Assistant Professor of Astronomy

The Department of Astronomy at the University of Virginia invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in cosmology with an emphasis on research areas related to cosmic microwave background (CMB) studies. This position is expected to begin in August 2025. The Department's current CMB research activities are focused on developing instrumentation; we are looking to expand the scope of this research area to include theory, observation, and data analysis activities. The Department is particularly interested in candidates whose future research plans might leverage the University of Virginia’s membership in Simons Observatory, which is a new CMB experiment in the Atacama Desert in Chile. The review of applications is expected to begin on December 15th, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

The successful candidate will join a diverse department with expertise in experimental, theoretical, and observational astronomy, astrophysics, and astrochemistry. The Department is a partner in the new NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins (CosmicAI) and runs the Galaxy Evolution and Cosmology Initiative (GECO), the Virginia Institute for Theoretical Astronomy (VITA), the Virginia Initiative on Cosmic Origins (VICO), and the Virginia Astronomical Instrumentation Laboratory (VAIL). The Department also has strong research ties with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and the North American ALMA Science Center, which are located on the grounds of the University of Virginia, and the NRAO Central Development Laboratory, which is located nearby in Charlottesville, VA. The Department is also a partner in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and has guaranteed access to the 2 x 8.4-m Large Binocular Telescope, the 6.5-m MMT, the two 6.5-m Magellan telescopes, and the Astrophysical Research Consortium telescopes at Apache Point Observatory.

Candidates are expected to be passionate about research and teaching at a world-class institution and come with a willingness to contribute to the goals of the University and the scholarly life of the Department. The selected candidate will be expected to teach astronomy and astrophysics at the graduate and undergraduate levels, carry out a dynamic research program, secure external funding, serve as a conscientious mentor to undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral research assistants, and contribute service to the Department, the University, and the professional research community, as expected for scientists at the forefront of their discipline.

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, applicants should hold a PhD at the time of appointment. The successful candidate will have a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field, an innovative research program, and a strong publication record.

Application Instructions

Candidates should apply via Interfolio (link). We will only consider complete application packages. Please include the following required documents:

1. Cover letter of interest that briefly summarizes your (1) most significant research accomplishments, (2) potential collaborations/projects at UVa, (3) teaching interests and experience, and (4) demonstrated experience relevant to the University’s ambition to cultivate the most vibrant community in higher education to prepare students to be leaders in a diverse and globally connected world (two-page maximum, single spaced).

2. A curriculum vitae that includes a list of all publications.

3. A research statement that highlights past research activities and future research plans (3-page maximum for text, single spaced, excluding figures and references).

4. A statement on teaching and scientific mentoring that details your experience and goals (2-page maximum, single spaced).

In addition, the applicant should arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent on the applicant's behalf. Recommendation letters should be requested through Interfolio.

The university will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

For questions about the position, contact Bradley Johnson, Search Committee Chair, at bj6fu@virginia.edu .

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physicians 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, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.

The University of Virginia offers confidential Dual Career Services to partners of incoming faculty candidates. To learn more, please visit dualcareer.virginia.edu