Professor in Astronomy

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Job Title:

Assistant/Associate/Professor in Astronomy

Department:

Arts and Sciences | Astronomy

Open Tenure-Track Faculty Search

Department of Astronomy

College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

The Department of Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty member. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the position will begin in fall 2027 at the rank of Assistant Professor. In exceptional circumstances, appointments at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor will also be considered. This position is open to candidates with research focusing on any area of astrophysics including observations, theoretical astrophysics, and instrumentation. The successful candidate will work to advance the Department’s mission in research, teaching, and service. In particular, we seek candidates who will contribute to the Department’s highly collaborative and interactive environment, complement and expand existing research strengths, and leverage the Department’s resources to establish an exceptional research program.

Performance Objectives

• Develop and maintain a sustained, productive, nationally or internationally recognized (depending on rank), and externally funded research program
• Excel at teaching courses and mentoring students at both the undergraduate and graduate level
• Contribute to the department’s mission as an active citizen through participation in the department’s interactive and collaborative scientific atmosphere, service on external and internal committees, and/or other administrative roles

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• A PhD in Astronomy or a closely related field

Desired:

• Clear evidence of research excellence as demonstrated by a record of published papers
• A record that demonstrates a commitment to teaching and service and the potential for excellent department citizenship

Additional Information

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday. Application closes 11/16/2026. Application materials must include:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vita (CV) and publication list
• Statement of past, current, and planned research
• Statement of teaching and mentoring interests, philosophy, and experience
• The names and contact information of three references who have agreed to provide a letter of reference on your behalf

We strongly prefer that these be provided as a single PDF document with the elements given in the order listed above.

Additional Information:

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success. 

Department Information

The Department of Astronomy at The Ohio State University is a highly interactive and collaborative scientific environment, with one of the top astronomy graduate programs in the country, and with a vibrant undergraduate major program. Observational facilities include an approximately 1/5th share of the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT), a 25% share of the MDM Observatory, and membership in SDSS V, ASAS-SN, DESI, and other projects. The department has an active instrumentation laboratory and strong ties to the Ohio State Physics Department through the Center for Cosmology and AstroParticle Physics (CCAPP). Computational facilities include access to the Ohio Supercomputing Center, the Unity cluster in the College of Arts & Sciences, and local resources. Current research interests among the faculty include galaxy formation and evolution, active galactic nuclei, cosmology and large-scale structure, exoplanets, Galactic chemical evolution and Galactic structure, gravitational lensing, instrumentation, the interstellar and intergalactic medium, star formation and stellar feedback, atomic physics, stellar structure and evolution, supernovae, time domain astronomy, and theoretical astrophysics, among others.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression. Ohio State promotes a culture of work-life balance through institutionalized policies, programs, and resources that help faculty, staff, and their families thrive both professionally and personally.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.  

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.

Location:

McPherson Chemical Laboratory (0053)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.