Faculty Position in Astronomy, Astro-Particle Physics and Cosmology

Rice University

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University in Houston, Texas, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position as part of an AI Initiative hire. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in at least one key emerging area, such asgenerative AI, agentic systems, or physical AI, extending beyondtraditional machine learning tools. They should possess the abilityto develop advanced computational frameworks, physics-informed AImethodologies, or innovative algorithmic tools, and integrate theminto theory, simulation, data analysis, or instrumentationpipelines.

Successful candidates will focus their research programon one or a subset of the following areas: star-planetinteractions, exoplanetary science, astro-particle physics, orcosmology.

Depending on the exact expertise of the final hire, the hire will be required to measurably strengthen connections between the Nuclear and Particle Physics group and the Relativistic Astrophysics and Cosmology group, or between the Space Plasma Physics and Astrophysics of Star and Planet formation groups.

Ultimately, this hire will foster interdisciplinary collaboration,establish a shared AI ecosystem across domains, and build connections with the Ken Kennedy Institute, the Rice Space Institute, and the T.W. Bonner Laboratory. We seek outstandingscientists whose research will complement and extend existingactivities within the Department and across the University. In addition to developing an independent and vigorous research program, the successful applicant will be expected to teach, onaverage, one undergraduate or graduate course each semester,playing a critical role in integrating modern AI conceptssystematically throughout our curricula to train the next generation of scientists fluent in AI-enabled discovery, and contribute to the service missions of the Department and University.

We welcome the fullness of diversity toRice. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race,color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Also, in our candidate pools, we seek toattract greater representation of women, scholars of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who have historically been underrepresented in Physics.

We will begin reviewing applications by December 1, 2026. To receive full consideration, all application materials must be received by December 10, 2026. The anticipatedstart date is July 1, 2027.

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

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