Assistant Professor - Astronomy & Astrophysics

Job Title

Assistant Professor - Astronomy & Astrophysics

Agency

Texas A&M University - Commerce

Department

Physics & Astronomy

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Commerce, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

During the application process the “My Experience ” page has a section provided “Attachments (Resume/CV, References, Cover letter, etc.) ” to upload required documents. 

• Use the Upload button to add each document.
• You will be able to upload up to 5 documents. Be aware that the maximum size allowed for any one document is 5MB.
• All documents must be electronically submitted through the Texas A&M Online Employment Services website to be considered.
• Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may be excluded from consideration.
• Please do not withdraw your application in an attempt to upload a missing document, instead please email HR for help.

Please provide the following documents :

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Statement of Research Interests
• Teaching Philosophy
• Three professional references with complete contact information (Unsolicited letters of recommendation will not be considered).
• Transcripts (Unofficial will be accepted with application. Official transcripts are required upon acceptance of verbal offer).
  If transcripts are from an international institution, it is the responsibility of the prospective faculty member to have the transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluator.

If you need assistance, please contact us at [email protected]

SUMMARY :

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas A&M University-Commerce invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The position will begin Fall 2024 and is contingent upon the availability of funds.

Outstanding candidates from all areas of astronomy/astrophysics will be considered; we especially encourage applications from candidates committed to mentoring student research projects on our 1-m-class telescope facilities, and those in the fields of exoplanets, space-based astrophysics, and Big Data.  Interest in use, maintenance, and development of campus observatory and/or planetarium facilities is a positive but not required.  The new faculty member will be expected to carry out a vigorous, externally-funded research program including research projects for undergraduate and graduate students, advise students, and participate fully in the teaching program of the department.  

Our department has strong ongoing research efforts in nuclear astrophysics, observational astronomy, physics education research, and laboratory physics.  A&M-Commerce has access to telescopes at KPNO, CTIO, and La Palma via our membership in the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA).  In addition we own 0.6-m and 0.7-m remotely operable telescopes at our rural observatory 5 miles from campus.  Faculty may propose to use telescopes at McDonald Observatory.  The Texas A&M System is a partner in the GMT.

The Physics and Astronomy Department has 11 full-time faculty members. A&M-Commerce is a growing regional university Located just 1 hour outside of Dallas, the university offers 130 affordable degree programs and is becoming the school of choice for urban and rural Northeast Texas. Embracing a mission to transform lives, A&M-Commerce has seen a 7% increase in overall enrollment compared to the same time last year, with 11,983 students enrolled for Fall 2023, including over 8,200 undergraduates and 3,740 graduate students. The university has a commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities that prepare students for success, including those from low-income and first-generation backgrounds.

Visit our website at http://www.tamuc.edu/physics for further information about the university and our department. Phone or e-mail inquiries can be directed to Dr. Kurtis Williams, Department Head of Physics and Astronomy at (903) 886-5488, or [email protected] .

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses
• Develop and maintain a funded research program in astronomy/astrophysics
• Advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students
• Involve undergraduate and graduate students in research project
• Develop curriculum
• Work collaborative with faculty, staff, and students to implement departmental programs
• Provide service to the department, college, university, public schools, and community

Minimum Requirements :

• Education: Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field from an accredited institution
• Experience / Knowledge / Skills: Demonstrated experience conducting astronomical or astrophysical research; Excellent written and oral communication skills; Commitment to high quality teaching
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of professionals
• Licensing/Professional Certifications: None
• Other Requirements: None

Preferred education/skills/experience :

• Postdoctoral research experience
• A record of impactful astronomical/astrophysical publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in writing competitive funding proposals
• Experience or high potential in teaching in an active learning environment with innovative teaching strategies
• Experience or high potential in developing and maintaining a funded research program
• Experience or high potential in mentoring and advising undergraduate and graduate students
• Experience or potential in use, maintenance, and development of meter-class telescope facilities
• Experience or high potential in fostering a sense of belonging for all students, including traditionally underserved populations in the northeast Texas region
• Experience or high potential in recruitment and retention of undergraduate and graduate students
• Drive to excel in teaching, research, and service in rural northeast Texas
• Collegiality, humility, and welcoming of feedback

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.