Assistant Professor in Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Appalachian State University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level to begin August, 2022. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field. Please note this position is based on enrollment and subject to available funding.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Appalachian State University seeks a candidate to fill a tenure-track position with a focus on astronomy. Candidates must have a strong commitment to excellence in education and are expected to develop a research program that, in addition to involving undergraduate and M.S. students, can attract and maintain external funding. While the candidate’s primary research focus does not have to involve the facilities available at the department’s Dark Sky Observatory (DSO), the successful candidate is expected to immediately develop research projects that directly utilize those facilities. Responsibilities will include teaching astronomy and physics courses, advancing astronomical research, and service activities including advising. Some start-up funds will be available to the successful candidate.  Inclusiveness and diversity are integral to our department's commitment to excellence in research, engagement, and education. We are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated experience engaging with diversity through activities such as fostering an inclusive environment, working with students from diverse backgrounds, and/or incorporating diverse perspectives in research or teaching.

The observatory hosts 32- and 18-inch telescopes with imaging and spectrographic capabilities as well three robotic photometric telescopes (6-, 14- and 17-inch). The Jo and Don Cline Visitor Center at DSO is used for public outreach. The department also houses an instructional observatory on campus with a 16-inch telescope capable of imaging and spectroscopy and the “GoTo” Astronomy Facility, a state-of-the-art astronomical laboratory with 15 Celestron CPC1100 telescopes used in our two-semester introductory astronomy course sequence.

The department offers a B.A. in Physics, and a B.S. in Physics with concentrations in Astronomy, Automation and Instrumentation, Physics, Applied Physics, Secondary Education, and Interdisciplinary Science. The faculty includes 15.5 TT, 7 full-time NTT members, and 5 support staff. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are consistently ranked among the largest in the country by the AIP when compared to other Master’s granting institutions: enrollment exceeds 140 undergraduate majors and 28 master’s students. As the premier, public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls more than 20,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors. Additional information about the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the University, and the surrounding area can be found at www.appstate.edu and www.physics.appstate.edu and at the above-listed department website.

To apply please submit the following application materials: (1) a cover letter delineating your interests and qualifications, (2) a research statement that includes details on how DSO facilities will be utilized, (3) a teaching philosophy statement, (4) a curriculum vitae, (5) a list of three references, (6) a representative sample of scholarly work, and (7) a statement detailing how your teaching, service and/or scholarship has supported the success of students from racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds that are underrepresented in your academic field. Applicants must apply and submit all required documents electronically through Appalachian State University’s Job Site. For more information and to apply go here: https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/30762

Questions can be sent to Dr. Daniel Caton at [email protected]. Application review will begin December 1st, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled. Any offer of employment to a successful candidate will be conditioned upon the University's receipt of a satisfactory criminal background report. Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence among its faculty, staff and students; to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and to maintaining a work and learning environment that is free of all forms of discrimination.