Category: Theory

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

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Current state: Review
Department: Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
City: Boulder
State/Province: CO
Category: , , ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Adele Ronen
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Colorado Boulder
Application Due Date: Friday, January 16 2026
Web Link: https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=69040

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

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Current state: Review
Department: Department of Physics and Astronomy
City: Athens
State/Province: Georgia
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Phillip C. Stancil
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Georgia
Application Due Date: Wednesday, December 31 2025
Web Link: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/458945

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]).

McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship

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Current state: Review
Department: McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences
City: St. Louis
State/Province: Missouri
Category: , , ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Vickie Gee
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Washington University
Application Due Date: Saturday, December 20 2025
Web Link: https://mcss.wustl.edu/news/postdoctoral-fellowship-opening-2025

Washington University in St. Louis invites applicants to conduct independent research as a postdoctoral fellow of the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences (MCSS) in the broad field of space sciences. We welcome applicants with interests in Astromaterials, Cosmochemistry, or Meteoritics; Experimental, Theoretical, or Observational Astrophysics; Planetary Science; Particle and Nuclear Physics, Cosmology and Gravitation; and Earth as a Planet. In their application materials, the candidate should describe their research interests and list potential collaborators from among the faculty fellows of the MCSS.

Employment in this fellowship is planned to begin in July 2026 for an anticipated initial one-year term, with the possibility of renewal for a second year.

Candidates must have a PhD or be a May 2026 degree candidate specializing in one of the fields listed above and have a record of excellent scholarship. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated expertise in relevant observational, lab-based, theoretical, and computational methodologies.

Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowships Starting in 2026 at the Earth and Planets Laboratory

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Current state: Approved
Department: Earth and Planets Laboratory
City: Washington
State/Province: DC
Category: , , , ,
Country: US
Contact Person: Alycia Weinberger
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Carnegie Institution for Science
Application Due Date: Monday, November 03 2025
Web Link: https://apply.interfolio.com/172660

The Earth and Planets Laboratory (EPL), a division of the Carnegie Institution for Science, invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships at its campus in Washington, DC. Multiple independent research fellowships are available in our interdisciplinary basic research laboratory covering a wide range of fields. EPL scientists engage in observational, experimental and theoretical research in fields including astronomy, cosmochemistry, data science, experimental petrology, geobiology, geochemistry, geodynamics, geophysics, mineral physics, planetary science, physics and chemistry of materials (including materials at extreme conditions, superconductors and ferroelectrics at the atomic scale), seismology, and volcanology. Applicants’ primary field of research should overlap with one or more of these areas. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration with multiple research areas on campus is encouraged.

Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded once a year, with allowed start dates between July 1st and December 31, 2026. New fellows will join a supportive community of about 25 postdoctoral scientists and 30 staff and research scientists engaged in understanding the origin and evolution of Earth and planets and materials under extreme conditions. More information about our research and facilities can be viewed at https://carnegiescience.edu/epl and about our postdoctoral fellowships and postdoctoral experience at https://carnegiescience.edu/about/working/postdocs/epl.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field at the time of the start of the fellowship. The principal selection criteria will be research accomplishment, promise of future achievement, originality and achievability of the research proposal, independence, and relevance to the ongoing scientific pursuits at EPL. Advice for crafting a compelling application and sample applications are available on our postdoctoral website.

University of Maryland Astronomy faculty position

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Current state: Approved
Department: Astronomy
City: College Park
State/Province: MD
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Olivia Dent
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Maryland, College Park
Application Due Date: Friday, November 15 2024
Web Link: https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/124087

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

Assistant Professor Position in Computational Mathematics and Physics

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Current state: Review
Department: Department of Physics and Department of Mathematics
City: New York
State/Province: NY
Category: ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Michael Blanton
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: New York University
Application Due Date: Monday, November 27 2023
Web Link: https://as.nyu.edu/departments/physics/information/jobs.html#2

New York University seeks applicants for two faculty positions in computational mathematics and physics, each of which will be a 50/50 joint appointment between the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Physics. These are the first appointments in a larger, multi-year Integrated Science Initiative that will build on NYU’s collaborative culture by recruiting faculty whose research makes explicit connections between departments and promises synergistic advances in fields ripe for cross-boundary breakthroughs. Within the Physics Department, we anticipate that one of the new faculty members will join the Center for Cosmology and Particle Physics (CCPP) and the other will join the Center for Soft Matter Research (CSMR).

The Department of Mathematics, part of the Courant Institute for Mathematical Sciences, has a long and distinguished history in both pure and applied mathematics, with an impressive record of accomplishments in applications to Physics. Both CCPP and CSMR are leading research centers in their respective fields, and include faculty who already are collaborating with members of the Courant Institute. The CCPP currently has eighteen faculty members who work in astrophysics, cosmology and particle physics. Through this new faculty position, we wish to substantially broaden the research being done in CCPP to include geophysics, geochemistry, geobiology, planetary, and/or exoplanetary science using cutting-edge computational and mathematical techniques, to support future anticipated growth in these areas. CSMR currently has ten faculty members pursuing research at the interface between physics, chemistry, biology and engineering, using laboratory, theoretical, and computational tools. By hiring in the overlaps between Courant, CCPP, and CSMR we seek to build programs in cross-disciplinary research areas such as climate change, the origin of life, or other fields.

Full information is available at the web link provided.

Life Detection Scientist

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Current state: Review
Department: Astrochemistry Laboratory
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Dr. Natasha M. Johnson
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Application Due Date: Wednesday, May 17 2023
Web Link: http://www.usajobs.gov

The Astrochemistry Laboratory of the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is seeking a full-time research scientist specializing in life detection science who would work to connect theories of life and biological search patterns to measurable parameters and contribute to future mission concepts. The successful candidate will work closely with life detection instrument technology developers to conceive of measurement approaches that are well connected to fundamental, robust theories or models of biology and life signatures. This research position entails developing productive collaborative relationships, leading ground-breaking research, and providing input into future mission/instrument design. This is a GS-13/14 level civil servant position located at NASA-Goddard in Greenbelt, Maryland near Washington, DC. As a government position, individuals must have US citizenship at time of application.

A full vacancy announcement, which contains further information including qualification requirements and application instructions, will be posted on May 4 and remain open for two weeks. The period that the announcement is open is due to the type of hiring authority and not a reflection of the openness of the position.

Postdoctoral Associate in Exoplanet Atmospheres

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Department: Astronomy
City: College Park
State/Province: MD
Category: ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Thaddeus Komacek
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Maryland
Application Due Date: Friday, March 17 2023
Web Link: https://jobregister.aas.org/ad/369bc0eb

​The University of Maryland Department of Astronomy invites applications for a postdoctoral associate position in the study of exoplanet atmospheres. The postdoctoral associate would work with Assistant Professor Thaddeus Komacek on projects focused on developing three-dimensional atmospheric circulation models of exoplanets and applying them to interpret observations.  The successful applicant would have the opportunity to work on projects including but not limited to studying the radiative feedback due to mineral clouds on the atmospheric dynamics of hot and ultra-hot Jupiters, the influence of magnetic fields on their thermal structure and deep dynamics, and the coupling of interior evolution models to atmospheric circulation models. Prior experience with general circulation models and familiarity with observational characterization of exoplanets is preferred. The candidate must have a Ph.D in astronomy, planetary science, geophysics, or a related field by the start date of the position. 

The appointment will be for two years, with continuation for one more year contingent on performance and the availability of funding. The expected start date is Fall 2023, and is negotiable. Along with salary and benefits, the appointment will include limited allowances for travel and moving expenses. 

To apply, please submit an online application. The requested materials include a full CV with a list of publications along with a brief (2 pages of text) description of research interests. Please also arrange for 2-3 letters of reference to be sent via the same application form. All materials should be received by March 17, 2023. Applications will not be considered until all materials are received. 

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. A prior criminal conviction or convictions will not automatically disqualify a finalist from employment in the position.

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER – PLANETARY SCIENCE

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Department: Space Science
City: San Antonio
State/Province: Texas
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Institution: Southwest Research Institute
Application Due Date: Saturday, April 01 2023
Web Link: https://resapp.swri.org/ResApp/Job_Details.aspx?JOB_CD=15-01645
Who We Are:

A recognized leader in space science research and spacecraft instrumentation, avionics, and electronics, we are helping to reveal the secrets of our solar system and the universe.

Objectives of this Role:
  • Lead novel modeling research while contributing to various ongoing research projects in collaboration with other members of the In Situ Techniques Group.
  • Develop new geochemical and cosmochemical models as foundational science in support of current or future mission work, including Ocean Worlds and origins science.
  • Collaborate with remote sensing and lab studies groups and with the Space Science Division in general on mission activities, observation campaigns, laboratory science, and flight mission/instrumentation/technology development and advancement projects.
  • Disseminate results through active publication in peer-reviewed journals and participation at scientific meetings/conferences.
  • Actively seek funding by contributing to proposal development in the In Situ Techniques Group and elsewhere in the Space Science Division.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
  • Lead/execute model development using robust analysis methods in consultation with senior project team members to derive important insights into conditions and processes in extraterrestrial environments relevant to planetary missions.
  • Work closely with a team of scientists, engineers, and graduate students while executing fundamental and or applied research on ongoing projects.
  • Attend team meetings to inform the group of progress and results through presentations.
  • Develop science or technical requirements for future hardware development projects.
Requirements:
  • Requires a PhD with a 3.00 GPA in Planetary Science, Astronomy, Geological Sciences, Physics, Applied or Engineering Physics, Chemistry, or related fields.
  • 0 years: Acadmeic demonstration of independent research is required
  • Must show potential to develop an independent research program
  • Experience in geochemical or cosmochemical modeling and interpretation, as well as application of mass spectrometry data are beneficial
Special Requirements:

This is a 1 year limited term assignment with possible extension.

Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Space Science & Engineering home page.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here.
For benefits information at all other locations, click here.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disabled/Veteran
Committed to Diversity in the Workplace

Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor – Advanced Materials

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Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences; Chemistry; Physics and Astronomy; Biology
City: West Lafayette
State/Province: IN
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Mike Sori
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Purdue University
Application Due Date: Tuesday, November 01 2022
Web Link: http://www.purdue.edu

The Departments of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, and Biological Sciences at Purdue University invite applicants for multiple faculty positions at any rank in the area of Advanced Materials, with departmental appointment(s) to align with candidate’s expertise and interests. Successful candidates hired at all faculty levels as part of this College-wide cluster search will help form the core of a new interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Materials, along with an already established dynamic group of Purdue College of Science faculty across all departments. Center faculty will create an interdisciplinary, globally competitive research presence.  Applications from researchers in all areas with relevance to Advanced Materials are welcome, including but not limited to geologic or planetary materials, mineralogy, space materials, environmental materials, and materials to address climate change or sustainability.  Questions related to this position may be addressed to Prof. Mike Sori ([email protected]) or Prof. Roger Wiens ([email protected]).  Review of applications will begin on or after Nov 1, 2022 and remain in consideration until the position is filled.  For additional details and instructions on how to apply, please visit the official job ads here:

Assistant level:   https://careers.purdue.edu/job/West-Lafayette-Professor-Assistant-IN-47906/942425200/

Associate or Full level:  https://careers.purdue.edu/job/West-Lafayette-Associate-Professor-IN-47906/940933400/