Visiting Assistant Instructor in Stellar Astrophysics

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY; Rosemont (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Villanova University’s Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Instructor in Stellar Astrophysics. The position supports research with Andrej Prsa's team and teaches an undergraduate core science course/lab to non-STEM majors, emphasizing problem-solving, lab work, technology and quantitative tools.

The appointment runs for six months starting January 1, 2025, with a full-time schedule.

Qualifications

• Non-terminal degree in Physics, Astrophysics, Data Science, or a closely related field, with PhD expected by July 1, 2025.

Responsibilities

• Teach 2 sections of Mendel core science courses per semester.
• Participate in department meetings, colloquia and events.
• Join research team on theoretical and observational stellar astrophysics projects.
• Contribute to public outreach and department reputation.

Skills

Teaching STEM to non-STEM majors

Programming

Astrophysics

Education

Non-terminal Physics/Astrophysics/Data Science degree

Job description

Visiting Assistant Instructor in Stellar Astrophysics

Posting Details

Job Number: 20241179F

Position Title: Visiting Assistant Instructor in Stellar Astrophysics

Position Type: Faculty

Location: Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type: Internal/External

Applicants Work Schedule: full-time/12-months

Department: 182-Astronomy and Planetary Science

Position Summary: Villanova University's Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science invites applications for the Visiting Assistant Instructor. The position is a prime opportunity for candidates seeking to stay in academia. The fellowship provides training and development in all three areas of academic life: research, teaching, and service. A successful applicant will join Andrej Prsa's research team and work on cutting-edge theoretical and observational aspects of binary and multiple stellar populations. In parallel, the applicant will teach an undergraduate core science course/lab to non-STEM majors, where the stress is on incorporating four critical components in a meaningful way: problem-solving, laboratory experience, technology and quantitative tools, and interdisciplinary understanding. Finally, the applicant will join the Departmental ecosphere and participate in shaping the future of research and education at Villanova. The appointment is offered for 6 months starting January 1, 2025.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate the highest regard for the diverse, equitable and inclusive Departmental culture and uphold the true and complete respect for all students, staff and faculty.
• Partake in state-of-the-art research in theoretical and observational stellar astrophysics, computation astrophysics, astrostatistics, and/or exoplanetary science.
• Teach 2 sections of the Mendel core science courses or labs per semester (currently "How old is the Universe?", "Life in the Universe", "Planetary skies and landscapes", "Birth and Death of Stars", "Earth - our habitable world", and "Earth - a cosmic connection").
• Participate in Departmental affairs: meetings, colloquia, events and functions. This includes working with and counseling undergraduate students, contributing to public events and advancing the Department’s reputation and renown locally, nationally and internationally.

Minimum Qualifications

• A non-terminal degree in Physics, Astrophysics, Data Science or a closely related discipline is required, with the expectation that terminal degree (PhD) is obtained by July 1, 2025.

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching: prior experience in teaching STEM classes to non-STEM majors is desired.
• Research: strong background in physics, astrophysics, statistics and programming is desired.
• Service: track record of the ability to work with others and to demonstrate diversity awareness is desired.

Salary

Salary Posting Information: Competitive Salary Band

Job Classification: faculty

Posting Information

Posting Date: 10/22/2024

Closing Date (11:59pm ET)

References Needed

Minimum Number of References Needed 2

Maximum Number of References Needed 2

Required Documents

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Research Interests
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Statement of Contribution to DEI
• Statement of Contribution to Mission

Optional Documents

• Other Document