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Astronomy Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UNC-Chapel Hill

Adjunct Professor

Chapel Hill, NC

Posting Information Department Physics and Astronomy - 319000 Application Deadline 06/29/2026 Position Type Visiting / Part-time Faculty Working Title Adjunct Professor Appointment Type Adjunct ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State has an immediate opening for an Associate Research Professor (non-tenure line) with expertise in data analytics. A major ...

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How much do astronomy professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for astronomy professor in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Astronomy Professor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Astronomy Professor, you need an advanced degree (typically a Ph.D.) in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field, and a strong record of research and teaching experience. Familiarity with specialized software such as IRAF, Python, and astronomical data analysis tools, as well as experience using telescopes and observatories, is often required. Exceptional communication, mentoring, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and contribute to collaborative research projects. These capabilities are essential for inspiring students, advancing scientific knowledge, and succeeding within academic institutions.

What does an Astronomy Professor do?

An Astronomy Professor teaches courses on topics such as planetary science, astrophysics, and cosmology at a college or university. They also conduct research, publish scientific papers, and mentor students in their academic and research pursuits. Many Astronomy Professors secure funding for their studies, use observatories to collect data, and collaborate with other scientists. Their role often includes public outreach and presentations to share astronomical discoveries.

What do astronomy professors do?

Astronomy professors teach university students about celestial objects, astrophysics, and space science. They conduct research, publish findings, and often use telescopes and laboratory equipment. Their work involves lectures, student mentorship, and staying current with scientific advancements.

What does a typical workweek look like for an Astronomy Professor?

A typical week for an Astronomy Professor includes preparing and delivering lectures, leading laboratory sessions, supervising student research, and conducting their own research projects. Professors also spend time writing grant proposals, publishing research findings, attending conferences, and serving on academic committees. Collaboration is common, both with colleagues in other scientific disciplines and through partnerships with observatories or research institutions. Balancing teaching responsibilities with ongoing research and departmental service makes for a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment.

How much do astronomy professors make?

Astronomy professors typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education level, and the institution. Salaries can vary based on research funding, geographic location, and whether they hold tenure or adjunct positions.

Do you need a PhD to be an astronomy professor?

Yes, most astronomy professors hold a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field, as it is typically a requirement for faculty positions at universities. Advanced research skills, a strong publication record, and teaching experience are also important for securing such roles.

How much does a PhD in astronomy make?

Astronomy professors with a PhD typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, institution, and location. Salaries can increase with tenure, research funding, and additional responsibilities such as department leadership or research grants.
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Astronomy Professor jobs near you
Assistant/Associate Professor of Theoretical Quantum Matter and Quantum Information

Assistant/Associate Professor of Theoretical Quantum Matter and Quantum Information

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Establish an externally-funded research program in theoretical quantum matter and quantum information.

  • Mentor graduate students.

  • Contribute to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

267th of 541 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Req Id: 39004
Job Title: Assistant/Associate Professor of Theoretical Quantum Matter and Quantum Information
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Purdue University invites applications for a faculty position in theoretical quantum matter and quantum information to begin August 2026. We seek candidates whose research advances the interface of quantum information science and condensed matter theory, particularly in areas such as quantum computation, quantum error correction, quantum simulation, tensor-network methods, generalized symmetries and topological phases of matter.
The successful candidate will join the multidisciplinary Quantum Science Theory group at Purdue University--part of a large-scale initiative by the College of Science that bridges the departments of Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Mathematics. This initiative is supported by significant investments from the College, including dedicated interdisciplinary space for future hires, a Quantum Science Theory Postdoctoral Fellowship, and a program to support visits from fellow researchers for building and sustaining collaborations.
The candidate will be expected to establish an externally-funded research program, mentor graduate students, and contribute to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a PhD in physics or another closely related field.
The Department, College, and University
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has 60 tenured and tenure-track professors, 200 graduate students, and 280 undergraduates. It is engaged in research in astrophysics, atomic, molecular, and optical physics, biophysics, condensed matter, high-energy physics, nuclear physics, physics education, and quantum information science. More information is available at https://www.physics.purdue.edu/.
The College of Science, encompassing the physical, computing and life sciences at Purdue, is home to over 350 faculty and more than 6000 students. It is strongly committed to supporting quantum information sciences, and has hired 15 new faculty members across the departments of Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Mathematics in the last 5 years. More information can be found at https://www.purdue.edu/science/.
Purdue University is one of the nation's leading land-grant universities, with an enrollment of over 52,000 students primarily focused on STEM subjects. Quantum science and engineering is one of the four pillars of the Purdue Computes Initiative (https://www.purdue.edu/computes/), and as part of this effort, the university has established the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute (https://quantum.research.purdue.edu). The university also hosts the Rosen Center for Advanced Computing, which provides faculty and students with access to diverse high-performance computing resources (https://www.rcac.purdue.edu).
Application Procedure
Application materials must be submitted through https://careers.purdue.edu/job/Assistant-Professor-of-Physics-&-Astronomy/39004-en_USand include:
(1) Cover letter,
(2) Curriculum vitae with a list of publications,
(3) Statement of present and future research plans (4-page limit)
(4) Statement of teaching philosophy.
In addition, candidates should arrange for at least 3 letters of reference to be sent to qissearch@purdue.edu. Questions regarding the positions and the search may also be directed to qissearch@purdue.edu.
Applications completed by December 5th, 2025 will be given full consideration, although the search will continue until the position is filled. A background check is required for employment in this position. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.

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