Astronomy; Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.

If you would like to bookmark this position for later review, click on the Bookmark this Job link. If you would like to print a copy of this position for your records, click on the Print Preview link.

If you need to finish applying, click on the Continue this Job Application button.

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 February 6, 2026, 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.

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number F-1016

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 08/24/2026

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 2026. 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. We are especially interested in applicants who can integrate computational methods and data analysis components into the physics and astronomy curriculum or can contribute to the operation of the CMU Brooks Observatory for education, student research, and outreach activities.

The candidate is expected to involve undergraduate and graduate students in research.

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. Preference will be given to candidates who can engage in collaborative projects that provide attractive opportunities for CMU students.

• 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 integrate computational methods and data analysis into physics and astronomy curriculum.
• Ability to contribute to the operation of an astronomical observatory in support of education, research, and/or outreach activities.
• Experience engaging in collaborative projects.

Message to Applicants

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…