Assistant or Associate Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Posting Number : F2571P

Working Title :

Assistant or Associate Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Department :

Franklin-Physics & Astronomy

About the University of Georgia :

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.

About the College / Unit / Department :

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.

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.

College / Unit / Department website :

https : / / www.physast.uga.edu /

Posting Type : External

Employment Type : Employee

Benefits Eligibility :

Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date :

08 / 01 / 2026

Job Posting Date : 11 / 18 / 2025

Open until filled : Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants :

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 (3 page maximum); (4) a description of teaching philosophy and mentoring plans (2 page maximum); and (5) contact information only for three references. References will be contacted later in the search process; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to pre-arrange with their references for letters of recommendation.

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

Location of Vacancy :

Athens Area

EEO Statement :

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 ( hrweb@uga.edu ).

USG Core Values Statement :

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section8 / C224 / #p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section6 / C2653 .

Classification Title :

Open Rank

Faculty Rank :

Open Rank (Tenure Track)

Contract Type : Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status : Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications :

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a closely related field.

Position Summary :

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.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.

Additional Requirements :

Applicants must have at least one year of postdoctoral experience.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and / or Competencies :

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.

Is this a Position of Trust? :

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position? :

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? :

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) :

No

Credit and P-Card policy :

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy :

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .