Description

External Retirement Plan Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary Anticipated Start Date 08/01/2026 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 11/18/2025 Job Closing Date Open until filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants should prepare the following application documents: (1) a cover letter with brief summaries of their scientific background, strengths, plans, and teaching experience; (2) a complete curriculum vitae; (3) a statement of research interests, philosophy, and plan (3 page maximum); (4) a description of teaching philosophy and mentoring plans (2 page maximum); and (5) contact information only for three references. References will be contacted later in the search process; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to pre-arrange with their references for letters of recommendation.

Any other correspondence should be addressed to the search committee chair, Prof. Inseok Song (song@uga.edu). All applications received by December 31, 2025 will receive full consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Open Rank FLSA Faculty Rank Open Rank (Tenure Track) Contract Type Academic (9 mo.) Tenure Status Tenure Track Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a closely related field.
Position Summary
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Georgia invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in observational astronomy and astrophysics, with an anticipated start date of August 2026. We welcome applicants at both ranks, with encouragement for early-career scientists at the Assistant Professor level.

The successful candidate is expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program, contribute to high-quality teaching and mentoring at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must have at least one year of postdoctoral experience.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
We are especially interested in candidates whose research focuses on young stars, exoplanets, circumstellar disks (protoplanetary, transitional, or debris), or planetary sciences. However, exceptional candidates in all areas of observational, computational, or theoretical astronomy and astrophysics will be considered.
Physical Demands Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
4. Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents