Assistant or Associate Professor of Computational Astrophysics
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; (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. Phillip Stancil (pstancil@uga.edu). All applications received by December 31, 2026 will receive full consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled.
Posting Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Posting Number | F2873P |
| Working Title | Assistant or Associate Professor of Computational 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 consists of 22 faculty members, including 5 in astronomy and astrophysics. The successful candidate will join an active, internationally engaged astrophysics group at a time of significant institutional investment and growth, with opportunities to contribute to the evolving mission of the Center for Simulational Physics in computation, simulation, and AI-enabled scientific discovery, including opportunities for intellectual leadership in interdisciplinary research. UGA participates in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and astronomy faculty use major ground- and space-based facilities including ALMA, JWST, Hubble, Gemini, Keck, XRISM, and the Arizona Radio Observatory. The department collaborates with colleagues in Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Engineering, and the Institute for Artificial Intelligence.
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 of Physics and Astronomy and Franklin College have a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research, collaboration and academic innovation.
College/Unit/Department website: https://www.physast.uga.edu/
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Posting Type | External |
| Employment Type | Employee |
| Benefits Eligibility | Benefits Eligible |
| Anticipated Start Date | 08/01/2027 |
| Job Posting Date | 11/02/2026 |
| Open until filled | Yes |
| 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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Position Details
Position Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Classification Title | Open Rank |
| Faculty Rank | Open Rank (Tenure Track) |
| Contract Type | Academic (9 mo.) |
| Tenure Status | Tenure Track or Tenured |
| 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 computational astrophysics, with an anticipated start date of August 2027. We welcome applicants at both ranks. The successful candidate is expected to establish or sustain a vigorous, externally funded research program, contribute to high-quality undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring, and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration. |
| Additional Requirements | Candidates for the Associate Professor rank must have qualifications and academic credentials that are commensurate with the promotion and tenure (P&T) guidelines at the UGA (https://provost.uga.edu/faculty-affairs/promotion-tenure-evaluation/promotion-and-tenure/promotion-guidelines/). To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must be appointed as an associate professor, have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrably national reputation to the institution. |
| Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies | We welcome outstanding candidates across all areas of astronomy and astrophysics, including compact objects, exoplanets, galaxies and cosmology, gravitational waves, planetary science, and stellar astrophysics. We are particularly interested in research that makes substantial use of computational approaches, broadly construed to include numerical simulations, data-intensive observational astronomy, statistical inference, machine learning, and AI-enabled scientific discovery, however exceptional candidates from other domains 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.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
- Research Portfolio/Philosophy
