The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Northwestern University invites applications for a full-time faculty position at the level of Associate or Full Professor in astrophysics. We will consider applicants with active research programs in any related subfield, including theory and computation, observational astronomy, and instrumentation. Strong candidates will complement and expand the current activities of the department in astrophysics (http://www.physics.northwestern.edu) and will become active members of CIERA, Northwestern’s Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (http://www.ciera.northwestern.edu). This position will also offer significant leadership opportunities.

This search is part of an ongoing major expansion in astrophysics at Northwestern’s Department of Physics and Astronomy and CIERA. We host a vibrant scientific environment with strong interdisciplinary connections (e.g., to data science and AI, computer science, applied math, statistics, planetary sciences, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering). We offer institutional access to several state-of-the-art large-scale optical/IR ground-based telescope facilities, with the potential for additional access on the horizon. CIERA members additionally have exclusive access to multiple high-performance computing clusters. Through a number of efforts, including the Searle Center for Advanced Learning and Teaching, the university encourages and supports faculty’s strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education in physics and astronomy.

Applicants should have a PhD in physics, astronomy, or a closely related field. Appointment at the Associate and Full Professor level are the target of this search. The target starting date for this position is September 1, 2025 or later.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae including list of publications, a short list of key papers (5-10, not entire manuscripts), and contact information for 3-5 references. Additional documents and/or references may be requested after initial review. Consideration of applications will begin on November 10, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

All materials should be submitted electronically in the Faculty Recruiting System. For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Mersch at mmersch@northwestern.edu.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has a strong commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary
This is an Associate or Full Professor rank search. The expected base pay based on rank is as follows:

Associate Professor: $120,000 – $160,000
Professor: $160,000 – $300,000

This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment, does not include summer salary, and is subject to negotiation.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.