Assistant Professor in Astrophysics

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Hiring Unit:

Department of Physics

Position Description:

The Department of Physics at McGill University invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in the fields of Transient Astrophysics, Astroparticle Physics, and/or Multi-Messenger Astrophysics. The anticipated start date for this position is August 1, 2027.

The Department of Physics is a diverse, research-intensive unit that provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs and fosters a collegial and collaborative environment.  The Department has strong research efforts in astrophysics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, cosmology, particle and nuclear physics including particle astrophysics, and quantum science. Members of the Department benefit from the services of effective and dedicated staff.

Inquiries about the position are welcome and may be addressed to the Chair of the Physics Department, Professor Kenneth Ragan ([email protected]).

Job Duties:

• Develop an independent and externally funded research program of international scope in an area of Transient Astrophysics, Astroparticle Physics, and/or Multi-Messenger Astrophysics. This program will complement and strengthen existing research activities within the Department. The Department offers a vibrant research environment with strong connections to major Canadian and international facilities and collaborations, including CHIME, CHORD, HERA, HIRAX, SKA, SNOLAB, the Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute, and others.
• Possibly become a member of the Trottier Space Institute. The candidate’s research can be focused on observations, modelling, simulations, theory, and/or instrumentation.
• Teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Share in the administrative responsibilities of the department and university.
• Advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Contribute to the collaborative, collegial and inclusive atmosphere of the department.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

Candidates are required to hold a PhD in astrophysics or a related field. Postdoctoral or equivalent experience is desirable.  Candidates must further demonstrate excellence in research and teaching. Excellence in research is evidenced by peer reviewed publications/contributions of high impact, strong endorsements by referees of international standing and the quality of the research statement submitted as part of the application. Excellence in teaching is demonstrated by the quality of communications skills, statements on teaching and equity, diversity and inclusiveness submitted as part of the application, recommendation letters and, for short-listed applicants, the quality of a colloquium delivered during the on-site interview.

Faculty/Department/Unit:
Science/Department of Physics

Job Type:
Tenure-track

Rank:
Assistant Professor

Salary:
Salary will be negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Posting Period:
Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2026; applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled.

Required Documents:
The following supporting documents are required, to be submitted through the Workday platform:

• a cover letter that addresses the full scope of the job requirements 
• a curriculum vitae, including a list of publications
• a statement of research interests (up to 3 pages) including a discussion of previous contributions and future plans
• a concise statement of teaching philosophy and interests (up to 2 pages)
• a statement regarding equity, diversity, and inclusiveness 
• Names and contact information of at least 3 referees who will be asked to provide confidential reference letters shortly after the initial application submission.

McGill University

McGill University, one of the top ranked universities in Canada and in the world, is located in the center of downtown Montréal, a vibrant multi-cultural city that consistently ranks as one of the world’s top 10 cities for students.  McGill’s language of instruction is English. McGill and the Province of Québec have generous and family-friendly policies.

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, this email.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.