University of Iowa, Department of Physics and Astronomy

The University of Iowa is a leading public university located in Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature with a high quality of life. This faculty position complements departmental, collegiate, and university investments in facilities and personnel in space-based astrophysics and space physics. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with faculty members in those areas.

Homepage: https://uiowa.edu/

The Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for an experimental space-based astronomer who is committed to the research, mentoring, and teaching missions of our department. The successful applicant is expected to develop a productive, visible, and well-funded research program with a research focus that is synergistic with departmental expertise in space-based astronomical instrumentation. The position is at the rank of tenure-track assistant professor. The anticipated start date for this position is August 19, 2026.

REQUIREMENTS

• PhD in astronomy, physics, or a closely related discipline conferred by the position start date.
• Postdoctoral research experience in experimental space-based astrophysics.
• Strong commitment to effective teaching and mentoring students.
• Experience mentoring students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Demonstrated ability to obtain external funding from NASA.
• Strong potential to develop an internationally recognized research program.
• Excellent communication skills.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience leading instrument development efforts in space-based astronomy, expertise in leading suborbital missions (e.g., sounding rockets, balloon platforms).
• National recognition for achievements in space-based astronomical instrumentation.
• Potential for research collaborations with the current faculty in diffractive optics, telescope development, and/or detectors.
• Potential for effective usage of existing laboratory space/facilities, including cleanrooms, the Iowa Spaceflight Laboratory, and/or the Materials Analysis, Testing, and Fabrication Facility (MATFab).

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Informal inquiries about the position can be directed to Professor David Miles (david-miles@uiowa.edu), with the subject line “Experimental Space-Based Astronomy Faculty Search.” To apply, please visit https://jobs.uiowa.edu/content/faculty/ and refer to requisition #75856. Materials should be submitted electronically, including a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, and email contact information for three letters of recommendation. Note that references will be automatically contacted through the Jobs@UIOWA application system and prompted to submit a letter of reference/recommendation electronically.

WORK AUTHORIZATION INFORMATION

If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.