Astronomy and Astrophysics: Lecturer Pool

University of California - Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 10,594 - 12,281; Part time

Job summary

A university in California is seeking a Lecturer in Astronomy and Astrophysics to join their teaching pool. The role involves teaching various undergraduate courses and supervising teaching assistants. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in a related field and have teaching experience at the college level. This position offers competitive salary based on course load, with opportunities throughout the academic year.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in astronomy, astrophysics, or related field required.
• Proven undergraduate teaching experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Teach lower and upper division undergraduate courses in astronomy and astrophysics.
• Supervise teaching assistants during courses.

Skills

Undergraduate teaching skills

Teaching experience at college or university level

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or related field

Job description

Astronomy and Astrophysics: Lecturer Pool

Position overview: Pre-six Lecturer in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for an appointment to teach a standard five-credit course is $10,594-$12,281 (based on salary points 7-12). Compensation for Summer Session courses may vary from courses taught during the academic year.

Percent time: Variable, based on the course load assigned.

Anticipated start: Appointments are contingent on the hiring unit’s instructional need and the availability of funding. This recruitment is valid for initial appointments made in fall quarter 2025 through fall quarter 2026.

Position duration: Appointments are typically made during one or more quarters of the regular academic year (fall, winter, and spring quarters), but they may also be made during Summer Session.

Application Window

Open date: June 20, 2025

Most recent review date: Friday, Sep 5, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Monday, Aug 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position Description

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for an ongoing pool of qualified lecturers who may be appointed to teach various lower and upper division undergraduate courses. Regular appointments are during the academic year. The lower division courses are designed mainly for non-science majors and standard texts and/or readers may be used for these courses. The upper division courses are designed for undergraduate Physics (astrophysics) majors and minors.

Topics may include introductory astronomy, the solar system, stellar structure and evolution, planets, high energy astrophysics, extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, and observational methods.

Special attention will be given to those with proven undergraduate teaching skills and/or experience as an independent instructor at the post-secondary level. Teaching assistants may be assigned to assist instructors and will be supervised by the instructor.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted)

• Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field.
• Teaching experience at the college or university level.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter - Letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.
• Sample Course Syllabus
• Teaching Evaluations (set 1) (Optional)
• Teaching Evaluations (set 2) (Optional)
• Teaching Evaluations (set 3) (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3 letters of reference required

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.