Assistant Professor of Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor with a start date of August 2024, for a full-time, 9-month appointment in the specialization of Astronomy or Astrophysics.
Information about the Program and University The Department of Physics and Astronomy is located within the College of Arts and Sciences. The College strives to foster and sustain an engaging culture of discovery, creativity, teaching, learning, and collaboration, enriched by a diversity of experiences and perspectives. We are especially interested in recruiting candidates who can contribute, through their teaching, scholarly/creative work, and/or service, to our efforts to meet the challenge of achieving inclusive excellence in our academic community. The College takes a cohort-based approach to faculty success, providing resources and support within the Dean’s Office and through collaboration with Arts and Sciences departments and schools, leadership teams in other colleges, and university-serving partners such as the Center for Faculty Excellence. Through these connections, we are developing comprehensive programming that supports the professional growth and advancement of faculty across all disciplines, ranks, and career stages. We value and practice shared governance and are committed to maintaining a vibrant and equitable working environment.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy currently has eleven faculty, including teaching and research faculty, with a 2-1 balance between physicists and astronomers. We offer BS and MS programs in Physics, and minor programs in Physics and in Astronomy. Some of our current research faculty are affiliated with the Center for Photochemical Sciences and mentor PhD students in Photochemistry in addition to MS students in Physics. Our astronomy facilities include a 114-seat planetarium with full-dome video and a 0.5-m Cassegrain telescope with CCD camera. Details are available at http://www.bgsu.edu/physics . The College houses interdisciplinary graduate programs in Data Science from which the candidate might draw students. Similarly, a well-qualified candidate might draw PhD students from the Photochemistry program.
As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green State University is a comprehensive, high research university located in northwestern Ohio committed to driving economic and cultural vitality in the region and beyond. Through innovative teaching, research, and creative activities, BGSU fosters a collaborative and inclusive learning community where inspired ideas, knowledge and achievements support the region, state and nation. Supporting student success and outcomes, more than 760 talented and passionate faculty members teach across all majors, with nearly 80% holding terminal degrees in their field. BGSU offers more than 200 undergraduate majors and programs, 17 doctoral programs, 57 master’s programs and a significant number of certificate programs.
Guided by Forward, the BGSU strategic plan, the University’s research and creative activities have resulted in a significant increase in extramural funding over the past several years. Committed to meeting workforce needs, BGSU is investing in in-demand academic programs. The University recently established a School of Nursing, School of Physical Therapy, School of Engineering, School of the Built Environment and School of Aviation. As a national leader in innovative partnerships, BGSU provides comprehensive and connected opportunities for its learning community in and out of the classroom. The University established the first-ofits-kind Resort and Attraction Management (RAAM) program in collaboration with Cedar Fair. BGSU also has strategic partnerships in advanced manufacturing, aviation, forensic science, and engineering fields.
For the fourth year in a row, The Wall Street Journal ranks BGSU as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest that students would choose again. BGSU also holds the Wall Street Journal distinction of being the No. 1 university in Ohio – public or private – for student experience.

- Teach undergraduate courses in Astronomy and Physics using traditional lecture and active learning pedagogies, with the opportunity to teach physics at the Masters level. Use of other inclusive pedagogies and designing courses with a focus on student learning is desirable
- Initiate an independent research program in Astronomy or Astrophysics that generates a continuously high level of scholarly publication and provides research opportunity and training to both graduate and undergraduate students
- Actively seek and obtain external funding to sustain this research program
- Provide service to the department, college, and university, as well as to the profession

- Doctoral degree in Astronomy or a closely related discipline (e.g., Astrophysics, Physics)
- Primary research experience related to Astronomy or Astrophysics at any wavelength: observational, theoretical, computational, or experimental, including data science
- Demonstrated record of research productivity through multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals
Preferred Qualifications
- Postdoctoral research experience beyond that obtained as a doctoral student
- Demonstrated experience implementing active learning pedagogies
- Experience teaching college-level astronomy or physics courses as instructor of record

Application Materials Required 
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Names and contact information of three professional references
- Statement of research plans
- Statement of teaching interests and philosophy
- Sample syllabus and assignments that illustrate inclusive pedagogy or student learning-focused course design. Syllabus and assignments may be from previous or proposed courses.
Unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned are required for candidates invited for in-person interviews.
Finalist will be required to submit official transcripts.
BGSU policy requires finalist to authorize and pass a background check prior to receiving an offer of employment.
Application Deadline 
The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by January 8, 2024.
Salary & Benefits 
Competitive and commensurate with candidate’s experience and credentials. Full benefits package available.
Further Information 
For additional information, please contact Dr. Liangfeng Sun, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected]

Bowling Green State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer . We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Bowling Green State University, please call 419-372-8421 or email [email protected] .