Astronomy Education Postdoctoral Fellow

UM26 Frostburg State University (FSU); United States; On-site; USD 66,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave

Holidays

Tuition remission

Retirement options

Research budget

Job summary

Frostburg State University is seeking an Astronomy Education Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences. This full-time contractual, exempt appointment begins July 1, 2027 and runs for three years, contingent on first-year performance and grant funding.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include health insurance eligibility, paid leave, holidays, tuition remission, supplemental retirement options, plus a $2,000 annual

Qualifications

• Recent PhD or ABD with PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or Education.
• At least two years of teaching experience.
• Ability to develop an independent undergraduate research program.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Teaching experience

Independent research planning

Undergraduate mentorship

Education

PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or Education

ABD with PhD or Master’s in Science Teaching option

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

• 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!

Additional Job Information

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 an Equal Opportunity Employer. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for qualified individuals with disability will be provided upon request. Please notify us in advance.

For assurance of full consideration, please submit materials by December 15, 2026.

This position is open until filled.