Job Details

Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $65,000 per year
Posted: December 1, 2025
Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Hiring Department: College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
Earliest Start Date: September 1, 2026
FLSA Status: Exempt
Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with occasional evening/weekend work and conference travel as needed
Position Status: Grant-funded; continuation depends on funding availability

About the University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a comprehensive public research university dedicated to expanding access to high-quality higher education. As America’s leading Hispanic-serving university, UTEP enrolls approximately 24,000 students, 84% of whom are Hispanic, with more than half being first-generation college students.

Located at the westernmost point of Texas—where Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico meet along the Rio Grande—UTEP offers 172 degree programs across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. It is the nation’s only open-access, top-tier research university.

About the College of Science

UTEP’s College of Science promotes scientific innovation through interdisciplinary research and hands-on learning. Programs span biology, chemistry, physics, mathematical sciences, and geosciences. The College plays a critical role in advancing scientific and economic development within the border region and beyond.

Position Summary

The College of Science invites applications for a 2-year full-time position in computational astrophysics, focusing on connecting transport models of low-energy cosmic rays with newly available observational datasets. This project is supported by the NSF grant “Modeling the Variability of the Cosmic Ray Ionization Rate Within 500 Parsecs from Earth.”

The position is security-sensitive and may require compliance with Executive Order GA-48 related to access to critical infrastructure. Criminal background checks, a valid driver’s license, and insurability under UTS 157 may be required.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Kedron Silsbee on a research program involving:

• Implementing numerical models of cosmic ray transport, incorporating:

  • Spatial and momentum-space diffusion

  • Advection

  • Energy losses from interactions with the interstellar medium (ISM)

• Integrating realistic ISM density structures derived from dust extinction maps.

• Developing and applying a stochastic supernova source model that accounts for supernova clustering.

• Comparing model predictions to:

  • Voyager spacecraft cosmic ray energy spectra

  • Localized cosmic ray ionization rate measurements in molecular clouds, supported by 3D dust extinction data

• Supporting and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students involved in related research projects.

• Complying with all University and State policies.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in astrophysics, physics, or a closely related discipline.

• Experience:

  • Demonstrated experience writing code for numerical simulations.

  • Experience with cosmic ray transport or astrochemistry is desirable but not required.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Academic CV (uploaded under “resume”)

2. 2–3 page summary of past research experience (uploaded under “cover letter”)

3. Contact information for three references (uploaded under “attachments”)

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Frequent standing and walking; regular sitting, reaching, speaking, and hearing.

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.

• Work environment noise level is typically moderate.

• Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity

UTEP is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment for faculty, staff, and students. The University prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in accordance with state and federal laws.

Inquiries related to Title IX may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at:

• Phone: (915) 747-8358

• Email: titleix@utep.edu

• Address: 500 W. University Ave., Kelly Hall, Room 312, El Paso, TX

For disability accommodations, contact the Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.