Cornell University Open Rank Faculty Position Astrophysics

About the role

The Astronomy Department at Cornell University invites applications for faculty positions at open rank (assistant, associate or full professor) in astrophysics, seeking a prominent researcher and established field leader willing to serve at least one term as department chair.

Target start date: July 1, 2027. Review of applications begins Oct. 30, 2026 and continues until the position is filled.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in astrophysics.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Advise and mentor students.
• Provide leadership and service to the department, including serving as department chair for at least one term.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Postdoctoral experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Established record of high-impact research.
• Potential to build an externally funded independent research program and international collaborations.
• Strong record and/or commitment to excellence in teaching, advising, mentorship, and leadership.
• Broad portfolio of scientific interests and accomplishments that can enhance department strengths in:
• Extreme astrophysical environments (brightest, most massive, most violent phenomena; electromagnetic/gravitational wave emission; physics of black holes, neutron stars, white dwarfs, and surrounding matter/radiation/plasma).
• The universe’s evolution (cosmological chronology from Big Bang to first stars/galaxies; galaxy and large‑scale structure; dark energy/dark matter; fundamental physics laws; use of space‑based and ground‑based survey data).
• Research may involve observational work, theoretical modeling, and numerical simulation.