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Astrophysics Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bsu

Assistant Teaching Professor

Muncie, IN · On-site

$58K - $65K/yr

Physics & Astronomy Start Date: 08/21/2026 About this opportunity: An Assistant Teaching Professor of Physics faculty position is available starting August 2026. The successful application will be ...

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How much do astrophysics professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for astrophysics 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 as an Astrophysics Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Astrophysics Professor, you need an advanced degree (typically a Ph.D.) in astrophysics or a related field, with a strong background in research and teaching. Familiarity with data analysis software, astronomical instrumentation, and scientific publishing platforms is typically required, along with a record of peer-reviewed publications. Excellent communication, mentoring abilities, and critical thinking skills help in effectively conveying complex concepts and supporting student development. These qualifications ensure the ability to advance research, educate future scientists, and contribute to the academic community.

What are some common challenges faced by Astrophysics Professors when balancing research, teaching, and administrative duties?

Astrophysics Professors often navigate the challenge of balancing their time between conducting research, preparing and delivering lectures, mentoring students, and fulfilling administrative or departmental responsibilities. Prioritizing research projects while meeting teaching commitments can be demanding, especially during grant application periods or exam seasons. Effective time management and collaboration with colleagues can help mitigate these challenges. Additionally, staying current with advancements in the field and integrating new findings into curriculum adds another layer of complexity to the role.

Do astrophysicists get paid a lot?

Astrophysics professors typically earn competitive salaries that vary by institution and experience, with many earning between $70,000 and $150,000 annually. Advanced research, grant funding, and academic rank can influence income levels, and the job often requires a Ph.D. and strong analytical skills.

What can I do with a PhD in astrophysics?

A PhD in astrophysics prepares individuals for careers as astrophysics professors, research scientists, or data analysts in academia, government agencies, or private industry. These roles often involve conducting research, publishing findings, and teaching, with skills in data analysis, programming, and scientific communication being essential.

How much do astronomy professors make?

Astronomy professors, typically holding PhDs and conducting research and teaching at universities, earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, location, and institution. Salaries can vary widely based on rank, research funding, and additional responsibilities.

Does NASA hire astrophysicists?

Yes, NASA hires astrophysicists for research, mission planning, and data analysis roles. These positions often require advanced degrees in physics or astronomy, strong analytical skills, and experience with scientific tools and programming languages. Job opportunities are typically posted on NASA's official careers website and may involve collaboration with other space agencies and research institutions.

What does an Astrophysics Professor do?

An Astrophysics Professor teaches university-level courses in astrophysics, conducts original research, and mentors students. Their work involves developing and delivering lectures, designing experiments or observational studies, publishing findings in scientific journals, and often securing research funding. Professors may also supervise graduate students and collaborate with other scientists on complex projects. Their role is essential in advancing knowledge about the universe and training the next generation of astrophysicists.
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Astrophysics Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astrophysics Professor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Full Time, and 97% Part Time. Highlights an 46% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 53% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Assistant Professor - Astrophysics and Planetary Science

Assistant Professor - Astrophysics and Planetary Science

Villanova University

Villanova, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 536 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.
Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:
20241139F
Position Title:
Assistant Professor - Astrophysics and Planetary Science
Position Type:
Faculty
Location:
Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule:
full-time/9-months
Department:
182-Astronomy and Planetary Science
Position Summary:
The Department of Astrophysics & Planetary Science at Villanova University invites applications for a tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor starting in August 2025. We seek highly qualified candidates in theoretical and/or observational Astrophysics or Planetary Science, who will enhance the research directions and existing expertise in the Department. Applicants who demonstrate an outstanding track record of independent research skills in the fields of Stellar Astrophysics, Planets (both inside and outside the solar system), Space Weather, or Astrobiology are particularly encouraged. In their Research Plan, applicants should indicate how their specific research interests complement and/or expand the general research directions of the Department.
Applicants must be strongly committed to the teacher-scholar model within a Liberal Arts & Sciences environment in a primarily undergraduate institution. The successful candidate must demonstrate a high potential for initiating and maintaining an active and productive research program at Villanova involving undergraduate students, and the ability to attract external funding.
Villanova University is located in a suburban setting 12 miles from downtown Philadelphia, PA. The Department of Astrophysics & Planetary Science offers a Bachelor of Science degree. Current departmental resources include a dedicated high performance computing cluster, guaranteed access to the 1.3 meter Robotically Controlled Telescope located at Kitt Peak National Observatory, onsite research telescopes, and a public observatory. Startup funds will be available to the successful candidate.
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.
Duties and Responsibilities:
In addition to maintaining an active research program leading to external grant funding, professional conference contributions, and publication in the peer-reviewed literature, our new colleague will teach undergraduate courses in his/her area of expertise, as well as other departmental courses, in a way that fosters connections across the discipline and the Villanova community. Teaching will be 6 contact hours one semester and 9 the other; committee responsibilities consistent with rank.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Astrophysics or related fields.
Preferred Qualifications:
Post-doctoral experience in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or Planetary Science. Undergraduate teaching or public outreach experience.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Special Message to Applicants:
Applicants must apply online at https://jobs.villanova.edu/. Documents which cannot be submitted through this site should be submitted directly to kathleen.demara@villanova.edu
All applications are to include:
• Application letter.
• Current and complete curriculum vitae.
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Research Plan
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts
• Contact information for at least three references who will receive a secure email link to upload confidential
Posting Date:
06/24/2024
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
Competitive
Salary Band:
Job Classification:
faculty

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About Villanova University

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Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, operates within the higher education industry. Its establishment traces back to 1842 by the Augustinians, a Catholic religious order. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Law, serving over 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Guided by its Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, it is committed to community service, and it seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and ethical leaders. The university’s mission is to empower students to ignite change, with a vision for a just and peaceful world.

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