Assistant Professor of Astronomy

The Department of Astronomy at the University of Virginia invites applicants for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level. Applicants with expertise in observational or theoretical exoplanet atmospheres or in theoretical galaxy formation and evolution are especially encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will join a diverse department with expertise in theoretical and observational astronomy and astrochemistry. The Department of Astronomy has guaranteed access to the twin 8.4m Large Binocular Telescope, the telescopes of Apache Point Observatory, and, through a special arrangement, the telescopes of Steward Observatory (including the Magellan Telescopes in Chile). The Department is a partner in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey V (SDSS-V) collaboration, for which UVa has been responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the high resolution, infrared, APOGEE spectrographs. The Department also runs the Virginia Astronomical Instrumentation Laboratory (VAIL), which focuses on optical, near-infrared, and radio instrumentation for ground-based telescopes; VAIL is currently developing instrumentation as part of its involvement with the cosmic microwave background experiment at Simons Observatory. Furthermore, the Department has strong research and development ties with the staff at the Headquarters of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), which is located on the grounds of the University of Virginia, and the NRAO Central Development Laboratory, also located in Charlottesville.

The Department has strengths in theoretical astrophysics, hosting the Virginia Institute for Theoretical Astronomy (VITA). In addition, the Virginia Initiative on Cosmic Origins (VICO) brings together Astronomy, Chemistry, Materials Science, and Data Science, as well as NRAO to collaborate on topics relating to the formation of galaxies, stars, planets and life in the Universe.

Successful candidates are expected to be dedicated to our mission and passionate about research and teaching in a world-class institution. In addition to securing external funding to support research endeavors, candidates will be expected to teach astronomy at the graduate and undergraduate levels and provide service to the University, Department, and professional organizations. The appointment begins in the 2023 Fall Term, with an anticipated start date of August 22, 2023. Applicants must be on track to receive a PhD in the relevant field by May 2023 and must hold a PhD at the time of appointment.

To be considered, applications must be received by December 31, 2022.

Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and attach the following:

1. Cover letter (not to exceed two single spaced pages) of application describing (1) research and teaching experience; (2) potential research collaborations; (3) your demonstrated past experience working on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and/or working with diverse populations.

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. A statement of research interests (5-page single spaced maximum)

4. A statement of teaching philosophy (2-page single spaced maximum)

Applicants should also arrange for three letters of reference to be emailed directly to: [email protected] with subject heading "Assistant Professor in Astronomy”.

The reference letters should be a PDF with the naming convention LastNameCandidate-FirstNameCandidate-ReferenceWriterLastName.pdf

Questions about this position should be directed to Gabby Fuller at [email protected]. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to: Richard Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor at [email protected].

UVA assists faculty spouses and partners seeking employment in the Charlottesville area. To learn more please visit http://provost.virginia.edu/dual-career.

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.