Tenure-track Faculty Position, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder

Current state: Review
Department: Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
City: Boulder
State/Province: CO
Country: United States
Contact Person: Adele Ronen
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Colorado Boulder
Application Due Date: Friday, January 16 2026

Tenure-track Faculty Position, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder

The Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences (APS) Department at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is conducting a search for a new faculty member. The search is targeted at the Assistant Professor rank. We are interested in candidates from a broad range of astrophysical and planetary sciences, including researchers specializing in instrumentation, observation, and theoretical and computational approaches. This position requires the ability to develop and conduct an innovative independent research program, dedication to teaching in our undergraduate and graduate programs, and commitment to supporting the diverse student populations in our department. The APS department recognizes that contributions from a broad range of perspectives strengthen the effectiveness and creativity of a group. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=69040

Tenure-Track Faculty in Astronomy and Astrophysics University of Georgia / Department of Physics and Astronomy

Posted on
Current state: Review
Department: Department of Physics and Astronomy
City: Athens
State/Province: Georgia
Country: USA
Contact Person: Phillip C. Stancil
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Georgia
Application Due Date: Wednesday, December 31 2025

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Georgia invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in observational astronomy and astrophysics, with an anticipated start date of August 2026. We welcome applicants at both ranks, with encouragement for early-career scientists at the Assistant Professor level.

We are especially interested in candidates whose research focuses on young stars, exoplanets, circumstellar disks (protoplanetary, transitional, or debris), or planetary sciences. However, exceptional candidates in all areas of observational, computational, or theoretical astronomy and astrophysics will be considered. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a closely related field and have at least one year of postdoctoral experience. The successful candidate is expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program, contribute to high-quality teaching and mentoring at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy currently includes 20 faculty members, including 3 in astronomy and astrophysics. Our faculty maintain active collaborations with colleagues in Chemistry, Geography, Geology, and Statistics. Astronomy faculty are frequent users of major ground- and space-based observatories, including ALMA, ARO, JWST, Gemini, Keck and XRISM. Departmental resources include the UGA Observatory, the Center for Simulational Physics, and the Quantum Networks Training and Research Alliance in the Southeast.

Applicants should only apply at https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/458945. Applicants should prepare the following application documents: (1) a cover letter with brief summaries of their scientific background, strengths, plans, and teaching experience; (2) a complete curriculum vitae; (3) a statement of research interests, philosophy, and plan; (4) a description of teaching philosophy and mentoring plans; and (5) contact information only for three references.  References will be contacted later in the search process, but applicants are strongly encouraged to pre-arrange with references for letters of recommendation.

Any other correspondence should be addressed to the search committee chair, Prof. Inseok Song ([email protected]).  All applications received by December 31, 2025 will receive full consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled.

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of UGA’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, and creative activity across more than 40 departments, schools, and institutes. With a vision for high-impact research and education, Franklin College prepares students for leadership and global engagement in a sustainable future. The Department and the College have a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research, collaboration, and academic innovation.

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([email protected]).

Professor in Planetary Sciences at the University of Bern

Current state: Review
Department: Division of Space Research and Planetary Sciences
City: Bern
Category:
Country: Switzerland
Contact Person: Christoph Mordasini
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Bern
Application Due Date: Saturday, January 31 2026

The Division of Space Research and Planetary Sciences of the Physics Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland, invites applications for a full-time position as a Professor in Planetary Sciences. The initial level of tenure can range from assistant professor tenure track to full professor depending on qualifications (open rank). We invite applications from candidates who conduct outstanding research, teaching, mentorship, and leadership in any area of experimental planetary science. Areas of research could include, but are not limited to, the properties, origin and evolution of planets and minor bodies in the Solar System, the search for and emergence of life beyond Earth, the composition of surfaces and atmospheres, ongoing physical and chemical surface and sub-surface processes and the evolution of planetary interiors. A diverse spectrum of approaches and methodologies is welcome, including, but not limited to, the analysis and modeling of space probe datasets, instrumentation, and flight hardware development, experimental, observational and laboratory techniques, comparative planetology or the involvement, development, and leadership in space missions.

Professor in Planetary Sciences at the University of Bern

Current state: Review
Department: Division of Space Research and Planetary Sciences
City: Bern
Country: Switzerland
Contact Person: Christoph Mordasini
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Bern
Application Due Date: Saturday, January 31 2026

The Division of Space Research and Planetary Sciences of the Physics Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland, invites applications for a full-time position as a Professor in Planetary Sciences. The initial level of tenure can range from assistant professor tenure track to full professor depending on qualifications (open rank). We invite applications from candidates who conduct outstanding research, teaching, mentorship, and leadership in any area of experimental planetary science. Areas of research could include, but are not limited to, the properties, origin and evolution of planets and minor bodies in the Solar System, the search for and emergence of life beyond Earth, the composition of surfaces and atmospheres, ongoing physical and chemical surface and sub-surface processes and the evolution of planetary interiors. A diverse spectrum of approaches and methodologies is welcome, including, but not limited to, the analysis and modeling of space probe datasets, instrumentation, and flight hardware development, experimental, observational and laboratory techniques, comparative planetology or the involvement, development, and leadership in space missions.

Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Physics & Astronomy

Current state: Review
Department: Physics
City: Socorro
State/Province: New Mexico
Country: USA
Contact Person: Raúl Morales-Juberías
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: New Mexico Tech
Application Due Date: Monday, December 01 2025

Position Description: The Physics Department at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) invites applications for a 9 month tenure-track Assistant Professor of Physics to start in Fall semester of 2026. We specifically seek candidates to complement our astrophysics program. Broader areas of interest include: radioastronomy, stellar formation and evolution, galactic astronomy, planetary atmospheres, exoplanets, observational techniques and scientific computing. We encourage applicants that can develop strong connections with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories. A Ph.D. in physics, astrophysical science or related fields is required.

Responsibilities: (a) teaching undergraduate (e.g., introductory, upper-division, service courses) and graduate courses in the department, related fields, and their areas of expertise; (b) establishing a vibrant research program that is supported by external funding; (c) serving as an academic and research advisor for undergraduate and graduate students; (d) contributing to the department’s and institution’s efforts in supporting student academic success while engaging and encouraging students from diverse academic,
socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds; and (e) assisting in department, center, and university activities that include assessment and accreditation and other service
activities in the profession and community.

Application Details: For full consideration please apply by December 1, 2025.
We anticipate closure of the application period on January 15, 2026. Applicants should submit in a single pdf document the following: a one page cover letter, a curriculum vitae including the names of 3 potential references, a statement describing teaching experience and/or philosophy (up to 3 pages), and a research statement describing background experience and future plans (up to 3 pages). Applications should be sent to [email protected] and also copied to: Van Romero ([email protected]), Raúl Morales-Juberías ([email protected]), and Steve Simpson ([email protected])

2025 NASA Planetary Science Summer School Applications Due March 18, 2025

Current state: Approved
City: Pasadena
State/Province: CA
Category: ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Joyce Armijo
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Application Due Date: Tuesday, March 18 2025

2025 NASA Planetary Science Summer School Applications Due March 18, 2025

NASA is accepting applications for 2025 PSSS – from engineering students near to completion of their MS degree, science and engineering Postdocs, recent PhDs, Doctoral candidates, and Junior Faculty. PSSS is a 3 month-long science mission design career development experience with the workload equivalent to a university graduate course.

Sessions are run by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA
May 8 – Aug 1, 2025 and May 22 – Aug 15, 2025.

Register for PSSS Pre-Application Q&A Webinar on February 12, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm Pacific Time
at: http://go.nasa.gov/missiondesignschools

Two Tenure-Track Faculty Positions at the University of Idaho

Current state: Approved
Department: Physics
City: Moscow
State/Province: Idaho
Country: USA
Contact Person: Matthew M. Hedman
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Idaho
Application Due Date: Monday, February 03 2025

The Physics Department at the University of Idaho is seeking to hire two new tenure-track faculty members at the assistant professor level. We seek faculty members who will establish strong research programs in experimental, theoretical or computational physics that will complement or build on existing strengths within the department and the College of Science. The department currently has faculty working on various topics in astrophysics, biophysics, condensed matter, nuclear physics and planetary science, and the college is pursuing initiatives in biomedical and bioengineering fields. The new faculty members will be expected to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the physics program. The University of Idaho places a high priority on hiring faculty with an array of backgrounds and experiences, as well as researchers with a variety of perspectives.

Instructional duties typically include teaching one three-credit hour course per semester at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. These courses support university-wide physics education, as well as B.A., B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. programs in physics.

Scholarship duties include conducting research in physics, disseminating research through publications in refereed professional journals and presentations at conferences, and seeking external funding to support research activities.

Outreach duties include participating in activities related to community involvement and serving the professional physics community through scholarship. Service duties include serving on department, college and/or university-level committees.

Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field.
Record of research activity in physics, demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications

Preferred Qualifications:
Evidence of productive post-doctoral or equivalent experience.
Evidence of potential to acquire external funding, demonstrated by submitted and/or funded proposals.
Evidence of ability to teach University of Idaho undergraduate and graduate physics courses
Evidence of teaching experience beyond conventional teaching assistantship duties.
Evidence of synergies with the existing research strengths in the department or college, described in the letter of application

This position will remain open until filled, however, applications received on or before February 3, 2025, will receive first consideration. Posting will remain open until a suitable pool of candidates is identified. To ensure full consideration, please provide the following required documents with your application:

Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track) Faculty Position in Geobiology at UCLA

Current state: Approved
Department: Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences
City: Los Angeles
State/Province: CA
Country: USA
Contact Person: Sean Silverstein
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: UCLA
Application Due Date: Sunday, December 01 2024

The UCLA Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences (EPSS) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Geobiology at the Assistant Professor rank. Competitive candidates will have expertise in the detection and characterization of life and/or signatures of life in Earth’s past and present environments, and/or in extraterrestrial settings. Areas of research may include, but are not limited to, organic geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, paleontology, paleobiology, and/or astrobiology. Candidates with expertise that complements and expands the existing strengths of UCLA’s geobiology, geology, geochemistry and planetary science research programs, and who see potential for synergies across the breadth of research pursued by EPSS faculty, are particularly encouraged to apply. We seek individuals with experience in research, teaching, and community/collegial service who are prepared to contribute to our commitment to excellence in scholarship and to our goals of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program at UCLA. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, geochemistry, geology, environmental science, or a closely related field by the date of hire.

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

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position in Experimental Laboratory Astrophysics

Current state: Approved
Department: Physics
City: Auburn
State/Province: AL
Category: ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Dennis Bodewits
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Auburn University
Application Due Date: Friday, November 15 2024

The Department of Physics at Auburn University is inviting applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Experimental Laboratory Astrophysics. We are seeking a talented and driven experimentalist to join our department and lead an innovative research program that enhances our understanding of astrophysical processes, astrochemical reactions, and the fundamental physics of atomic and molecular interactions in space environments.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in experimental techniques that complement astronomical observations and space exploration, contributing to interdisciplinary research in astrophysics, astrochemistry, heliophysics, planetary science, and other related fields. This position also offers the opportunity to teach and mentor students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Key Responsibilities:
Develop a robust, externally funded research program in Laboratory Astrophysics.
Lead experiments that contribute to our understanding of the universe, complementing observational data and space mission results.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in physics, astrophysics, planetary science, and related areas.
Teach and mentor students at all levels.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Auburn University offers a competitive benefits package, including health care, retirement benefits, and resources for research support. At the College of Sciences and Mathematics, we value the land-grant mission of the university. We are committed to broadening access to higher education in order to cultivate culturally competent professionals. As an R1, Doctoral University and one of the nation’s premier land, sea, and space grant institutions, Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples.

We encourage you to share this exciting opportunity with your colleagues and networks. Below are the key details:

Position: Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track)
Field: Experimental Laboratory Astrophysics
Application Review Begins: November 15, 2024
Full Posting and Application Link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/48943

University of Maryland Astronomy faculty position

Current state: Approved
Department: Astronomy
City: College Park
State/Province: MD
Country: USA
Contact Person: Olivia Dent
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Maryland, College Park
Application Due Date: Friday, November 15 2024

The Department of Astronomy at the University of Maryland College Park invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position, at the assistant or associate professor level. Outstanding candidates in all areas of observational and theoretical astronomy and astrophysics will be considered, although we particularly encourage applicants in the fields of exoplanets, solar system and planetary origins, data science (especially time-domain astronomy and surveys), and the high-z universe and galaxy evolution. All candidates should have research that relates to current and near-future major astronomical facilities such as JWST, ALMA, Roman, and Rubin.

For full consideration, complete applications (including letters) must be submitted by November 15, 2024. For more information about the position and to submit an application, please visit:
https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/123978