Assistant Professor in Observational Astronomy (tenure-track)

Interfolio, Inc; University (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Stony Brook University’s Physics & Astronomy Department invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Observational Astronomy, with an anticipated Fall 2027 start. The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program and contribute to teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels.

The research group spans early-universe studies, exoplanets, and transient phenomena, with active collaboration across facilities such as Rubin, Roman,

Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research.
• Clear and concise oral and written communication and interpersonal and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Establish a vigorous, externally funded research program.
• Contribute to excellence in teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Report to the Chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department and present at national/international conferences.
• Participate in departmental, university and professional service.

Skills

Independent research

Oral & written communication

Analytical skills

Education

PhD in astronomy or related field

Job description

Stony Brook University: Provost Office: College of Arts & Sciences: Physics and Astronomy

Open Date

Oct 06, 2026

Deadline

Nov 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description

Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Observational Astronomy

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Stony Brook University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Observational Astronomy, broadly defined, with an anticipated start date of Fall 2027.

We are seeking applicants specializing in areas of observational astronomy, particularly in the fields of exoplanets or transient phenomena. Candidates whose research directions complement and enhance existing strengths in the department are especially encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will be expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program characterized by originality and long-term vision, while also contributing to excellence in teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The new hire will join the Astronomy Group within the Department of Physics & Astronomy. The group has a strong tradition of research excellence, spanning the study of the early universe with CMB observations, constraining dark matter and dark energy, and studying galaxy properties and their evolution, exotic compact objects, and planetary systems outside of the solar system. Faculty of the Astronomy Group are actively involved with many facilities including the Rubin, Roman, JWST, LIGO, and Simons Observatories. They also have close connections to the C.N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics (YITP), the Institute for Advanced Computational Science (IACS), Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA) at the Flatiron Institute. These connections offer rich opportunities for collaboration and joint initiatives.

The person holding this position will report to the Chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department. During the academic year the faculty member may be asked to give seminars on their work and is expected to present their research at national and/or international conferences. The faculty member will teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and will be expected to encourage, and as appropriate participate in, the research and mentorship of graduate students and postdoctoral associates. The faculty member will participate in departmental, university and professional service.

Position Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD in astronomy or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research.
• Demonstrated track record of publication of research in high quality peer-reviewed journals and delivery of presentations at major conferences.
• Clear and concise oral and written communication and interpersonal and analytical skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of techniques of observational astronomy, broadly defined .
• Post PhD work experience in observational astronomy.
• Research expertise in a field that complements and enhances existing strengths in the department.
• Previous mentoring and teaching experience.
• Experience working with a broad student population and the ability to foster academic excellence, collaboration, and a respectful learning environment within the Department and University

Applications should be submitted through the Interfolio web service. Required materials include:

• Teaching philosophy statement

In addition, applicants should arrange for at least three letters of reference to be submitted through Interfolio. For full consideration, applications should be received by 11/30/26.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD in astronomy or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research.
• Demonstrated track record of publication of research in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and delivery of presentations at major conferences.
• Clear and concise oral and written communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of techniques of observational astronomy, broadly defined .
• Post-PhD work experience in observational astronomy.
• Research expertise in a field that complements and enhances existing strengths in the department.
• Previous mentoring and teaching experience.
• Experience working with a broad student population and the ability to foster academic excellence, collaboration, and a respectful learning environment within the Department and University

Application Instructions

Applications should be submitted through the Interfolio web service. Required materials include:

• Teaching philosophy statement

In addition, applicants should arrange for at least three letters of reference to be submitted through Interfolio. For full consideration, applications should be received by 11/30/26.

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and creating an inclusive learning, and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, please get in touch with the Office of Equity and Access at [phone].

Stony Brook University is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is safe, accessible, and free of all forms of discrimination, sexual misconduct, or research misconduct, among other infractions. In support of this commitment, certain candidates for employment will be required to disclose such employment-related misconduct findings and pending investigations or proceedings, and final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions will authorize their current and previous employer(s) from the last seven (7) years to disclose such information to the University. Employment is contingent on your full and complete disclosure on these matters. In the event that you fail to disclose any such matter or in the event of an unsatisfactory outcome of the disclosure and review process, an offer of employment may be revoked at SBU's sole discretion. If SBU becomes aware of a failure to disclose or misrepresentation of any such matter after your employment commences, you may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.