Assistant / Associate Professor of Astronomy

Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University; Saint Davids (PA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; 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 undergraduate teaching, active research, facility administration, public outreach, and the integration of the Christian faith into higher education.

The appointment emphasizes teaching introductory astronomy and labs, supervising staff, mentoring undergraduates, and leading public programs at the observatory and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astronomy or Astrophysics or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching undergraduate students (including non-science majors).
• An active research program with the potential to involve undergraduates.
• Commitment to Eastern University's Christian values and the ability to integrate faith into teaching.
• Willingness/ability to teach interdisciplinary courses (math, physics, CS) as needed.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergrad astronomy courses and labs and an Honors Cosmology course; may teach math, physics, or CS as needed.
• Direct academic and public programming for the Bradstreet Observatory and Julia Fowler Planetarium.
• Supervise Observatory/Planetarium staff and researchers.
• Maintain an active undergraduate research program in astronomy/astrophysics.
• Integrate Christian worldview into teaching, mentoring, and scholarship.

Skills

Teaching (undergrad)

Research mentorship

Public outreach

Interdisciplinary teaching

Christian integration

Education

PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics

Job description

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 unique role combines undergraduate teaching, active research, facility administration, public outreach, and the integration of the Christian faith into higher education.

• Teaching: Instruct introductory astronomy courses and labs (e.g., The Solar System, Exploration of the Universe) and an Honors Cosmology course. Must also be willing to teach math, physics, or computer science based on departmental needs.
• Facility Leadership: Direct academic and public programming for the Observatory and Planetarium. Coordinate field trips, public outreach, and astrophotography.
• Administration: Supervise the Observatory/Planetarium Administrator and the Researcher/Coordinator.
• Undergraduate Research: Maintain an active research program in astronomy/astrophysics that provides hands-on mentorship and research opportunities for undergraduate students.
• Christian Mission: Integrate a Christian worldview into teaching, mentoring, and scholarship, adhering to the University's Doctrinal Statement.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching undergraduate students (including non-science majors).
• An active research program with the potential to involve undergraduates.
• Commitment to Eastern University's Christian values and the ability to integrate faith into teaching.
• Willingness/ability to teach interdisciplinary courses (math, physics, CS) as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in observational astronomy, astrophotography, or astronomical instrumentation.
• Background in Observatory administration or Planetarium programming/education.
• Experience with public outreach, astronomical data analysis, and computational methods.

Application Materials Required

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter.
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy.
• Research Statement (must include plans for undergraduate participation).
• Statement describing the integration of Christian faith and academic discipline.
• Names and contact information for professional references.