DEADLINE: 15th March
START DATE: From August 2025
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) announces two tenure track positions at the Instituto de Astronomía (IA) in Ensenada, Baja California. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in astronomy, physics or a related field, and should have at least two years of postdoctoral experience. The applicants are expected to work in at least one of the following areas, either from the theoretical or observational (or both) perspective: 1) Planetary Systems (including their dynamics), 2) Interstellar Medium, or 3) Stars and Stellar Systems. For one of the positions, the successful applicant must be at most 37 (men) or 39 (women) years old by the starting date of the job.
We seek outstanding candidates working on innovative and cutting-edge topics in these fields with a strong record of research accomplishments and publications in high-impact journals. Candidates who meet the following expectations are especially encouraged to apply:
- Experience in the use of advanced tools and techniques, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and massive data analysis.
- Research projects connected to, or within the framework of, existing collaborations and initiatives where IA-UNAM is actively involved (see here).
- Proposals for research that open new avenues of collaboration or explore emerging frontier fields.
- Demonstrated ability to lead research initiatives and secure external funding.
A background in instrumentation, including the design, development, and application of cutting-edge astronomical instruments, will considered an asset.
Faculty members are expected to carry out original research, collaborate with other faculty members, teach astronomy and/or physics courses at the graduate and/or undergraduate level, serve as mentor to students, and participate in outreach activities. Other expected roles and responsibilities involve: strengthening and complementing existing research groups at the Instituto de Astronomía in Ensenada, actively participating in collaborative efforts, fostering interdisciplinary and institutional partnerships, and contributing to the development and execution of high-impact projects.
Institute members have competitive access to the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional at San Pedro Mártir, Baja California (OAN-SPM), the Observatorio Astronómico Guillermo Haro in Sonora, and the Large Millimeter Telescope Alfonso Serrano in Puebla, as well as access, direct or via collaboration, to several other international projects (for more details, see here). In addition, the Institute has extensive computing facilities and members of the Institute have access to UNAM’s general supercomputers. The IA provides funds for publishing and some support for observing and traveling. Further funding is available by competing for UNAM and/or other national grants.
Special emphasis will be placed on applications from Mexican citizens, female candidates, and people from ethnic minorities.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Before applying, candidates should ensure that they meet the minimum requirements and are encouraged to reach out to relevant faculty members or research groups in their area of interest prior to applying, to discuss potential synergies and collaborative opportunities (see for the Institute webpage here).
Candidates should submit:
1. a cover letter mentioning the area(s) of expertise addressed to Dr. Yair Krongold, director of the Instituto de Astronomía, UNAM,
2. a curriculum vitae,
3. a list of publications including a working link to the list of publications on ADS,
4. a description of current and future research, and teaching statements.
In addition, they should arrange for at least three letters of recommendation addressed to Dr. Yair Krongold. All paperwork and inquiries about this job posting should be e-mailed to Dr. Vladimir Avila-Reese, head of Academic Affairs, to convocatorias@astro.unam.mx
Please make sure that signed letters of reference are submitted as PDF documents by e-mail directly from the signatory to convocatorias@astro.unam.mx.
OTHER DOCUMENTS
A copy of the successful applicant’s birth certificate and Ph.D. diploma (or Ph.D. defense certificate) will be needed at a later date.
The successful applicant will be required to apply for a work permit if they do not have Mexican citizenship.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The initial base salary will be fixed at the standard junior faculty level determined by UNAM and is non-negotiable. Faculty members are also eligible for several performance-related bonus programs. Contracts are for a full 12 months per year. Inquiries regarding salary can be made to Dr. Vladimir Avila-Reese to convocatorias@astro.unam.mx.
Standard health insurance and retirement are provided by the Government. In addition, insurance of major medical expenses and special retirement programs are provided by UNAM.