Assistant Professor of Astronomy

The Department of Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences at New Mexico State University (NMSU) invites applications for an assistant professor tenure-track faculty position. The Department maintains traditional strengths in stellar evolution; heliophysics; planetary physics; planet formation and evolution; Milky Way exoplanet and stellar populations; and galaxy evolution. In the coming years, we anticipate growth in one or more of the following areas: cosmology, physics of solar flares and the dynamics of coronal mass ejections; space weather in the near-earth environment and planetary atmospheres; time-domain astronomy; and the interstellar medium. Candidates with observational or theoretical experience in any of these fields will be considered equally, and those with the potential to leverage NMSU’s facilities and science output at Apache Point Observatory or the Sunspot Solar Observatory are particularly strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates with experience and interest in astronomical instrumentation are also invited to apply, as there is a possibility of an interdisciplinary appointment in the photonics group within the College of Engineering. This position will have a start date of August 2026.

Minimum qualifications are a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy, and research publications and grants commensurate with experience. Desired qualifications include (1) potential for establishing sustained external funding in a research area mentioned above, (2) commitment to teach and mentor students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, (3) experience in leading and participating in collaborative research projects, and (4) commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working environment.

The NMSU Astronomy Department currently comprises ten faculty, several research faculty and postdocs, and about 25 graduate students. Additional department information, including details about our facilities such as the Apache Point Observatory 3.5-m telescope, the SONG project 1-m telescope, and the SDSS 2.5-m telescope can be found at astro.nmsu.edu. NMSU is a Hispanic and Minority Serving Land-Grant Institution located in Las Cruces, the second largest city in New Mexico (population 115,000) that serves a diverse undergraduate and graduate population of 15,000 students.