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Assistant Professor
Job Summary
Category
Tenure and Tenure-track Faculty Positions
Institution
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Department
Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics
Number of Positions Available
1
Work Arrangement
Hybrid
In-Person Location(s)
Minneapolis, MN
United States
Job Description
The Minnesota Institute of Astrophysics (MIfA) within the School of Physics and
Astronomy at the University of Minnesota invites applications for a tenure-track
Assistant Professor in Astrophysics, to begin August 2026. The Institute has identified a
particular strategic need in stellar astrophysics, but we are conducting a broad search
spanning all areas of astrophysics. The intended rank is Assistant Professor, but
applications at a more senior level will also be considered.
MIfA faculty have a broad range of research interests that include: solar, space, and
planetary physics, stellar astrophysics, extragalactic astronomy, gravitational wave
detection, dark matter particle searches, time domain and multi-messenger astronomy,
and cosmology. Further details may be found at https://cse.umn.edu/mifa.
The successful candidate will have access to our facilities which include a share of the
Large Binocular Telescope (LBT), the 1.5 m Mt. Lemmon Observing Facility, and access
to the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute.
We are searching for someone to conduct a vigorous and significant research program
and to teach effectively at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Candidates are
expected to hold a Ph.D. in physics or astrophysics and should demonstrate their
potential to perform those functions.
Qualifications
A Ph.D. in astrophysics or a closely related field is required
Salary Range
Full Prof Minimum $121,000
Full Prof Max $195,548
Assoc Prof Minimum $120,886
Assoc Prof Max $144,624
Assist Prof Minimum $108,150
Assist Prof Max $114,313
About the Department
Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics: https://cse.umn.edu/mifa
School of Physics and Astronomy: https://cse.umn.edu/physics
Compensation and Benefits
Currency
467
Compensation Range
$108,150USD to $195,548USD
Included Benefits
At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
- Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
Application Details
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position.
Required materials are:
• A one-page cover letter,
• A Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications, contributed and invited talks,
awards, accepted and pending proposals for funding/resources, teaching/
mentoring roles, and leadership positions,
• A Research Statement (3 - 5 pages) describing past and current research as well
as plans for future research including how they may intersect with current efforts
at the University of Minnesota,
• A Teaching Statement (up to 2 pages) describing your approach to and/or
experience with classroom teaching and research mentoring,
• Candidates should arrange for 3 letters of reference, signed and on official letterhead, sent directly to Interfolio.
All materials including letters of reference must be received by December 15th, 2025 for
full consideration, although applications will continue to be accepted until the position
is filled.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
Required materials are:
• A one-page cover letter,
• A Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications, contributed and invited talks,
awards, accepted and pending proposals for funding/resources, teaching/
mentoring roles, and leadership positions,
• A Research Statement (3 - 5 pages) describing past and current research as well
as plans for future research including how they may intersect with current efforts
at the University of Minnesota,
• A Teaching Statement (up to 2 pages) describing your approach to and/or
experience with classroom teaching and research mentoring,
• Candidates should arrange for 3 letters of reference, signed and on official letterhead, sent directly to Interfolio.
All materials including letters of reference must be received by December 15th, 2025 for
full consideration, although applications will continue to be accepted until the position
is filled.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
Link to Online Application
Publication Start Date
2025 Nov 20
Application Deadline
2025 Dec 15
Reference Code
371070