Astrophysics Professor Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description Summary
FIRE Assistant Clinical Professor
The Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President and the Office of Undergraduate Research seek full-time 12-month Assistant Clinical Professors to lead newly developed FIRE research streams designed around the research experience, passions, and goals of applicants.
We seek individuals from any of the following disciplines:
Natural Sciences: Biochemistry, Biology, Cellular Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Environmental Science, Geology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Virology, and all similar and related disciplines.
Social Science & Humanities: Psychology, Economics, Education, Geography, History, Political Science, Sociology, Communications, History, Music, Gender Studies, and all related disciplines.
Technology & Applied Sciences: Computer Science, Engineering, Information & Data Science, Geographical Information Systems, Physics, Astronomy, Atmospheric Sciences, Computational Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, and all related disciplines.
Specific Opportunity to Continue Existing FIRE Stream: We seek an individual to lead the existing, highly successful FIRE Computing & Society research stream.
FIRE Faculty Leader Position Description
FIRE Assistant Clinical Professors design and implement the group research agenda and are responsible for all research-related curriculum, instruction, and broad student mentorship. The position empowers early-career faculty members to grow as research leaders, educators, mentors, and higher education professionals. FIRE Assistant Clinical Professors work in collaboration with department-based UMD faculty members to design and implement the research agenda of a new FIRE research stream. As the lead instructor of research-related FIRE courses, the FIRE Assistant Clinical Professors are tasked with providing an excellent educational experience through the development of a research-centered curriculum that allows for iteration: students engage in work that includes periods of uncertainty, setbacks, and unexpected outcomes, and have the opportunity to repeat unsuccessful methodological attempts. As the professional who works with FIRE-participating students, FIRE Assistant Clinical Professors provide personal, academic, research, and professional mentorship.
Additional Job Details
Appointment Details
Appointments will start in August of 2026 or January 2027 and run through December 2027, with strong potential for annual renewals in January 2028, per positive performance reviews.
Expectations of Position

• Ability to lead undergraduate peer mentors through communication and management.
• Ability to develop curriculum and protocols for research-based inquiry.
• Ability to effectively teach undergraduate students in lecture and research-based environments.
• Ability to mentor students from research, academic, and personal perspectives.
• Ability to assess student learning through the development of formative and summative assessments appropriate for inquiry-based instruction.
• Ability to manage research operations, including student progress, equipment, consumables, and oversight of the fiscal budget.
• Ability to effectively communicate with stream faculty members, undergraduate peer mentors, students, and institutional colleagues.
• Ability to problem-solve, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and timelines.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and effectively while working autonomously and collaboratively.
• Flexibility to grow, adapt, and change as FIRE develops at UMD.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. (title: Assistant Clinical Professor) or Master's (title: Lecturer) degree.
• Active Research interests and goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research leadership experience.
• Experience working on funded research projects.
• Prior supervisory experience of undergraduate researchers.
• Record of success in presenting research at conferences and/or publishing research in peer-reviewed journals.
• At least one year of experience in teaching undergraduate students (either as the instructor of record or as a teaching assistant).
• At least one year of research team experience with substantial project management experience and organizational skills.

Visa Sponsorship Information

• OUR will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future.
• F1 STEM OPT support is not available for this position.

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• CV
• List of Three References

Best Consideration Date: May 11, 2026
Posting Close Date: N/A
Open Until Filled: Yes
Financial Disclosure Required
No
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
SVPAAP-Office of Undergraduate Research
Worker Sub-Type
Faculty Regular
Salary Range
$55,000 - $85,000 commensurate with experience and discipline
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
Resources

• Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online

Search Firm Managed Recruitment
There are some positions that are not advertised on this career site as the search is being managed by a Search Firm.
Please visit the link below to see these available opportunities:
Search Firm Managed Vacancies