Tenure Track Assistant or Associate Professor in Astrophysics

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness programs

Tuition assistance

Gym membership

Flexible work options

Job summary

Villanova University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in Astrophysics at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, commencing Fall 2027. The department emphasizes undergraduate teaching and an active research program involving students.

We welcome candidates from all subfields of astrophysics or planetary science and prioritize inclusive teaching practices. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package and supportive research environment.

Qualifications

• PhD by June 1, 2025
• At least 2 years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience
• Excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring students in research

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, physics or related areas
• Maintain an active externally recognized research program
• Engage undergraduate students in research and teaching activities
• Contribute to the department's academic mission and outreach efforts

Skills

Undergraduate teaching

Mentoring students in research

Education

PhD in astronomy/astrophysics/planetary science/physics

Job description

Tenure Track Assistant or Associate Professor in Astrophysics

Posting Details

Posting Details (Default Section) Posting Number: 20260086F Position Title: Tenure Track Assistant or Associate Professor in Astrophysics Position Type: Faculty Location: Villanova, PA Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants Work Schedule: full-time/9-months Department: 182-Astronomy and Planetary Science Position Summary: Why work at Villanova?

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more .

The Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science at Villanova University invites applications for a full-time tenure track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. Rank will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s record and experience. The appointment will begin in the Fall of 2027.

Villanova’s Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science is a standalone department offering undergraduate major and minor degrees in astronomy and astrophysics, with a long tradition of involving students directly in research. Research areas include stellar astrophysics and binary stars, exoplanets and planetary science, near-field cosmology, and time-domain astronomy and is supported by participation in TESS , Gaia, JWST , the Vera C. Rubin Observatory/ LSST and others. Faculty have access to the on-site Villanova Observatory, high-performance computing resources, and membership in external observing consortia.

The successful candidate will join a community of scientists and educators who value a wide range of voices, backgrounds, and experiences. We welcome applicants with experience in inclusive teaching and mentoring practices and who will help make astronomy accessible to students from all backgrounds.

We are open to candidates working in any subfield of astrophysics or planetary science, and we encourage applicants to articulate how their program would grow at a university of Villanova’s scale. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active, externally recognized research program that engages undergraduate students, and to contribute to the department’s academic mission at all levels. Experience with astronomical instrumentation, observatory operations, or planetarium and public-outreach programming would be especially welcome, but not required. Full consideration will be given to strong candidates in any area.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities: In addition to maintaining an active research agenda leading to publication, our new colleague will teach undergraduate courses in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, physics or their area of expertise, as well as other departmental courses, in a way that fosters connections across the discipline and the Villanova community.

Minimum Qualifications: We seek a colleague with a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, physics or closely related field in hand by June 1, 2025 , with at least 2 years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience, who can demonstrate excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring students in research.

Preferred Qualifications: Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours: Located twelve miles west of Philadelphia and an hour and a half by train from New York City, Villanova sits within one of the densest concentrations of research universities, liberal arts colleges and science-education institutions in the country, offering rich opportunities for collaboration and public engagement.

Posting Date: 10/06/2026 Closing Date (11:59pm ET): Salary Posting Information: Competitive

Salary Band: Job Classification: faculty

References Needed

Minimum Number of References Needed 3 Maximum Number of References Needed 3