The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Vassar College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Astronomy, beginning fall semester 2022.

Vassar College is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to increasing the diversity of the campus community and the curriculum, and to promoting an environment of equality, inclusion, and respect for difference. Candidates who can contribute to this goal through their teaching, research, and other activities are encouraged to identify their strengths and experiences in this area. Individuals from underrepresented groups in the American professoriate are particularly encouraged to apply.

The candidate should have a Ph.D. in astronomy, planetary science, astrophysics, physics or related field, a commitment to undergraduate education, and a significant research program. The position is open to observational, theoretical, or computational astronomers in all fields that will add breadth to our major. Preference will be given to galactic or extragalactic astronomers, since some of the courses to be taught include stellar astrophysics, galaxies and cosmology, and the interstellar medium. Previous teaching experience is a plus. The teaching load in the first year is four courses. In ensuing years, it will be five courses per year, or four plus an “Intensive” (collaborative or research experience with small groups of students). The successful candidate will teach courses spanning all levels of the curriculum, and will be encouraged to develop new courses. The candidate will be expected to develop and maintain a robust research program that can engage undergraduate student research assistants. Vassar has an Undergraduate Research Summer Institute (URSI) and is a member of the Keck Northeast Astronomy Consortium. The department currently consists of five physicists and two astronomers in tenure track positions; see the department homepage
https://physicsandastronomy.vassar.edu.

Vassar is a highly selective, coeducational liberal arts college of about 2450 undergraduates (no graduate students) located in the beautiful and historic Hudson Valley seventy-five miles north of New York City. The city of Poughkeepsie benefits from rich cultural diversity and from convenient commuter rail access to New York City.

Vassar faculty are committed teachers/scholars who bring research and creative discovery to life for students in classrooms, labs, and studios and in individually mentored projects. They teach broadly in the curricula of their departments, advise students, and engage in departmental and college service and activities. The College maintains a generous leave policy, provides strong support for research, and encourages multidisciplinary approaches to teaching. To apply, please visit https://employment.vassar.edu/postings/2076 to link to the posting for this position. Candidates should upload (1) a letter of application, (2) Curriculum Vitae, (3) a statement of teaching philosophy and teaching experience, (4) a statement of research and experience and proposed student engagement, and (5) a diversity statement, and should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be uploaded to that site. For inquiries, email Prof. Jenny Magnes, Chair, Department of Physics & Astronomy, jemagnes@vassar.edu.

For full consideration, complete applications should be received by October 10, 2021; there is no guarantee that applications received after that date will be considered.