Job description
Requisition Number: 69040
Location: Boulder, Colorado
City: Boulder
State: Colorado
Employment Type: Faculty
Schedule: Full-Time
Posting Close Date: 30-Jan-2026
Date Posted: 11-Dec-2025
Job Summary
Tenure-track Faculty Position, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder
The Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences (APS) Department at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is conducting a search for a new faculty member. The search is targeted at the Assistant Professor rank. We are interested in candidates from a broad range of astrophysical and planetary sciences, including researchers specializing in instrumentation, observation, and theoretical and computational approaches. This position requires the ability to develop and conduct an innovative independent research program, dedication to teaching in our undergraduate and graduate programs, and commitment to supporting the diverse student populations in our department. The APS department recognizes that contributions from a broad range of perspectives strengthen the effectiveness and creativity of a group. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
The APS department has 30 faculty in research areas covering a broad range of astrophysical and planetary sciences. Faculty are affiliated with one several leading research centers including CASA (theoretical, observational, and instrumental astrophysics), JILA (theoretical, computational, and observational astrophysics), or LASP (planetary science, solar and space physics, and space-flight instrumentation). The department and these institutes offer ample resources for establishing a robust research program. Observational facilities include the ARC 3.5-meter and ARCSAT 0.5-meter telescopes. In addition, CU Boulder is an institutional member of the SDSS IV and V surveys and has access to the Las Cumbres Observatory. The successful candidate would also have access to the CU Boulder facility for high-performance computing and world-class facilities for the development of spaceborne and ground-based hardware. CU Boulder has provided space-flight instruments on over a dozen NASA flagship missions. Several APS department members are active users of JWST and other space telescopes. The headquarters of the National Solar Observatory is located on the Boulder campus.
The APS department has one of the largest undergraduate programs in the country with roughly 400 majors. Teaching facilities include Fiske Planetarium, an on-campus world-class planetarium and educational facility. The department also maintains one 0.6-meter and two 0.5-meter telescopes on-campus at the Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Graduate course offerings cover a wide range of astrophysical and planetary science topics and include the use of the 3.5-m ARC telescope. The successful candidate can expect to join an inclusive department that strives to value and support all members of our community.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- This position requires the ability to develop and conduct an innovative independent research program, dedication to teaching in our undergraduate and graduate programs, and commitment to supporting the diverse student populations in our department.
- Additional information about faculty life and expectations in APS and at CU Boulder can be found at https://www.colorado.edu/aps/tenure-track-faculty-job-de scription-and-duties
What You Should Know
- The anticipated appointment effective date for this position is August 13, 2026.
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $108,000 – $113,000 annually. Startup funds are available, and a one-time payment of $11,000 to support moving expenses.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Candidates for this position must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in astrophysics or a related field at the start date of the appointment.
What You Will Need
- This position requires the ability to develop and conduct an innovative independent research program, dedication to teaching in our undergraduate and graduate programs, and commitment to supporting the diverse student populations in our department.
How to apply
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy
- Statement of Research Philosophy
- Professional Publications combined as a single PDF
- Research Paper(s) combined as a single PDF
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for three references who may be contacted to provide letters of recommendation later in the recruitment process.
Please apply by January 16, 2026 for full consideration. The position will remain posted until January 30, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
