Temporary Lecturer - Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics

UC San Diego Academic Jobs; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego Academic Jobs is seeking a temporary instructor to teach an undergraduate astronomy/astrophysics course in La Jolla, CA. The appointment supports the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Candidates should hold or be candidate for a PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics or related field and must have PhD before the teaching quarter. Teaching and mentorship experience in both lecture and laboratory settings are preferred.

Qualifications

• PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics or related field expected by start of teaching quarter.
• PhD must be awarded prior to the start of the teaching quarter.
• Research experience and demonstrated mentorship and teaching experience in both lecture and laboratory settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate astronomy/astrophysics courses to a diverse student population.
• Advise students on academic matters and foster an inclusive learning environment.
• Utilize appropriate, relevant, and meaningful technology in teaching and learning.

Skills

Teaching experience

Mentorship

Lecture and lab instruction

Education

PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics or related field

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Unit 18 Temporary Lecturer

Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $73, 817-$83, 083. The posted UC academic salary scales (Current Academic Salary Scales | UCOP) set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See the following table for the salary scale for this position: T15 Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and based on published UC pay scales.

Application Window

Open date: August 5, 2026

Most recent review date: Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 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: Wednesday, Aug 4, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

THE DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS within the School of Physical Sciences at UC San Diego is seeking an outstanding temporary instructor for an undergraduate course in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Candidates will be expected to teach a diverse population of undergraduate students in the classroom and one-on-one settings in accordance with the course objectives. They will need to create and maintain a respectful, open, and inclusive environment for learning and be able to advise students on academic matters, while maintaining an active interest in the advances/current thinking in their subject area. Lastly, the candidate will need to utilize appropriate , relevant, and meaningful technology in teaching and learning.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Applicants must have or be a candidate for a PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics or related field.

Additional Qualifications

Ph.D. must be awarded prior to the start of the teaching quarter in order for an offer of employment to be made.

Preferred Qualifications

Research experience, demonstrated record of mentorship, teaching experience in both lecture and laboratory-based settings.

Application Requirements

Document Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Statement of Teaching - 1 page assessment.
• Sample Syllabi (Optional)
• Misc/Additional (Optional)
• Misc/Additional (Optional)

Reference Requirements

• 0-2 letters of reference required

Candidates new to the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics should provide at least 2 letters of recommendation.

About UC San Diego

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 status under state or federal law.

As a university employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all of its university-controlled properties.

The UC San Diego Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at: https://www.police.ucsd.edu/docs/annualclery.pdf. This report provides crime and fire statistics, as well as institutional policy statements & procedures. Contact the UC San Diego Police Department at [phone] if you want to obtain paper copies of this report.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

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• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH]
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties: [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination]

Job location

La Jolla, CA