Assistant Professor in Computational Astrophysics

Position Description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University
of Kentucky invites applications for a tenure-eligible faculty position at the Assistant Professor
level in computational astrophysics, broadly defined, with expertise in either theoretical or
observational astrophysics. This is a nine-month appointment in the regular title series with an
anticipated start date of August 1, 2027.

We are particularly interested in candidates whose research is data-driven and leverages modern
computational techniques, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to
maximize the scientific return from large astronomical datasets. Relevant research areas may
include, but are not limited to, projects utilizing data from NASA-, NSF-, and DOE-supported
supercomputing facilities and observatories, such as the Athena Supercomputer, Rubin
Observatory, Roman Space Telescope, and Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument.

Candidates whose research complements and strengthens existing astronomy and astrophysics
programs at the University of Kentucky (https://pa.as.uky.edu/astro) are especially encouraged to apply. Current departmental
strengths include galaxy formation, stellar evolution, and the interstellar medium, and the
University is home to the Cloudy Project, a widely used open-source spectral simulation code.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the potential to establish a sustained, externally
funded research program and will be expected to contribute effectively to teaching, mentoring,
and research training at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidate
will also participate actively in departmental and university service. This is a nine-month appointment. The approximate anticipated Distribution of Effort will be
65% research, 25% teaching, and 10% departmental service.

A Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, or a closely related field is required and must be completed by
August 1, 2027.

Questions about the search may be directed to Dr. Yuanyuan Su (ysu262@g.uky.edu), Search Committee Chair,
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kentucky.

Applicants must complete two separate steps:

In the first step, the CV must be uploaded to the University of Kentucky Jobs site https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/648332

In the second step, applicants must make sure that the following documents are uploaded to AJO (this site):
1) CV, including a list of publications;
2) letter of application (upload as Cover Letter);
3) Research Statement (upload as specific statement 1);
4) teaching statement (upload as specific statement 2);
5) In addition, please have at least three letters of recommendation uploaded to AJO.

Application Deadline is December 1, 2026.

Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with rewards, focusing on your total
well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-lifeintegration. The university generously contributes to employees’ medical coverage and in
addition, offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance. To learn more about these
benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal
and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified
persons in all aspects of institutional operations, and does not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran
status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender
expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, social or economic status or whether
the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.