Faculty Positions (Tenure and Tenure track)

The South-Western Institute for Astronomy Research (SWIFAR) at Yunnan University (YNU), Kunming, Yunnan Province, PR China, invites applications for faculty positions of all ranks (tenure-track assistant professors, tenured associate and full professors), starting on March 1st, 2021. We seek for highly qualified applicants in all branches of astronomy and astrophysics. 

Being one of the 42 top universities designated by the Chinese government to strive for building world-class disciplines and universities (“double world-class”), YNU has prioritized astronomy to be one of the five key areas in its development plan. For that, SWIFAR was established in September 2017, and is intended to be an international centre of excellence that promotes basic research in astronomy and astrophysics in China with the highest international standards. It is designed to be a forum for global scientific exchange, an incubator for innovative projects, and a training centre for national and international postdocs and students. Currently, SWIFAR focuses on studies in three major areas: a) Interstellar medium and Local universe; b) Galaxy and Cosmology; and c) High energy phenomena and fundamental physics. A variety of academic activities and programs are routinely organized, which have made SWIFAR scientifically stimulating. Successful candidates are expected to be able to develop forefront research programs and engage in student training. They should also contribute actively to the global research environment of the institute.

SWIFAR is building Multi-Channel Photometric Survey Telescope (Mephisto; http://www.swifar.ynu.edu.cn/kxyj_Science/yjxm_Research_Projects.htm), a 1.6m telescope capable of surveying the sky in three bands simultaneously with three widefield cameras. It is expected to operate in early 2022. The telescope shall deliver ultra precise, real-time true colours of celestial objects down to a limiting magnitude of g ≈ 22.7 mag. Candidates with experiences in wide-field imaging surveys and time domain science are particularly encouraged to apply.

RANK: Faculty positions of all ranks

SALARY: Depending on qualifications and experience.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D., or equivalent, in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Sciences or related fields, completed or expected to complete by effective date, a demonstrated record of research excellence and potential. Candidates of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

POSITION AVAILABLE: March 1st, 2021. Each applicant should submit a curriculum vita, a brief summary of research achievements and future plan, as well as teaching experience and interest, and three letters of recommendation (all letters will be treated as confidential documents). It is the responsibility of the applicant to see that all materials, including reference letters, be sent to:  

Ms. Yue Hu

Secretary of Foreign Affairs

South-Western Institute for Astronomy Research

Rm 1323, Astronomical Building, Yunnan University

Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province

P. R. China.

Email: [email protected]

CLOSING DATE: Applications arrived before October 16th, 2020, will receive full considerations.