Adjunct Faculty in Astronomy - Siena University

Siena College; Loudonville (NY); On-site; USD 13,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to Breyo Observatory

Resources for demonstrations and hands

Job summary

Siena University seeks adjunct faculty to teach ASTR 100 (Astronomy) for Spring 2027. Courses are in-person, three of four sections, each meeting 6:00–9:00 p.m. for a single semester. Up to three sections may be assigned, with 30 students per section, starting January 19, 2027, through May 8, 2027.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or master’s in astronomy, physics, or related field, or equivalent graduate preparation; teaching interest is essential and prior college teaching is preferred.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astronomy or physics or related field is required or equivalent graduate preparation.
• Strong interest in undergraduate teaching; prior college teaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach ASTR 100 (Astronomy) for Spring 2027.
• Cover up to three sections (4 sections offered; 1–3 sections depending on availability).
• In-person classes meet 6:00–9:00 p.m. on Mon–Thu with 30 students per section.

Skills

Undergraduate teaching

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy/physics/related field

Master's degree in astronomy/physics/related field

Job description

Located in Loudonville, New York - just 10 minutes from the state capital of Albany - Siena empowers more than 3,400 students each year through a transformative journey we call the Education for a Lifetime. All members of the Siena University community work together to advance the University's mission to graduate Saints intent on making the world more just, peaceful, and humane. The Franciscan tradition, upon which Siena was founded, permeates throughout campus life. All community members are valued for their unique worth and recognized for their specific contributions toward the greater good. That spirit of belonging and respect reverberates across our 174-acre campus, which is ranked among the 50 most beautiful college campuses in the country by Condé Nast.

Siena is leading the way in Catholic, liberal arts education, and the national rankings help tell our story. Siena ranks number one in New York for job placement; top 10 among all Catholic University in the country; and among the top three percent of all institutions in the U.S according to the Wall Street Journal. It has always been our community of dedicated and passionate Saints who make this campus a coveted destination to work, live, and learn. We hope you'll consider joining us.

Job Description:

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Siena University invites applications for adjunct faculty to teach ASTR 100 (Astronomy) during the Spring 2027 semester.

ASTR 100 is an introductory, non-technical astronomy course taken by students from a wide range of majors. The course fulfills a natural science core requirement and introduces students to topics including the Solar System, stars, galaxies, cosmology, and the methods of astronomical inquiry.

In Spring 2027, four sections of ASTR 100 will be offered in person, each meeting once per week from 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. We are seeking adjunct faculty to cover up to three of these sections. Applicants may be considered to teach one or two sections, depending on availability. Classes begin January 19, 2027, and final exams conclude May 8, 2027. Each section is capped at 30 students.

Siena is home to the Breyo Observatory, which houses a 0.7-meter PlaneWave optical telescope, the largest telescope in New York's Capital Region. The department also has several smaller telescopes and other equipment and resources available for classroom demonstrations and hands‑on astronomy activities.

Requirements:

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or master's degree in astronomy, physics, or a related field, or have other appropriate graduate‑level preparation and experience teaching astronomy. A strong interest in undergraduate teaching is essential, and previous college‑level teaching experience is preferred.

A background screening is required for finalist applicants for all University positions.

Additional Information:

Pay Rate:$1333.34 per contact hour

*The hiring pay rate above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting in compliance with the Albany County Salary Transparency Law.

Siena University is committed to attracting, supporting, and retaining a diverse faculty. We actively encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, veterans, and others from underrepresented groups who may make a positive contribution to the diversification of ideas and perspectives.

Siena University is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All bargaining unit faculty members shall be covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Siena University and SEIU (Service Employees International United) Local 200.