Lecturer/Assistant Teaching Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics

The Penn State Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics is seeking a full-time Lecturer or Assistant Teaching Professor (non-tenure track) to join our innovative online education team to begin teaching in Spring 2023. This person will teach very large online general education astronomy classes for both University Park and World Campus students. The classes include an Astro 1 interactive video game, the University of Mars, created by our department to teach astronomy content and our very popular Astro 7N Artistic Universe which assigns art projects and discussions designed to motivate and inspire our students.

The person in this position will be part of a teaching team that facilitates student learning in these courses, exposing thousands of students to thinking about the universe in a creative way. The instructor will serve as lead instructor for several course sections, and will facilitate learning through: helping students to install and play our University of Mars video game; making announcements to students clarifying assignments once or twice each week; having Zoom office hours for 20-30 hours weekly, some of them on evenings or weekends; addressing student questions; working with other team members to arrange makeup exams and deadline extensions; facilitate discussions between students online; expand test banks; clarify the directions for art projects.

Education and Experience:

The successful candidate should have a master’s degree (Lecturer) or a Ph.D. (Assistant Teaching Professor) in astronomy, in art, or in a related field. Experience with astronomical art is ideal. The candidate should have demonstrated interest in teaching through video games and in online education. Though the primary responsibility is day-to-day class operations there is also opportunity for education research and contributing to the design of new educational video games. Above all else, the new instructor should prioritize making students comfortable by adapting to their own abilities and personal situations, with compassion and respect.

Additional Information:

Applications must be submitted electronically and include the following materials:

1. Cover letter detailing qualifications for the position including relevant educational background as well as any related teaching experience.
2. Curriculum vitae or resume.
3. Two-page teaching statement discussing philosophy of online education and education via video games, as well as giving examples from their own past experiences.
4. Applicants should also arrange for at least three reference letters to be sent to [email protected].

This position has the potential to be performed fully remote or as a hybrid of remote and on-site working.

This is a limited term (36-week/standard academic calendar) appointment funded for one year from date of hire with possibility of renewal. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2022 and continue until all positions are filled. Applications received by November 30, 2022, will receive full consideration. For more information about our department or undergraduate program, visit https://science.psu.edu/astro. Information regarding benefits may be found at https://hr.psu.edu/.

Interested candidates are to apply directly online at:

https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Academic/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Lecturer-or-Assistant-Teaching-Professor_REQ_0000037388

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Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.