teaching (across a range of Physics courses) and supervision of students.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for students, faculty, and staff.

How To Apply

The chair of the search committee is Professor John Bechhoefer, to whom informal inquiries about the position can be directed (johnb@sfu.ca). The application itself should be submitted as a single PDF, emailed to the Physics Chair’s Assistant at physchairsec@sfu.ca, containing:

• A concise (1-2 page) cover letter providing: 1) your reasons for applying for the position, and 2) a narrative description highlighting how you meet the job qualifications and would effectively fulfill job expectations.
• A complete up-to-date curriculum vitae that lists your education and employment history, publications and conference presentations, funding and awards, student supervision, collaborations/partnerships, teaching experience, and service contributions.
• A research statement (3-5 pages) describing your past research contributions, broad future goals, and five-year research plan.
• Three examples of peer-reviewed published scholarly work.
• A statement (maximum 2 pages) describing your philosophy and experience of teaching and mentoring.
• A statement (maximum 2 pages) describing past and desired future contributions to enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within research, teaching, and service.
• Names, titles, and email addresses for three referees who can comment on your research, service, and, if possible, teaching capabilities. (Letters will be requested for candidates advancing to later stages of the selection process.)
• Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.

Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their application how alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g., parental leave, leave due to illness, research delays due to COVID-19) have impacted them; we commit to ensuring these are taken into careful consideration. We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact the Equity Office at edi@sfu.ca.

Full consideration will be given to applications received by November 15, 2024. Applications received after this date may be reviewed if the position is still open. The anticipated start date is July 15, 2025.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside.

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role at the Assistant Professor rank is $104,700 - $133,322 (dependent on experience). SFU also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including pension, health, and dental benefits. For details on the benefits offered by SFU, please visit the Faculty Relations website.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details, see the full Collection Notice.

Job Description

The Faculty of Science at Simon Fraser University (SFU) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor as a part of a new focus area initiated by the arrival of a Canada Excellence Research Chair in Astroparticle Physics. While an appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor is preferred, exceptional candidates with qualifications for higher ranks may also be considered for appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor levels.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a vibrant research program, teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute to building equitable, diverse and inclusive environments. We invite applications from researchers from a range of disciplines including astroparticle and particle physics, particle detector development, and advanced data analysis and statistical techniques. This program builds on and complements established strengths within the SFU Faculty of Science, including:

• Particle physics and Cosmology (Department of Physics – https://www.sfu.ca/physics.html)
• Bayesian methods, Data Science, Machine learning, and Statistical computing (Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science – https://www.sfu.ca/stat-actsci.html)
• Scientific Computing, Scientific Machine Learning, and Mathematical Compressed Sensing (Department of Mathematics – https://www.sfu.ca/math.html)

Depending on their background and primary interests, the successful candidate may be housed in one or more of the departments identified above. In addition, SFU researchers benefit from close collaboration with Canada’s Particle Accelerator Centre, TRIUMF, and the Arthur B. McDonald Institute for Astroparticle Physics.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must:            

• Hold a Ph.D. and outstanding scientific record of research in related field such as particle astrophysics, neutrino physics, high energy physics, statistics/machine learning with applications to astroparticle physics.
• Demonstrate scientific potential of future research plans within experimental astroparticle physics collaborations such as IceCube and P-ONE.
• Demonstrate the potential of the research plan to strengthen the SFU astroparticle physics initiative.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Demonstrate interest and ability* to realize excellence in teaching and supervision of highly qualified personnel.

The following are considered assets:

• A record of or potential* for leadership in national and international projects in particle astrophysics.
• A record of or potential* for service to the discipline, department, faculty, and/or university.
• Record of or potential* for securing large-scale project funding.

*To be considered for the ranks of Associate Professor or Professor applicants must have an outstanding record in this category

How to Apply

Candidates should address their applications to the Astroparticle Search Committee Chair, Prof. Levon Pogosian. Informal enquires about this position may be directed to either Prof. Levon Pogosian (levon_pogosian@sfu.ca) or Prof. Darren Grant (darren_grant@sfu.ca).

Applications will consist of a single PDF, submitted by email to Physics Chair Assistant at physchairsec@sfu.ca, inclusive of the following components:

• A concise cover letter (maximum two pages) that addresses the following items: 1) reasons for applying to the position, and 2) a narrative description highlighting evidence that the candidate meets the job qualifications and would effectively fulfil job expectations.
• A complete up-to-date curriculum vitae that lists the candidate’s education and employment history, publications and conference presentations, funding and awards, student supervision, collaborations/partnerships, teaching experience, and service activities.
• A research statement (maximum three pages) that describes the candidate’s research experience, goals, and a five-year plan for their research program.
• Three examples of peer-reviewed published scholarly work.
• A teaching statement (maximum two pages) that describes the candidate’s teaching philosophy, teaching experience, and evidence of teaching effectiveness.
• A statement (maximum two pages) describing past or potential contributions to enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within research, service, and teaching.
• The names, titles, and email addresses of three referees who are qualified to assess the candidate’s research, service and, if possible, teaching capabilities. Referees will be contacted by SFU for candidates advancing to the later stages of the selection process.
• The candidate’s legal status to work in Canada.

Full consideration will be given to applications received by November 25, 2024. Applications received after this deadline may be reviewed if the position is still open.

About SFU

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is one of Canada’s top-ranked comprehensive universities. With three campuses located in beautiful British Columbia’s largest municipalities—Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey—our students, faculty, and staff are privileged to live and work on the traditional unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen peoples. Consistently ranked as one of Canada’s top employers, SFU’s takes pride in fostering a supportive and accommodating environment for all our members.

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

We take pride in fostering a supportive and accommodating environment for all our members. Situated on the Burnaby campus, we are a short walk from the University Childcare Centre, athletic facilities, and scenic hiking trails.

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on scales negotiated between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role at the Assistant Professor rank is $104,700 - $142,863, depending on experience. The estimated base salary range for Associate Professor is $130,142 - $168,305, and for Professor is $149,225 - $196,292, depending on experience.

SFU offers several benefits and services aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible campus community for faculty; please see the Faculty Relations, Benefits and Service page for more details (https://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations/benefits-services.html). SFU is also committed to ensuring that the application process is accessible to all applicants. If you require accommodations or have questions about SFU benefits, services, accommodations policies, or equity considerations, please contact the Specialist, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Faculty Relations.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details see the full the Collection Notice.

The position is subject to availability of funding and approval by the SFU Board of Governors.

Postdoctoral Fellow for STEM analysis of Semiconductor Nanostructures at Simon Fraser University : October, 2024. There is an immediate opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the field of semiconductor materials and device characterization supervised by Karen L. Kavanagh at the Physics Department of Simon Fraser University (SFU) with collaborators Simon Watkins, also at SFU, and Songrui Zhao at McGill University. The position is funded by our individual NSERC Discovery grants and a NOVA-NSERC-FRQNT early career grant. The new postdoc will be primarily engaged in the characterization of nitride semiconductor nanowires and planar material grown either by plasma enhanced MBE (McGill) or MOCVD (SFU). This will include investigations with scanning and transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) including the preparation of electron transparent sections using focussed ion beam milling.

Depending on the interests and experience of the PDF, there will be much opportunity to share the know-how in growth techniques, and other characterization equipment that is managed by the 3 groups including He ion microscopy, electron holography, photoluminescence, x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and transport and optoelectronics measurements.

For more information about the science done in our groups, see:

1. Vertical semiconductor deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes on a nanowire-assisted aluminum nitride buffer layer”, Q. Zhang, H. Parimoo, and S. Zhao, Sci Repts. 12, 7230 (2022).

2. Missing built-in potential at GaN nanowire axial p-n junctions, Anitha Jose, Qihua Zhang, Michael J. Baker, Sebastian Koelling, Cristina Cordoba, Mingze Yang, Elosie Rahier, Arthur Blackburn, Oussama Moutanabbir, Martha R. McCartney, Songrui Zhao and Karen L. Kavanagh. Nanotechnology (2024) in revision.

3. Comparing the mean inner potential of Zn-VI semiconductor nanowires using off-axis electron holography. Anitha Jose, Sarry Al-Turk, Harry E. Ruda, Simon P. Watkins, Martha R. McCartney, Cristina Cordoba and Karen L. Kavanagh. Semiconductor Science and Technology. 37 (2024) 075004.

4. Ultrasensitive rapid cytokine sensors based on asymmetric geometry twodimensional MoS2 diodes, G L Thushani De Silva, Mirette Fawzy, Karen Kavanagh, Miriam Rosin, and Michael Adachi. Nature Communications. 13 (2022) 7593.

5. Geometric effects on carrier collection in core-shell nanowire p-n junctions. Mingze Yang, Ali Darbandi, Simon P. Watkins, and Karen L. Kavanagh. Nano Futures 5 (2021) 025007.

Position Requirements

• PhD in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering or related field. 
• Hands-on experience in semiconductor materials and device characterization 
• Record of publications in highimpact journals. 

TEM experience highly desirable but not required.

To apply: please send a curriculum vitae and 3 names of references to Kavanagh@sfu.ca All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Position will remain open until filled.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, and Tsawassen people on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside. 

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Job Description

The Silicon Quantum Technology research group at Simon Fraser University is looking for highly skilled and motivated Postdocs to join our team in developing groundbreaking photonic quantum processor and networks.

For enquiries and details about the position, please contact Prof. Daniel Higginbottom at daniel_higginbottom@sfu.ca. Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and the contact details of at least two references. Applications will be evaluated immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

There are no Sessional Instructor (SI) postings in Physics for the upcoming term.

The Department of Physics' normal posting dates and timelines for Sessional Instructor postings are as follows:

• Fall term (September to December): Positions posted by June 15th
• Spring term (January to April): Positions posted by October 15th
• Summer term (May to August): Positions posted by February 15th

Sessional instructor postings and policies can be found here.

Please visit SFU's central posting site for TA postings, application procedures, and related information.

PHYSICS DEPARTMENT – TEACHING ASSISTANT (TA) HIRING PRIORITIES (23 JUNE 2016)

Priority for appointment/reappointment as a Teaching Assistant is in accordance with Article XIII of the Collective Agreement with the Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU).

In allocating Teaching Assistant positions, the department will also take into account the following:

• Amount of financial support offered on admission to the graduate program;
• Suitability for particular courses (e.g. discipline of prior degree(s), publications, experience);
• Applicant’s preferences.

If an assignment within a priority group requires a selection between applicants, the graduate student without financial support from merit based scholarships or merit based fellowships during the semester of appointment with a value equal to at least a 5.17 appointment, will have priority for the appointment.