Assistant / Associate Professor of Astronomy

Eastern University; Chesterbrook (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern University seeks a full-time, tenure-track astronomy professor who will also serve as Director of the Bradstreet Observatory and Julia Fowler Planetarium. This role blends teaching, active research, facility administration, public outreach, and a Christian faith integration within higher education.

The position includes leading undergraduate courses in astronomy and related fields, directing public programming, mentoring students in research, and upholding the University's Doctrinal

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field.
• Proven ability to teach undergraduates (including non-science majors).
• Active research program with undergraduate involvement potential.
• Commitment to Eastern University’s Christian values and integration of faith in academics.
• Willingness to teach interdisciplinary courses (math, physics, CS) as needed.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory astronomy courses and labs, plus an Honors Cosmology course; potential math/physics/CS teaching as needed.
• Direct the Bradstreet Observatory and Julia Fowler Planetarium, including public programming and field trips.
• Supervise Observatory/Planetarium staff and coordinate research opportunities for students.
• Maintain an active astronomy/astrophysics research program with undergraduate mentorship.
• Integrate Christian worldview into teaching, mentoring, and scholarship per University Doctrinal Statement.

Skills

Undergrad teaching

Active research program

Interdisciplinary teaching

Christian integration in teaching

Education

Ph.D. in Astronomy/Astrophysics

Job description

Position Description

Eastern University seeks a full-time, tenure-track astronomyprofessor who will also serve as Director of the BradstreetObservatory and Julia Fowler Planetarium. This unique role combinesundergraduate teaching, active research, facility administration,public outreach, and the integration of the Christian faith intohigher education.

Position Responsibilities

• Teaching: Instruct introductory astronomy courses andlabs (e.g., The Solar System, Exploration of the Universe) and anHonors Cosmology course. Must also be willing to teach math,physics, or computer science based on departmental needs.
• Facility Leadership: Direct academic and publicprogramming for the Observatory and Planetarium. Coordinate fieldtrips, public outreach, and astrophotography.
• Administration: Supervise the Observatory/PlanetariumAdministrator and the Researcher/Coordinator.
• Undergraduate Research: Maintain an active researchprogram in astronomy/astrophysics that provides hands-on mentorshipand research opportunities for undergraduate students.
• Christian Mission: Integrate a Christian worldview intoteaching, mentoring, and scholarship, adhering to the University'sDoctrinal Statement.

Qualifications

1. Required Qualifications
   • Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely relatedfield.
   • Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching undergraduate students(including non-science majors).
   • An active research program with the potential to involveundergraduates.
   • Commitment to Eastern University’s Christian values and theability to integrate faith into teaching.
   • Willingness/ability to teach interdisciplinary courses (math,physics, CS) as needed.
2. Preferred Qualifications
   • Experience in observational astronomy, astrophotography, orastronomical instrumentation.
   • Background in Observatory administration or Planetariumprogramming/education.
   • Experience with public outreach, astronomical data analysis,and computational methods.
3. Application Materials Required
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter.
   • Statement of Teaching Philosophy.
   • Research Statement (must include plans for undergraduateparticipation).
   • Statement describing the integration of Christian faith andacademic discipline.
   • Names and contact information for professional references.