Position Information
Assistant Professor of Research
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at UTSA invites applications for a fixed-term Assistant Professor of Research position in infrared extragalactic astronomy.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence - advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has also been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more online, on UT San Antonio Today or on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.
College of Sciences
The College of Sciences is one of the university's largest academic colleges and is home to more than 4,800 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in 31 degree programs, supported by more than 280 faculty members and dedicated staff. Each of the College's seven departments contributes to advancing its mission of excellence in education, research, and community engagement-these include the Departments of Biology, Health, and the Environment; Chemistry; Earth and Planetary Sciences; Mathematics; Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology; and Physics and Astronomy. The College offers comprehensive undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs that prepare students for careers in science, healthcare, education, industry, and public service. Faculty conduct internationally recognized research in areas including infectious diseases, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, climate science, cybersecurity, advanced materials, and drug discovery, contributing to approximately $48 million in annual research expenditures. The College is committed to advancing scientific discovery, fostering innovation, and promoting student success through experiential learning and research opportunities. The College of Sciences plays a vital role in addressing local, national, and global challenges through scientific research and education.
For more information about the College of Sciences, please visit the College website: https://sciences.utsa.edu.
Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy currently has 32 faculty members with research across materials science, biophysics, observational astronomy, theoretical and laboratory astrophysics, and space physics. The Department enrollment is currently 137 undergraduate majors and 82 graduate students. The Department offers accredited B. A., B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Physics. Additional information about the Department can be found at https://sciences.utsa.edu/physics-astronomy.
Salary Range: Commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications
Job Type: Full Time
Position Summary
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at UTSA invites applications for a fixed-term Research Assistant Professor position in infrared extragalactic astronomy. We seek an outstanding candidate with expertise in active galactic nuclei (AGN), the multi-phase interstellar medium (ISM), and infrared spectroscopic diagnostics. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience with JWST integral-field unit (IFU) observations and data analysis, particularly involving NIRSpec and/or MIRI spectroscopy, as well as expertise in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission, molecular and ionized gas diagnostics, and the structure and physics of AGN tori.
The successful candidate is expected to contribute to UTSA's expanding research programs in infrared astronomy, JWST science, future observatory endeavors (e.g., the Habitable Worlds Observatory and Thirty Meter Telescope), and student research training and mentoring.
Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Application Process
To apply, applicants must upload the following:
Posting Close Date: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM CDT on 06/09/2026. At the discretion of the hiring department, this posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
This position will work primarily on campus. Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.
This position is contingent upon a successful background check. Verification of a valid driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) may be completed as applicable. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.
Equal Employment Opportunity
As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination.