Associate Professor in Astronomy & Astrophysics (Origins of Life)

The University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

9d•$135,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics at The University of Chicago seeks an Associate Professor in observational astrophysics relevant to the Origins of Life, broadly defined. The appointee will strengthen the Department’s connection to the Chicago Center for the Origins of Life, which supports multidisciplinary research into how life developed on Earth and the potential for life elsewhere. The Center brings together researchers across the University’s Physical Sciences Division, primarily in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chemistry, the Geophysical Sciences, and Physics, to support fundamental research, train early-career scientists in cross-disciplinary exploration, and foster innovative work that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries. The University is a founding partner of the Giant Magellan Telescope, and Department members have access to the twin 6.5-meter Magellan Telescopes. Computational astrophysics is supported by high-performance computing at the University’s Research Computing Center and connections to Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab. The University’s interdisciplinary structure supports emerging research opportunities and allows for the possibility of appointments with other departments. Department members are also involved in the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics, the Enrico Fermi Institute, Fermilab, and Argonne National Laboratory. The successful candidate will conduct an independent research program and teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students. The salary range is $135,000–$150,000 for a nine-month academic appointment; individuals may be eligible for summer salary. The position may be eligible for housing support and a taxable moving allowance and is benefits-eligible. The University offers eligible employees benefits and resources including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Astrophysics or a closely related field.
Evidence of leadership in the field.
A successful independent research record.

Responsibilities

Conduct an independent research program in observational astrophysics relevant to the Origins of Life.
Teach undergraduate and graduate students.
Advise undergraduate and graduate students.
Strengthen the Department’s connection to the Chicago Center for the Origins of Life.