Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Salary: $95,000 – $115,000 per year
Posted: 10/31/2025
Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics; +1

Position: Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy

Institution: Barnard College
Location: New York City, NY

Barnard College, a premier liberal arts undergraduate college for women founded in 1888 and long affiliated with Columbia University, invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy.

The joint Physics & Astronomy Department at Barnard works closely with faculty across related STEM disciplines and maintains strong ties with both the Columbia University Physics and Columbia University Astronomy Departments. These partnerships offer opportunities for collaboration across many research centers, including:

• Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

• Nevis Laboratories

• Data Science Institute

• Columbia Climate School

• Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Astrophysics

• American Museum of Natural History

Columbia Astronomy is also a member of the MDM Observatory and the LSST Corporation, providing access to a wide range of ground- and space-based astronomical facilities.

Job Description

The department seeks to enhance the experience of its physics, astrophysics, and astronomy majors through activities that build community, provide academic support, and connect students to STEM opportunities beyond the classroom. Examples include the Barnard Summer Research Institute and NSF-funded REU programs.

Barnard faculty are expected to engage in:

• Teaching and curriculum development

• Undergraduate research mentoring

• Academic advising (pre-major and major)

• Collaborative research within Barnard and Columbia University

We are seeking candidates specializing in Observational, Theoretical, or Computational Astronomy/Astrophysics.

The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s vision and foster strong collaboration with Columbia University’s Astronomy Department.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics

• Strong record of research and scholarship

• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentoring

• Dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM

We especially seek candidates who can effectively teach:

• A large (100–125 students) algebra-based astronomy lecture for non-majors

• A moderately-sized (50–75 students) calculus-based introductory physics course for majors

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following via Workday (incomplete applications will not be reviewed):

1. Curriculum Vitae (maximum file size: 5 MB)

2. A single PDF file (maximum file size: 30 MB) containing:

   • Signed cover letter specifying area of expertise (Observational, Theoretical, or Computational)

   • Research statement outlining accomplishments and future plans

   • Teaching/Mentoring statement describing pedagogical philosophy and experiences

Applicants will also be asked to provide contact information for at least three references, who will receive automatic requests for confidential recommendation letters.

Full consideration will be given to candidates whose applications and reference letters are received by December 1, 2025.

For inquiries, contact Professor Tim Halpin-Healy, Search Chair, at AstroSearch@barnard.edu.

Salary

$95,000 – $115,000 per year
(Final salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and budget.)

Equal Opportunity Statement

Barnard College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, age, disability, or any other legally protected category.

Qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.