Position Description
Eastern University seeks a full-time, tenure-track astronomy
professor who will also serve as Director of the Bradstreet
Observatory and Julia Fowler Planetarium. This unique role combines
undergraduate teaching, active research, facility administration,
public outreach, and the integration of the Christian faith into
higher education.
Position Responsibilities
- Teaching: Instruct introductory astronomy courses and
labs (e.g., The Solar System, Exploration of the Universe) and an
Honors Cosmology course. Must also be willing to teach math,
physics, or computer science based on departmental needs.
Facility Leadership: Direct academic and public
programming for the Observatory and Planetarium. Coordinate field
trips, public outreach, and astrophotography.
Administration: Supervise the Observatory/Planetarium
Administrator and the Researcher/Coordinator.
Undergraduate Research: Maintain an active research
program in astronomy/astrophysics that provides hands-on mentorship
and research opportunities for undergraduate students.
Christian Mission: Integrate a Christian worldview into
teaching, mentoring, and scholarship, adhering to the University's
Doctrinal Statement.
Qualifications
- Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related
field.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching undergraduate students
(including non-science majors).
- An active research program with the potential to involve
undergraduates.
- Commitment to Eastern University’s Christian values and the
ability to integrate faith into teaching.
- Willingness/ability to teach interdisciplinary courses (math,
physics, CS) as needed.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in observational astronomy, astrophotography, or
astronomical instrumentation.
- Background in Observatory administration or Planetarium
programming/education.
- Experience with public outreach, astronomical data analysis,
and computational methods.
- Application Materials Required
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter.
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy.
- Research Statement (must include plans for undergraduate
participation).
- Statement describing the integration of Christian faith and
academic discipline.
- Names and contact information for professional references.
