[Emeriti-faculty] high energy theory position request

[Alexander Vilenkin <vilenkin cosmos phy tufts edu>]

Dear colleagues,

We suggest that the Department requests, as the highest priority, a 
position in high energy theory, with a preference to candidates doing 
research at the interface with cosmology.  The description and the 
rationale for the position are attached below.


Larry Ford,  Gary Goldstein,  Krzysztof Sliwa,  Alex Vilenkin

_________________________________________________________


Department of Physics and Astronomy Faculty Position Request for 2012-2013


1. Position description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy requests the creation of a tenure
track assistant professor position in the field of phenomenological high
energy theory, preferably with connections to cosmology. To qualify
for this position, a candidate must have a Ph.D. degree in physics and
postdoctoral experience in high energy theory. Some experience in
research relating to the interface between high energy physics and
cosmology is strongly preferred.  After joining the department, the
candidate will be expected to obtain external research funding, to
teach undergraduate and graduate courses on all levels, and to
supervise graduate student Ph.D. thesis research.


2. Rationale

High energy phenomenology theory deals with building theoretical models and
testing them with experimental or observational data. A "Standard Model" of
particle physics, a quantum gauge theory of strong and electroweak
interactions developed in recent years, has been remarkably successful
in describing all available data on elementary particles' types and
their interactions. In addition, theoretical cosmology has made
dramatic advances using insights from high energy physics. An example
is the inflationary model, which has correctly predicted the
primordial spectrum of density perturbations as measured by the WMAP
satellite. However, it is also clear that the current understanding
is incomplete, and new discoveries are likely. The existence of
"dark matter", the 25% of the universe's mass in unseen particles,
and the recent cosmic acceleration ("dark energy") are unexplained
phenomena. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN  is just beginning
to probe new and higher energies. The resulting data may point to
physics beyond the Standard Model, and possibly reveal new exotic
effects, such as small black holes or extra dimensions.

On one level, Tufts is well positioned to participate in this exciting
endeavor. The two strongest research groups in the department are
those in experimental high energy physics (Profs. Beauchemin,
Gallagher, Mann, Napier, Oliver, and Sliwa) and in theoretical
cosmology (Profs. Blanco-Pillado, Ford, and Vilenkin). The
experimental high energy physics group is involved with both neutrino
experiments and work at the LHC. The theoretical cosmology group has
been very active in topics such as inflation and topological defects,
which lie at the boundary between cosmology and particle physics.

However, on another level, there is a significant gap. The Tufts high
energy theory group has long consisted of only one person, Prof. Gary
Goldstein. Although he remains very active, a one-person group is not
adequate to fully exploit the opportunities presented by the data
coming from accelerator experiments and cosmological observations. This
deficiency has long been recognized. Both the department's long range
plan of January 2007, and the report of the external visiting committee
of April 2007, called for the hiring of an additional high energy
theorist with links to cosmology. The position currently being
requested would fulfill these recommendations, and position the
department to participate more fully in cutting edge high energy and
cosmological research. It would also create bridges between disciplines in
the department and promote interaction between high-energy physics,
cosmology and astronomy on matters of common interest, such as dark
matter particles and high-energy cosmic rays.



3. Plan for attracting minority and women applicants

The department is strongly committed to increasing the diversity of its
faculty. We would work with the Tufts Affirmative Action Office to
advertise the position widely, and use use informal contact to solicit
applications from underrepresented groups.

4. Resource needs

The primary needs of a theorist are a salary, office space, and some
computer equipment. We anticipate the need for a modest startup
package with funding for computer equipment, support for the summer
salary and a student for a period of two years, and some travel funds.