Faculty Position in Astronomy, Astro-Particle Physics and Cosmology

1000scholars; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University in Houston invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in physics and astronomy as part of an AI Initiative. The appointee will develop a research program in AI-enabled physics, astro-particle physics, cosmology, or related areas, and help connect multiple groups and institutes across the university.

The successful candidate will teach about one undergraduate or graduate course each semester and contribute to integrating modern AI concepts throughout the

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field by the time of appointment.
• Evidence of research excellence in AI-enabled discovery or related areas.
• Ability to teach undergraduate or graduate courses each semester.
• Capacity to develop interdisciplinary collaborations across departments and institutes.

Responsibilities

• Develop an independent and vigorous research program in AI-enabled physics or related fields.
• Teach at least one undergraduate or graduate course per semester.
• Foster collaborations across Rice University and engage with AI initiatives.

Education

PhD in physics/astronomy

Job description

Position Description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University in Houston, Texas, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position as part of an AI Initiative hire. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in at least one key emerging area, such as generative AI, agentic systems, or physical AI, extending beyond traditional machine learning tools. They should possess the ability to develop advanced computational frameworks, physics-informed AI methodologies, or innovative algorithmic tools, and integrate them into theory, simulation, data analysis, or instrumentation pipelines. Successful candidates will focus their research program on one or a subset of the following areas: star-planet interactions, exoplanetary science, astro-particle physics, or cosmology.

Depending on the exact expertise of the final hire, the hire will be required to measurably strengthen connections between the Nuclear and Particle Physics group and the Relativistic Astrophysics and Cosmology group, or between the Space Plasma Physics and Astrophysics of Star and Planet formation groups. Ultimately, this hire will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, establish a shared AI ecosystem across domains, and build connections with the Ken Kennedy Institute, the Rice Space Institute, and the T.W. Bonner Laboratory. We seek outstanding scientists whose research will complement and extend existing activities within the Department and across the University. In addition to developing an independent and vigorous research program, the successful applicant will be expected to teach, on average, one undergraduate or graduate course each semester, playing a critical role in integrating modern AI concepts systematically throughout our curricula to train the next generation of scientists fluent in AI-enabled discovery, and contribute to the service missions of the Department and University. The Department anticipates making an appointment at the assistant professor level. A Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field is required by the time of appointment.

We welcome the fullness of diversity to Rice.

We will begin reviewing applications by December 1, 2026. To receive full consideration, all application materials must be received by December 10, 2026. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Also, in our candidate pools, we seek to attract greater representation of women, scholars of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who have historically been underrepresented in Physics.

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

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