Astronomy; Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number F-1070

Position Title

College/Unit

College/Unit College of Science and Engineering

Home Department

Home Department Department of Physics

Employee Group

Employee Group Tenure-Track Faculty - Academic Year

Employment Status

Employment Status Full-Time

Position Type

Position Type 9 month (Academic Year)

Position Classification

Position Begin Date

Position Begin Date 08/23/2027

Position End Date

Position Summary

The Department of Physics at Central Michigan University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position starting in Fall 2027. We are seeking an astronomer or astrophysicist with research focused on areas of theoretical, computational or observational astronomy that would complement the research and educational mission of the department.
The teaching component of the position involves undergraduate and graduate astronomy and physics courses. Lab components of the astronomy courses include the use of our on-campus Brooks Astronomical Observatory, which features a 16-inch Cassegrain reflector as its principal telescope.
The new faculty member will be expected to develop an externally funded research program at CMU that will involve the use of ground-based or space-based observatories, including opportunities associated with leveraging large datasets from comprehensive observational surveys, or whose computational or theoretical work applies to current topics in astronomy and astrophysics. We are especially interested in applicants who can involve undergraduate and graduate students in research.

• Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field.
• Potential to develop an externally funded research program.
• Commitment to mentoring and teaching.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Strong publication record and postdoctoral research experience.
• Ability to teach graduate level astronomy/astrophysics courses.
• Record of contributing to successful proposals for funding or the use of research facilities.

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards.

You must submit an online application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position. Apply by January 4, 2027, to ensure full consideration for this position. Please submit a cover letter, a CV, a statement of research, a statement detailing your approach to teaching, and the contact information for three persons that can provide reference letters. Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

The Physics Department at Central Michigan University has nine tenured and three fixed-term faculty members and serves a diverse population, including many first-generation university students. The Department offers undergraduate degrees in Astronomy & Astrophysics and in Physics, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Physics. Faculty in the department have strong research programs, having secured external funding of more than $5.1 million in Fiscal Year 2025.

Current areas of research include theoretical and experimental nuclear physics and astrophysics, and computational and experimental research in condensed matter physics. Physics faculty routinely utilize major research facilities such as the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Lab, the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at MSU , the RIKEN Nishina Center in Japan, and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center at Lawrence Berkley National Lab.

In addition to its strong commitment to research and teaching, the Department of Physics fosters an environment with equitable access and participation for all individuals, which is essential to the quality of our academic activities.

For more information, please visit our department website.

Posting Begins

Posting Begins 10/22/2026

Posting Ends

Open Until Filled Yes

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External

Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.

We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the…