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Astronomy Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Astronomy Professor information

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$42.5K

$80.1K

$135K

How much do astronomy professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 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.

More about Astronomy Professor jobs
What cities are hiring for Astronomy Professor jobs? Cities with the most Astronomy Professor job openings:
What states have the most Astronomy Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Astronomy Professor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Astronomy Professor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Tenure-track Assistant Professor (Astrophysics)

Tenure-track Assistant Professor (Astrophysics)

University of Maryland Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Department of Physics invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor in high-energy astrophysics, broadly defined, to begin in or before August 2023. This position is open to candidates with a background in observational, theoretical, and/or computational astrophysics. Candidates should have a PhD in Physics or a closely related field. We seek candidates who have the capacity to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program and who will also contribute to the diversity and excellence of the department in teaching, mentoring, and service.
UMBC is a dynamic public research university (R1) integrating teaching, research and service. It is located in the Baltimore suburbs, 15 minutes from Baltimore's Inner Harbor and 30 minutes from Washington D.C., in an area with a high concentration of federal and private research laboratories and research universities. The Department of Physics currently consists of 21 tenured or tenure-track faculty, 6 research faculty, 3 full-time lecturers, 54 PhD students and 120 undergraduate majors. The department offers a BS and BA in Physics, and PhD degrees in Physics and in Atmospheric Physics. Research expenditures currently exceed $6M per year. For more information, see http://physics.umbc.edu.
UMBC and the Department of Physics are dedicated to creating an inclusive, collegial environment where all faculty members can achieve excellence. Thus, candidates from diverse backgrounds, including women and under-represented minorities, are particularly encouraged to apply. Interest and experience in working with a diverse student and faculty population is valued. The Department of Physics has an active Graduate Women in Physics group and an Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics group, and has ties with the nationally acclaimed Meyerhoff Scholars Program. Information on faculty diversity initiatives and faculty groups is available at http://facultydiversity.umbc.edu, and information on the resources provided to help balance work and personal priorities are available at http://hr.umbc.edu/work-life-balance/. UMBC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
Qualifications
A PhD in Physics or in a closely related field is required.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should upload an application letter, a CV, detailed research and teaching plans, a statement of commitment to inclusive excellence in higher education, and the names and contact information for at least three references to the Interfolio website at http://apply.interfolio.com/112827. The inclusive excellence statement should include an explanation of the candidate's commitment and demonstrated or potential ability to contribute to diversity, inclusion, and equity in teaching, mentoring, recruiting, and departmental climate.
Applications will be received until a suitable candidate is identified.
Applications submitted by November 18, 2022 will receive full consideration.