Faculty Position in Astronomy, Astro-Particle Physics and Cosmology

Rice University • Houston, TX

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Rice University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position as part of an AI Initiative hire. The anticipated appointment is at the assistant professor level. The successful candidate will have expertise in an emerging area of AI, such as generative AI, agentic systems, or physical AI, and will apply advanced computational frameworks, physics-informed AI methodologies, or innovative algorithmic tools within theory, simulation, data analysis, or instrumentation pipelines. Research will focus on one or more of the following areas: star-planet interactions, exoplanetary science, astro-particle physics, or cosmology.

Depending on the candidate’s expertise, the hire will 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. The 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.

The successful applicant will develop an independent and vigorous research program, teach an average of one undergraduate or graduate course each semester, integrate modern AI concepts systematically throughout the curricula, and contribute to the service missions of the Department and University. A Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field is required by the time of appointment.

Applications are submitted electronically through Interfolio and must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, and PDF copies or links to three publications considered most important. Applicants must also arrange for three reference letters to be submitted through Interfolio. Application review begins December 1, 2026; all materials must be received by December 10, 2026 for full consideration. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field by the time of appointment.
• Expertise in at least one emerging area such as generative AI, agentic systems, or physical AI, extending beyond traditional machine learning tools.
• 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.
• Research focus in one or more of star-planet interactions, exoplanetary science, astro-particle physics, or cosmology.

Responsibilities

• Develop an independent and vigorous research program in one or more of the areas of star-planet interactions, exoplanetary science, astro-particle physics, or cosmology.
• Apply emerging AI expertise and develop advanced computational frameworks, physics-informed AI methodologies, or innovative algorithmic tools for theory, simulation, data analysis, or instrumentation pipelines.
• Strengthen connections between the relevant research groups, depending on the successful candidate’s expertise.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and establish a shared AI ecosystem across domains.
• Build connections with the Ken Kennedy Institute, the Rice Space Institute, and the T.W. Bonner Laboratory.
• Teach an average of one undergraduate or graduate course each semester.
• Integrate modern AI concepts systematically throughout the curricula to prepare students for AI-enabled scientific discovery.
• Contribute to the service missions of the Department and University.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree