Assistant Professor, Astronomy and Astrophysics

The Department of Physics at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) seeks applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of Astronomy and Astrophysics, with a start date of July 1, 2026 or later.  The search is open to all fields of observational and theoretical astronomy.  The candidate will develop an externally-funded research program, mentor PhD and undergraduate students, teach, and perform academic service.

Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in Astronomy or Astrophysics (or in a related field, including Physics).

Preferred Qualifications: A demonstrated ability to perform research at the forefront of their subfield and a demonstrated commitment to building an inclusive scholarly environment. 

Contact: Search chair: Richard Plotkin at [email protected] or 775-784-6508.
Search Coordinator: Beth Jacobsen at 775-682-8787 or [email protected]

Department Information: UNR is a Carnegie R1 Research University and Nevada’s land-grant institution.  The Physics department houses around 20 tenure-track and research faculty, 5 teaching faculty, and 40 PhD students, and we offer an undergraduate physics major and an astronomy minor.  Astrophysics research areas include black hole accretion, relativistic jets, multi-wavelength astronomy, and laboratory astrophysics experiments in photoionized plasmas and warm dense matter.  We are a partner institution of the 0.7 meter Great Basin Observatory in Great Basin National Park in Eastern Nevada. The successful applicant will have access to UNR’s high performance computing cluster Pronghorn.  The department also has close ties with the Nevada Center for Astrophysics, based in Las Vegas, which comprises 17 tenure-track research faculty with expertise from stars and exoplanets to multi-messenger astronomy. For more information see: https://www.unr.edu/physics

For more information, and to apply, please visit: https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UNR-external/job/University-of-Nevada-Reno---Main-Campus/Assistant-Professor--Astronomy-and-Astrophysics_R0149083

For full consideration, apply by December 3, 2025. This posting is open until filled.

EEO/AA. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.