The Department of Physics and New College intend to appoint to the Savilian Professorship of Astronomy with effect from September 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. Preference will be given to a candidate working in theoretical astrophysics although candidates in all areas of astrophysics are welcome.

 

Established in 1619, the Savilian Professorship of Astronomy is the oldest extant chair in Astronomy in the world. Its holders have helped shape the development of modern astrophysics, including, in recent decades, internationally leading figures in cosmology, theoretical astrophysics and high-energy astrophysics. The professorship is a figurehead position for Oxford Astrophysics and carries an expectation of intellectual leadership at the highest level. We are looking for an outstanding researcher with an international reputation, capable of setting ambitious scientific directions, attracting major external funding, mentoring the next generation of researchers, and strengthening Oxford’s position as one of the world’s leading centres for astrophysics.

 

Alongside your own world-leading research programme, you will provide academic and strategic leadership for colleagues at all levels to ensure the long-term development of Astrophysics at Oxford and beyond, promoting a culture of research excellence and enabling the wider impact of research on society. You will be expected to inspire our students through lecturing and through the supervision of Masters and doctoral research projects.

 

If you would like to discuss this post, please contact Professor Pedro Ferreira (Head of Astrophysics) pedro.ferreira@physics.ox.ac.uk; Professor Andrew Boothroyd (Head of Physics) andrew.boothroyd@physics.ox.ac.uk or Professor Adrianne Slyz (New College) adrianne.slyz@physics.ox.ac.uk. All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence and will not form part of the selection decision.

 

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon UK time on Monday 2 November 2026. Interviews are expected to be held in February 2027.