Job No: 541742
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Education/Training/Instructional Design, Physical/Mathematical Sciences
Department: 16060000 - LS-ASTRONOMY
Job Description
Classification Title: Assistant Professor
Job Description:
The Department of Astronomy at the University of Florida invites applications for a full-time, nine-month tenure-track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor to begin August 16, 2027, in the area of Space Astronomical Instrumentation and Technology Development. Candidates should already have a strong established research program that complements ongoing research in the Department of Astronomy, a compelling plan for future research, and the ability to supervise both graduate and undergraduate research projects.
The successful applicant will gain access to the new, state-of-the-art space instrumentation laboratory currently under construction at UF. The Astronomical Space Technology Research Applications Lab (ASTRAL) includes ISO 6+ cleanroom facilities with ISO 4-5 flow bench; an integration vacuum chamber (<1.0E-6 Torr) for space instrument and component performance testing; electrostatic discharge (ESD) flooring and stations; dedicated, ultra-high purity (UHP) gas fixtures; and silicone-free cleanroom spaces for sensitive space experimentation. The Department of Astronomy includes a core team of engineers through the Astronomy Instrumentation Service Center that the successful applicant will have access to support their program. UF is home to the Nanoscale Research Facility (NRF; https://nrf.aux.eng.ufl.edu/), which offers renowned fabrication and characterization equipment, as well as expert staff and engineering. The successful applicant is encouraged to participate in and contribute to UF's newly established Astraeus Space Institute, which supports space-based research across many disciplines (https://astraeus.ufl.edu/). UF's world-class research facilities and telescopes (www.astro.ufl.edu/research/telescopes), including the 10.4-m Gran Telescopio Canarias in Spain, the Dharma survey telescope in Arizona, and the MINERVA Australis exoplanet RV array. Faculty at UF also carry out research using the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey V. UF is home to HiPerGator, one of the most powerful high-performance computers at a US public university (www.rc.ufl.edu/services/hipergator/).
UF is the state's oldest, largest, and most comprehensive land grant university with an enrollment of over 50,000 students and was ranked 8th in the country among public universities (US News and World Report 2026 rankings), and 1st among public institutions in the Wall Street Journal 2023 survey. UF is located in Gainesville, a city of approximately 150,000 residents in North-Central Florida, 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, and 67 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and within a 2-hour drive to large metropolitan areas (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville). The beautiful climate and extensive nearby parks and recreational areas afford year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and nature photography. UF's large college sports programs, museums, and performing arts center support a range of activities and cultural events for residents to enjoy. Alachua County schools are highly rated and offer a variety of programs including magnet schools and an international baccalaureate program. Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at Visit Gainesville.
Expected Salary
The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.
Employment Benefits include:
- Health Insurance: UF participates in state- and university-sponsored benefits programs for individuals, families, and domestic partners, and offers voluntary insurance that includes vision, dental, long-term disability and more.
- Retirement Options: Attractive options include Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, State University System Optional Retirement Program, Florida Retirement System Investment Plan, and Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan.
- Leave: UF staff enjoy a generous paid leave plan as well as access to a sick-leave pool, parental leave, and leave payouts.
To learn more about benefits visit: UF Benefits.
Required Qualifications
A Ph.D. degree in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a closely related field is required.
Preferred
Post-Doctoral research experience.
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, applications must be submitted online. Click on Apply Now at the top of this posting.
A complete application includes (1) a cover letter summarizing the applicant's interest in, and suitability for the position; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a list of publications; (4) a statement summarizing the applicant's past, current, and future research programs and future plans, including how the candidate's current and planned instrumentation and technology development program reinforces their scientific research program (6 page limit) (5) a statement of experience and/or interest in teaching and mentoring (3 page limit); (6) a statement describing the broader impacts of the applicant's professional activities (2 page limit). Broader impacts may include, for example, efforts to increase public engagement and literacy, develop a competitive STEM workforce, improve STEM education and other positive benefits for society; (7) the names and email addresses of three references must be provided. An email will be sent to your references, requesting them to upload their confidential letter to the submission packet.
Applications will be reviewed beginning December 11, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled. Only complete applications will be reviewed at this time. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and/or hiring authority. Questions may be addressed to the Search Committee Chair, Professor Keri Hoadley (khoadley@ufl.edu).
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.
The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.
Health Assessment Required: No
To Apply
To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/541742
