Tenure Track Assistant or Associate Professor in Astrophysics in Villanova, Pennsylvania at Villanova University

The Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science at Villanova University invites applications for a full-time tenure track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. Rank will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s record and experience. The appointment will begin in the Fall of 2027.

Villanova’s Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science is a standalone department offering undergraduate major and minor degrees in astronomy and astrophysics, with a long tradition of involving students directly in research. Research areas include stellar astrophysics and binary stars, exoplanets and planetary science, near-field cosmology, and time-domain astronomy and is supported by participation in TESS, Gaia, JWST, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory/LSST and others. Faculty have access to the on-site Villanova Observatory, high-performance computing resources, and membership in external observing consortia.

The successful candidate will join a community of scientists and educators who value a wide range of voices, backgrounds, and experiences. We welcome applicants with experience in inclusive teaching and mentoring practices and who will help make astronomy accessible to students from all backgrounds.

We are open to candidates working in any subfield of astrophysics or planetary science, and we encourage applicants to articulate how their program would grow at a university of Villanova’s scale. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active, externally recognized research program that engages undergraduate students, and to contribute to the department’s academic mission at all levels. Experience with astronomical instrumentation, observatory operations, or planetarium and public-outreach programming would be especially welcome, but not required. Full consideration will be given to strong candidates in any area.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

In addition to maintaining an active research agenda leading to publication, our new colleague will teach undergraduate courses in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, physics or their area of expertise, as well as other departmental courses, in a way that fosters connections across the discipline and the Villanova community.

We seek a colleague with a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, physics or closely related field in hand by June 1, 2025 , with at least 2 years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience, who can demonstrate excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring students in research.

Located twelve miles west of Philadelphia and an hour and a half by train from New York City, Villanova sits within one of the densest concentrations of research universities, liberal arts colleges and science-education institutions in the country, offering rich opportunities for collaboration and public engagement.

Applicants must apply online at https://jobs.villanova.edu. All applications are to include: * Letter of interest. * Current and complete curriculum vitae. * Statements of research and teaching interests *Names and contact information of three references who will be contacted to submit confidential letters of reference.

Finalists will be asked to submit a statement on their contributions to the University Mission and Enduring Commitments. The mission statement they should respond to is to be found here: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/president/about-university.html

Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Kelly Hambleton Prsa at kelly.hambleton@villanova.edu. Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2026 with a final deadline of December 1, 2026.

Competitive