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Job description

Hamilton, NY

The Colgate University Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a one year visiting assistant professor position in observational astronomy to begin in fall 2025. Completion of the Ph.D. in astronomy/astrophysics, physics, or related field is required prior to or shortly after the date of hire. We seek a person with a strong commitment to undergraduate education. Previous teaching experience is preferred, but not required. Academic responsibilities will include teaching an intermediate-level course in observational astronomy using an on-campus observatory as well as leased telescope time at Apache Point Observatory in New Mexico. Therefore, candidates must possess the necessary observational experience to teach such a hands-on course. In addition, candidates will be given the opportunity to teach introductory astronomy and/or upper level courses in physics and astronomy. Candidates may also have the opportunity to teach a course in Colgate’s Liberal Arts Core Curriculum. Although the candidate will have no research requirements during this appointment, the department will be supportive of the candidate’s continued research program and collaboration with current faculty is possible.

The department has 11 faculty members and maintains well-equipped research laboratories in quantum and optical physics, green electronics, condensed matter physics, superconducting low-temperature physics, biophysics, planetary science, observational astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology, computational neuroscience, and engineered environmental processes. The department is housed in the Ho Science Center that is configured to facilitate interdisciplinary teaching and research. Visit our website for information regarding our facilities, programs, and faculty expertise.

Colgate is a top liberal arts university of approximately 3,200 students situated in a picturesque village in central New York. Applicants with dual-career considerations can find postings of other employment opportunities at Colgate and at other institutions of higher education in upstate New York.

Salary Range or Pay Grade
$71,000 (for ABD candidates) to $75,000 (for candidates with a PhD in hand)

Campus Crime Reporting and Statistics
The Department of Campus Safety at Colgate University will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Policy Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Candidates should submit a CV, a description of teaching experience, and a short description of research experience and interests. These materials should be uploaded to Interfolio. The CV should include a publication list and the names of three individuals who have been asked by the candidate to serve as references. One of the potential letter writers should meaningfully address the candidate’s teaching experiences and qualifications as this will strengthen the application. The Department of Physics and Astronomy seeks to attract and retain the most talented scholars and strongly encourages applicants from all backgrounds and identities to apply. In addition, we strive to foster supportive and inclusive communities in and out of the classroom. In their teaching statement, candidates should describe how their teaching and mentorship might support the department and the university’s commitment to broadening participation in physics and astronomy. The statement should speak directly to the candidate’s ability to work effectively with colleagues and students across a wide range of identities and backgrounds. Review of applications will begin by March 15, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Email inquiries to Jeff Bary ([email protected]) are welcome.