Assistant Professor

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

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Our primary mission is providing instruction of the highest quality in physics and astronomy to undergraduate and graduate students at UNC-CH. Training in physics is fundamental among the natural sciences because it provides understanding of the forces governing the structure of matter, from subatomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe. Our departmental instructional mission spans all segments of the student community. Over 60% of all college graduates from UNC-CH have taken a course in our department. Among them: undergraduate liberal arts majors who should master the power of quantitative reasoning; undergraduates seeking a degree in another of the natural sciences, who need physics as a foundation for their advanced scientific training; the small number of undergraduates who major in physics, to whom we provide broad and rigorous training. Our graduate education and research advances frontiers of knowledge at the two extremes of space and time, from the very small (the realm of particle physics) to the very large (the realm of astronomy), while expanding the boundaries of knowledge in the many subfields spanning length scales between. Forefront physics and astronomy research requires access to well-equipped laboratories and extensive computing capabilities; it also must be supported by comprehensive and accessible library collections. Again, in research at this advanced level, the bridging aspect of physics provides basic interdisciplinary insight for many other sciences. This instructional mission is supported by a strong managerial, administrative, and technical staff. Duties of these employees range from budget planning and management for the numerous research grants held by faculty in the department to maintaining course and student records. These activities are usually accomplished in a standard 40- hour week schedule

The Department of Physics and Astronomy seeks to fill a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in astrophysics, with a focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to large-scale astronomical data. The faculty member will establish and lead an independent, externally funded research program in this area, publish in peer-reviewed venues, and supervise graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.Research programs that will use the Argus Array are especially encouraged. The faculty member will teach undergraduate and graduate courses across the physics and astronomy curriculum, contribute to the Department's developing curriculum in artificial intelligence and machine learning methods, and advise and mentor undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers. The faculty member will also contribute service to the Department, the College, the University, and the profession.

Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related field, or equivalent, by the effective date of appointment.

Record of independent research applying artificial intelligence and/or machine learning to large-scale astronomical datasets.

Experience working with data from large astronomical surveys, including high-volume, high-cadence, or low-latency data streams.

Strong record of peer-reviewed publication, with evidence of research independence and intellectual growth beyond doctoral work.

Evidence of scientific potential, such as successful grant proposals, awards, successful observing-time proposals, or leadership roles within research collaborations.

Experience in, and demonstrated commitment to, teaching and mentoring students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including students of varied academic preparation.

Potential to build research collaborations with existing programs in the Department and across the University.

Applicants should provide a cover letter, CV (including publication list), research statement, statement on teaching and mentoring philosophy, and contact information for four references who can write a letter of recommendation on their behalf. We will request letters at the shortlist stage.
Applicants should apply at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325834 specifying Physics and Astronomy in the Department drop-down list box, and then upload PDF files of the requested documents by November 16th, 2026. Review of applications will begin on November 16th, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Questions should be directed to: Prof. Andrew Mann, Associate Professor, Physics and Astronomy Search Committee, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; awmann@unc.edu

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.