Astronomy Education Postdoctoral Fellow

Maryland Connect; Frostburg (MD); On-site; USD 66,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave

Holidays

Tuition remission

Supplemental retirement options

Annual research budget

Job summary

Frostburg State University invites applications for a full-time Astronomy Education Postdoctoral Fellow. The position supports the newly upgraded planetarium, with duties spanning planetarium operations, education research, and teaching.

The fellowship is a three-year term starting July 1, 2027, contingent on performance and funding. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications, plus a benefits package including health insurance, paid leave, holidays, tuition remission, and a $2,000 annual

Qualifications

• Recent graduate or ABD with a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or Education (with at least a Master’s in Science Teaching or extensive experience teaching science if PhD is in Education).
• At least two years of teaching experience.
• Ability to develop an independent research program that includes undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Planetarium support and outreach to support the planetarium operations.
• Research and service activities in astronomy education.
• Teaching and mentoring of students and developing coursework.

Skills

Teaching experience

Independent research

Public outreach

Education

PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or Education

Job description

Job Posting:

JR102211 Astronomy Education Postdoctoral Fellow (Open)

Department:

FSU Physical and Environmental Sciences, Associate Professor | JM

Position Type:

Non-Regular Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Open Date:

10-02-2026

Close Date:

$66,000 - $ 71,000

Job Description:

Frostburg State University (FSU) is poised to become a regional leader in astronomy education and outreach with the reopening of its newly upgraded, state-of-the-art planetarium in Spring 2026. To support this growing vision, the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences invites applications for a full-time contractual, exempt Astronomy Education Postdoctoral Fellow, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

This three-year appointment is contingent upon a successful first-year performance evaluation and continued grant funding. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will be eligible for a contractual benefits package, including health insurance eligibility, paid leave, holidays, tuition remission, supplemental retirement options, as well as a $2,000 annual research budget to support publications.

Responsibilities:

The fellow will bring fresh expertise in both astronomy and science education, advancing FSU’s mission through innovative STEM outreach, high-quality teaching, and original research. The position will strengthen campus instruction and expand community engagement.

• Planetarium Support (41%)
• Research and Service (33%)
• Teaching (26%)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Recent graduate or ABD with a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or Education (with at least a Master’s in Science Teaching or extensive experience teaching science if PhD is in Education)
• At least two years of teaching experience
• Ability to develop an independent research program that includes undergraduate students

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience researching science curriculum, preferably astronomy
• Experience in informal STEM education (e.g., museums, planetariums, science centers)
• Evidence of outreach and public engagement activities

About the University:

A member institution of the University System of Maryland, Frostburg State University is a public, comprehensive, largely residential regional university offering programs in the sciences, education, business, the arts and humanities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. FSU prides itself on being a dynamic, learning-centered institution that emphasizes teaching with opportunities for professional development and research. More than 4,000 students enroll yearly.

About the Area:

FSU is located on a scenic 260-acre campus in the mountains of Western Maryland, a region rich in history, quaint shopping areas and eclectic cafes and food choices. The Western Maryland region is considered a four-season outdoor hub of recreational experiences offering activities such as hiking, mountain biking, water sports, snow skiing/boarding, golfing, climbing, etc. Frostburg offers a family-friendly college town feel with easy access to major cities like Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, and Baltimore. If you are looking for insightful colleagues, energetic students, and a great place to work and call home in a region with unlimited adventure seeking opportunities, FSU is for you!

For assurance of full consideration, please submit materials by December 15, 2026. This position is open until filled.

FSU is proud to be a diverse and inclusive multicultural university.

Frostburg State University welcomes and encourages women, veterans and minorities to apply and seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. FSU is Equal Opportunity Employer. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for qualified individuals with disability will be provided upon request. Please notify us in advance.