Savilian Professorship of Astronomy

University of Oxford - Department of Physics; Oxford; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford invites applications for the Savilian Professorship of Astronomy in the Department of Physics and New College. The appointee should demonstrate an international reputation in astrophysics, with leadership in research and funding, and a commitment to teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The role combines world-class research with strategic direction, mentoring of junior colleagues, and engagement with wider society.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in a relevant field.
• Substantial international reputation in scholarship and research in astrophysics; preference for theoretical astrophysics.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic and strategic leadership for Oxford Astrophysics.
• Lead the long-term development of the subject and promote research excellence.
• Inspire students through lecturing and supervision of Masters and doctoral projects.
• Attract major external funding and support the College as a Trustee role.

Skills

Research leadership

Strategic direction

Fundraising proposals

Mentoring

Teaching (undergrad/postgrad)

Communication skills

Education

PhD in astrophysics or related field

Job description

Savilian Professorship of Astronomy

University of Oxford - Department of Physics

Oxford, United Kingdom

The Department of Physics and New College intend to appoint to the Savilian Professorship of Astronomy with effect from September 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. Preference will be given to a candidate working in theoretical astrophysics although candidates in all areas of astrophysics are welcome.

Established in 1619, the Savilian Professorship of Astronomy is the oldest extant chair in Astronomy in the world. Its holders have helped shape the development of modern astrophysics, including, in recent decades, internationally leading figures in cosmology, theoretical astrophysics and high-energy astrophysics. The professorship is a figurehead position for Oxford Astrophysics and carries an expectation of intellectual leadership at the highest level.

We are looking for an outstanding researcher with an international reputation, capable of setting ambitious scientific directions, attracting major external funding, mentoring the next generation of researchers, and strengthening Oxford's position as one of the world's leading centres for astrophysics.

Alongside your own world-leading research programme, you will provide academic and strategic leadership for colleagues at all levels to ensure the long-term development of Astrophysics at Oxford and beyond, promoting a culture of research excellence and enabling the wider impact of research on society.

You will be expected to inspire our students through lecturing and through the supervision of Masters and doctoral research projects.

You will demonstrate the following:

• A doctorate in a relevant field
• Substantial international reputation in scholarship and research in astrophysics with a preference for theoretical astrophysics and excellent publication record in international journals
• Research leadership and the ability to train, guide and motivate research students and junior colleagues
• The ability to contribute effectively to ensuring the long-term development of the subject, and to maintaining interest in the subject in Oxford and wide recognition of Oxford's contributions to the subject in the outside world
• Proven record of successful proposals for funding, and credible plan for future funding of research
• Commitment to providing effective teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level
• Commitment to ensuring the Department provides a positive, supportive and inclusive environment for all
• Ability to communicate effectively (in writing and orally)
• Ability and readiness to undertake the full range of duties associated with being a Trustee of New College, and a willingness to engage with the undergraduate and graduate students of the College informally

Deadline 2 November