Assistant Professor of Physics (United Arab Emirates University)

Job Description The Department of Physics, College of Science at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Space Sciences specializing in Space Instrumentation and Spacecraft Subsystems to play a central teaching role in the University’s newly established BSc in Space Sciences program. This program has been developed in line with the UAE’s national vision for space exploration and the rapid growth of the local space ecosystem, with the aim of building a strong pipeline of work-ready space science and technology professionals for government agencies, research centers, universities and industry. The successful candidate will lead the technical teaching stream of the curriculum by delivering high-quality undergraduate instruction in areas such as science payloads and detectors, scientific principles of instrumentation, subsystem fundamentals (power, thermal, ADCS, communications interfaces), the elements and the life cycle of space missions and the like. A key expectation is the design and delivery of hands-on lab and experiential learning components and project-based modules that connect Physics principles to real spacecraft and instrumentation workflows. The appointee will also supervise student capstone projects and support internships through industry-aligned project themes, ensuring that graduates develop practical competencies that directly address the UAE’s emerging manpower requirements in space missions, payload development, and space technology operations. In addition, the selected candidate will be expected to run their own research program(s) and engage in department services. Contact Dr. Aquib Moin (aquib.moin@uaeu.ac.ae) for any queries related to the position. Key Responsibilities Teaching & Curriculum: • Teach technology-oriented undergraduate courses from the Space Sciences curriculum, such as Space Science Instrumentation, Space Communication & Navigation, Space Missions. • Develop and deliver hands-on lab experiences and practical modules (instrument characterization, data production, subsystem-level testing, mission-relevant design exercises). • Supervise undergraduate capstone/research projects and contribute to internship coordination through industry-linked project themes. Research & Scholarship: • Establish and maintain an active research program in space instrumentation, payload development, spacecraft subsystem design, measurement systems, sensor calibration, or closely related areas. • Publish in reputable journals and pursue internal and external funding; contribute to multidisciplinary research initiatives within UAEU and with national/international partners. Service & Engagement: • Support program development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement activities. • Contribute to departmental and college committees and participate in outreach that promotes STEM and the Space Sciences program. • Build and sustain partnerships with organizations in the UAE space ecosystem (e.g., mission centers, R&D labs, industry operators). Application Materials: 1. Cover letter describing teaching and research fit for themes related to Space Instrumentation / Spacecraft Subsystems 2. Curriculum vitae 3. Research statement (including near-term plans, collaborations and student involvement) 4. Teaching statement (including approach to labs and experiential learning) 5. Names and contact information of three referees. 6. (Optional but encouraged) Evidence of teaching effectiveness and a brief portfolio of technical projects/lab development. Start Date: August 2026 Minimum Qualification • PhD in Space Sciences, Astronomy/Astrophysics, Physics, Applied Physics, Aerospace or a closely related discipline, with a focus on space instrumentation, spacecraft subsystems, from an accredited institution. • Demonstrated capability to teach and/or develop coursework in space instrumentation and spacecraft subsystems (e.g., payloads and sensors, ADCS concepts, thermal/power, navigation & communications). • A record of scholarly productivity consistent with an Assistant Professor appointment (peer-reviewed publications and/or significant technical contributions). • Clear potential to develop an independent and sustainable research program. • Strong communication skills in English and ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate level. Preferred Qualification • Postdoctoral experience and/or relevant industry or mission / program experience (payload development, subsystem design and development, instrument operations). • Teaching, mentoring and supervision experience. Familiarity with contemporary and innovative teaching methods, project-based/experiential learning. • Experience in labs and hand-on work on space instrument design and simulation. • Familiarity with common space mission standards, mission requirements and phases. Review process (requirements flow-down, verification matrices, SRR/PDR/CDR documentation practices). • Evidence of successful or emerging grant activity, international collaborative projects, or partnerships. • Ability to contribute to areas such as science payloads (e.g., Astronomy, Earth Observation), instrument design and/or AI-enabled instrument pipelines. Close Date 2026-04-06 Department Physics - (COS) Grade 23 Posting Number 5085 Position Number 301096 If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Job Description

The Department of Physics, College of Science at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Space Sciences specializing in Space Instrumentation and Spacecraft Subsystems to play a central teaching role in the University’s newly established BSc in Space Sciences program. This program has been developed in line with the UAE’s national vision for space exploration and the rapid growth of the local space ecosystem, with the aim of building a strong pipeline of work-ready space science and technology professionals for government agencies, research centers, universities and industry. The successful candidate will lead the technical teaching stream of the curriculum by delivering high-quality undergraduate instruction in areas such as science payloads and detectors, scientific principles of instrumentation, subsystem fundamentals (power, thermal, ADCS, communications interfaces), the elements and the life cycle of space missions and the like. A key expectation is the design and delivery of hands-on lab and experiential learning components and project-based modules that connect Physics principles to real spacecraft and instrumentation workflows. The appointee will also supervise student capstone projects and support internships through industry-aligned project themes, ensuring that graduates develop practical competencies that directly address the UAE’s emerging manpower requirements in space missions, payload development, and space technology operations. In addition, the selected candidate will be expected to run their own research program(s) and engage in department services. Contact Dr. Aquib Moin (aquib.moin@uaeu.ac.ae) for any queries related to the position. Key Responsibilities Teaching & Curriculum: • Teach technology-oriented undergraduate courses from the Space Sciences curriculum, such as Space Science Instrumentation, Space Communication & Navigation, Space Missions. • Develop and deliver hands-on lab experiences and practical modules (instrument characterization, data production, subsystem-level testing, mission-relevant design exercises). • Supervise undergraduate capstone/research projects and contribute to internship coordination through industry-linked project themes. Research & Scholarship: • Establish and maintain an active research program in space instrumentation, payload development, spacecraft subsystem design, measurement systems, sensor calibration, or closely related areas. • Publish in reputable journals and pursue internal and external funding; contribute to multidisciplinary research initiatives within UAEU and with national/international partners. Service & Engagement: • Support program development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement activities. • Contribute to departmental and college committees and participate in outreach that promotes STEM and the Space Sciences program. • Build and sustain partnerships with organizations in the UAE space ecosystem (e.g., mission centers, R&D labs, industry operators). Application Materials: 1. Cover letter describing teaching and research fit for themes related to Space Instrumentation / Spacecraft Subsystems 2. Curriculum vitae 3. Research statement (including near-term plans, collaborations and student involvement) 4. Teaching statement (including approach to labs and experiential learning) 5. Names and contact information of three referees. 6. (Optional but encouraged) Evidence of teaching effectiveness and a brief portfolio of technical projects/lab development. Start Date: August 2026

Minimum Qualification

• PhD in Space Sciences, Astronomy/Astrophysics, Physics, Applied Physics, Aerospace or a closely related discipline, with a focus on space instrumentation, spacecraft subsystems, from an accredited institution. • Demonstrated capability to teach and/or develop coursework in space instrumentation and spacecraft subsystems (e.g., payloads and sensors, ADCS concepts, thermal/power, navigation & communications). • A record of scholarly productivity consistent with an Assistant Professor appointment (peer-reviewed publications and/or significant technical contributions). • Clear potential to develop an independent and sustainable research program. • Strong communication skills in English and ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate level.

Preferred Qualification

• Postdoctoral experience and/or relevant industry or mission / program experience (payload development, subsystem design and development, instrument operations). • Teaching, mentoring and supervision experience. Familiarity with contemporary and innovative teaching methods, project-based/experiential learning. • Experience in labs and hand-on work on space instrument design and simulation. • Familiarity with common space mission standards, mission requirements and phases. Review process (requirements flow-down, verification matrices, SRR/PDR/CDR documentation practices). • Evidence of successful or emerging grant activity, international collaborative projects, or partnerships. • Ability to contribute to areas such as science payloads (e.g., Astronomy, Earth Observation), instrument design and/or AI-enabled instrument pipelines.