Assistant/Associate/Professor in Astronomy

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition assistance for employees and+

Collaborative environment

Job summary

The Ohio State University’s Department of Astronomy in Columbus invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank, starting Fall 2027. The successful candidate will develop an independent research program, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, mentor students, and contribute to a collaborative scientific community.

Areas of research are open to all astrophysics subfields, including observations, theory, and instrumentation; strong commitment to teaching

Qualifications

• PhD in Astronomy or closely related field is required.
• Evidence of research excellence and strong teaching potential is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an externally funded research program.
• Exhibit excellence in teaching undergrad and graduate courses.
• Mentor students and participate in service and committees.

Skills

Teaching excellence

Mentoring

Collaborative environment

Education

PhD in Astronomy or related field

Tools

LBT facilities

MDM Observatory

SDSS V

CCAPP networking

Job description

Open Tenure-Track Faculty Search

Department of Astronomy

College of Arts and Sciences

The Department of Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty member. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the position will begin in fall 2027 at the rank of Assistant Professor. In exceptional circumstances, appointments at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor will also be considered. This position is open to candidates with research focusing on any area of astrophysics including observations, theoretical astrophysics, and instrumentation. The successful candidate will work to advance the Department’s mission in research, teaching, and service. In particular, we seek candidates who will contribute to the Department’s highly collaborative and interactive environment, complement and expand existing research strengths, and leverage the Department’s resources to establish an exceptional research program.

Performance Objectives

• Develop and maintain a sustained, productive, nationally or internationally recognized (depending on rank), and externally funded research program
• Excel at teaching courses and mentoring students at both the undergraduate and graduate level
• Contribute to the department’s mission as an active citizen through participation in the department’s interactive and collaborative scientific atmosphere, service on external and internal committees, and/or other administrative roles

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• A PhD in Astronomy or a closely related field

Desired:

• Clear evidence of research excellence as demonstrated by a record of published papers
• A record that demonstrates a commitment to teaching and service and the potential for excellent department citizenship

Additional Information

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

Additional Information

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts & Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success.

Department Information

The Department of Astronomy at The Ohio State University is a highly interactive and collaborative scientific environment, with one of the top astronomy graduate programs in the country, and with a vibrant undergraduate major program. Observational facilities include an approximately 1/5th share of the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT), a 25% share of the MDM Observatory, and membership in SDSS V, ASAS-SN, DESI, and other projects. The department has an active instrumentation laboratory and strong ties to the Ohio State Physics Department through the Center for Cosmology and AstroParticle Physics (CCAPP). Computational facilities include access to the Ohio Supercomputing Center, the Unity cluster in the College of Arts & Sciences, and local resources. Current research interests among the faculty include galaxy formation and evolution, active galactic nuclei, cosmology and large-scale structure, exoplanets, Galactic chemical evolution and Galactic structure, gravitational lensing, instrumentation, the interstellar and intergalactic medium, star formation and stellar feedback, atomic physics, stellar structure and evolution, supernovae, time domain astronomy, and theoretical astrophysics, among others.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression. Ohio State promotes a culture of work-life balance through institutionalized policies, programs, and resources that help faculty, staff, and their families thrive both professionally and personally.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.

Location:McPherson Chemical Laboratory (0053)Position Type:RegularScheduled Hours:40Shift: First Shift

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.