Assistant Professor in Astronomy

The Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Chicago invites applications for an Assistant Professor. We are interested in outstanding scientists who use theoretical, computational, and/or observational approaches to study any aspect of the “Extreme Universe”, including multi-messenger/time-domain Astronomy and high-energy/plasma Astrophysics. The ideal candidate would pursue an original research program in the Department, possibly complementing our existing strengths in cosmology, observational astronomy, galaxy formation, and exoplanets.

Computational astrophysics is supported by access to high-performance computing through the Research Computing Center at the University and through connections to Fermilab and Argonne National Laboratory, which hosts the Aurora exascale supercomputer.

Department members are also involved in the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics, the Enrico Fermi Institute, Fermilab, and Argonne National Laboratory; they play leading roles in a wide range of research projects, including Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), the South Pole Telescope (SPT), the Simons Observatory; X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), high-energy neutrino experiments such as RNO-G and PUEO, and many others; more details can be found at the Department website. The University of Chicago is a founding partner of the Giant Magellan Telescope, and members of the Department have access to the twin 6.5-m Magellan Telescopes.

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints, to cultivate an inclusive community that values freedom of expression, and to welcome and support all their members. The successful candidate will conduct an independent research program and teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students.

The salary range for this position is $120,000- $130,000. This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment. Individuals may be eligible for summer salary. This position may be eligible for housing support and a taxable moving allowance.

This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

All requirements for a Ph.D. in Physics, Astrophysics or a closely related field must be completed prior to the start of the appointment, expected to be July 1, 2027 or later.