"Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor - M.S. in Astrophysics"

FACULTY VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Performs teaching, research and guidance duties in area(s) of expertise. Shares responsibility for committee and department assignments including administrative, supervisory, and other functions.

The CUNY Graduate Center invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty member at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor, with a required start date of August 2026. We seek outstanding scientists with a strong publication record, and significant research experience in the field of astrophysics. Responsibilities for the position include research, teaching, mentoring, and service. The candidate is expected to generate an active, externally funded research program, and to participate in graduate teaching and research training. Teaching duties may include courses in Computational Methods and Radiative Processes and advanced courses in areas of specialist’s interest.

The primary faculty appointment will be in the M.S. in Astrophysics. The candidate may also choose to join the Ph.D. program in Physics. This position is part of the Simons Empire Faculty Fellows initiative and applicants must also apply to the 3-year Visiting Scholar position in the Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA) posted on the Flatiron Institute’s website here. The incumbent will split their time between teaching (50%) at the Graduate Center and conducting research at CCA (50%). At the end the 3-year Visiting Scholar appointment, the faculty member will remain at the Graduate Center and take on a full teaching workload.

About the Graduate Center

The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY) is the focal point for advanced teaching and research at CUNY, the nation’s largest urban public university. With over 35 doctoral and master's programs of the highest caliber, the Graduate Center fosters pioneering research and scholarship in the arts and sciences and prepares students for careers in universities and the private, nonprofit, and government sectors. The Graduate Center's commitment to research and scholarship for the public good is exemplified by its more than 30 centers, institutes, and initiatives, including its Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC).

Visiting Scholar position at the Flatiron Institute's Center for Computational Astrophysics

The Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA) is advertising for a Visiting Scholar for a 3-year joint position with the CUNY Graduate Center. The position would require 50% of their time at Flatiron Institute in New York City and 50% their time at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City. After the 3-year term, the Visiting Scholar would be expected to work full-time as a faculty at the CUNY Graduate Center.

CCA research groups include: Astronomical Data, Stars & Plasma Astrophysics, Galaxy Formation, Gravitational Wave Astronomy, Cosmology, Machine Learning & Astrophysics, Exoplanets & Planet Formation, Astronomical Software, and Nearby Universe & Milky Way. See https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-astrophysics/ for full description.

As a Visiting Scholar, the successful applicant will be expected to: Lead a vigorous research program; Collaborate with and mentor the CCA’s postdoctoral Flatiron Research Fellows and students from the CUNY Masters in Astrophysics; Foster interactions with the broader community; Build intellectual connections across CCA and the Flatiron Institute; Capitalize on the unique opportunities available at the CCA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leading a research program with broad and significant impact
• Mentoring independent postdoctoral fellows and CUNY Masters in Astrophysics candidates
• Contributing to the scientific strategy, management, and organization of the CCA
• Fostering scientific communities within CCA, Flatiron, NYC, and beyond.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. degree in a related field. Preferred: 1 or more years of postgraduate research experience in astrophysics; Sufficient breadth and flexibility to collaborate broadly within the CCA; Evidence for scientific impact; Demonstrated ability and interest in supervising, mentoring, and collaborating with junior scientists; Alignment with multiple aspects of the CCA mission statement.

QUALIFICATIONS

For Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor: Ph.D. degree in Astrophysics or Physics. Also required are the ability to teach successfully, demonstrated scholarship or achievement, and ability to cooperate with others for the good of the institution.

We seek applications from collaborative individuals with research interests in fields that are synergistic with the research and methods being advanced at the Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA). Preferred: Strong publication and funding record; Innovative research; Commitment to mentoring students; Experience mentoring students from marginalized backgrounds; Strong background in computational astrophysics; Research experience at postdoctoral level; Teaching experience; Interest in contributing to program development.

COMPENSATION

$94,909-$155,388/year (salary range will increase to $98,231-$160,827 on 9/1/26 per the CUNY PSC contract). Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. The annual compensation range for this 0.5 Full time equivalent position [at CCA] is $70,000 in addition to the CUNY Graduate Center faculty salary.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• CV
• Cover letter
• Research statement outlining both past research accomplishments and a vision for scientific research
• Teaching and mentorship philosophy statement for graduate education
• Contact information for three (3) professional references (name, title, institution, and email address)

Please submit the below documents in one PDF file. Applicants must submit applications both to CUNY and to CCA. The CCA application is accessible here.

CLOSING DATE

Open until filled with review of applications to begin on January 15, 2026.