Astronomy Laboratory Director

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Appalachian State University (www.physics.appstate.edu) invites applications for a full-time (9-month plus some summer duties) Director of Astronomy Laboratories, with a starting date of July 1, 2020. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or higher in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field, and also have a demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence.

The duties associated with this position will be a combination of teaching in the introductory evening astronomy laboratories; providing support for the laboratory program; training and supervising graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants; and conducting outreach activities for schools, teachers, civic groups and the general public utilizing Appalachian’s GoTo Astronomy Observational Facility (http://tinyurl.com/gotoastronomy). Additional duties may include teaching astronomy lectures. Research is not an expectation of this position. There is an expectation of some duties during the summer including lab setup, maintenance, and outreach.

Knowledge of the set-up, operation, maintenance, and upgrading of telescopes, CCD cameras, and related instrumentation is essential. In addition, the ability to use a wide range of image processing and astronomical simulation software is required.

With its extensive telescope and computer resources, the GoTo Astronomy Observational Facility provides the successful applicant with unique opportunities for innovative astronomy instruction and educational outreach.

The department houses a complete staffed machine shop and electronics shop. The faculty includes 13.5 Tenured/Tenure Track (including 4.5 tenure/tenure track astronomers) and 10 full-time non-Tenure Track members. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are consistently ranked among the largest in the country by the AIP when compared to other Masters granting institutions: enrollment exceeds 170 undergraduate majors and 34 master’s students. The department offers a B.A. in Physics, a B.S. in Physics with a concentration in Applied Physics (students can receive an emphasis in astronomy), and a B.S. in Physics with a concentration in Secondary Education. The department offers introductory astronomy and a number of advanced undergraduate astronomy courses. The department’s M.S. program in Engineering Physics is a national leader in instrumentation and automation.

Applicants must include the following documents in their application: (1) A cover letter delineating your interests and qualifications
(2) Teaching philosophy
(3) Curriculum vitae
(4) A list of three references
(5) A statement detailing how your teaching and service have supported the success of students from racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds that are underrepresented in your academic field; applicants who have not yet had the opportunity for such experience should note how their work will further Appalachian’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.