Open Rank Faculty Position Astrophysics

Position Description
The Astronomy Department at Cornell University invites applications for faculty positions at open rank (assistant, associate or full professor) in the field of astrophysics. We also seek to hire a prominent researcher and established field leader willing to serve at least one term as department chair. We encourage applications from candidates who have an established record of high-impact research and can demonstrate the potential to build an externally-funded independent research program and international collaborations. The successful candidate will also have a strong record and/or commitment to excellence in teaching, advising, mentorship, and leadership. The Department will prioritize candidates with a broad portfolio of scientific interests and accomplishments able to enhance the Department’s strength in the study of topics such as:

(1) extreme astrophysical environments, including: regions that harbor the brightest, most massive and most violent phenomena visible to us; analyzing electromagnetic and/or gravitational wave emission to probe the nature of the regions; decoding the physics of black holes, neutron stars, white dwarfs and/or the matter/radiation/plasma surroundings. The research areas naturally complement our faculty's ongoing efforts in the study of transient sources, gravitational wave detection and numerical simulations of general relativity.

(2) the universe’s evolution, including: research over cosmological timescales investigating a chronology starting at the earliest moments of the Big Bang, progressing through the birth of the first stars and galaxies; galaxy and large scale structure evolution; probing fundamental questions regarding the nature of dark energy and dark matter and the appropriate laws of physics with which to describe the universe; utilizing data to address all these issues, especially the current wealth of space-based survey and ground-based data.

The research methodology may include observational work, theoretical and numerical modeling and simulation. A Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Sciences or a closely related field is required, and postdoctoral experience is preferred. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter (2-page limit), a curriculum vitae with publications, a statement of research (5-page limit), a statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy (2-page limit) and three letters of recommendation uploaded to this application. The target start date for the appointment is July 1, 2027. Review of applications will begin on Oct. 30, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Disclosure: Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointments to academic positions requires candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct.
Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email [email protected] .

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Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.