Assistant or Associate Professor of Computational Astrophysics

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.

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

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/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2027

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

11/02/2026

Job Closing Date

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

Classification Title

Open Rank

FLSA

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.

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.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or
Certification

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.

Physical Demands

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 .

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
• Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents