Siena College, in partnership with Dudley Observatory, welcomes applicants with experience in astronomy, science education, and public outreach for a full-time Dudley Astronomer position at Siena College starting Summer 2022 or sooner. While the initial contract is for one year, the position is renewable by mutual agreement with no formal term limit.
The successful candidate will demonstrate their potential to:
- Be a strong advocate for science and astronomy education;
- Develop, organize, and deliver astronomy education programs for K-12 students, adults, and teachers through star parties, public lectures, observatory programs, summer camps, teacher workshops, and other special events;
- Establish and maintain collaborations and partnerships with schools as well as cultural and community organizations to promote the Dudley Observatory at Siena College's public-outreach mission;
- Encourage community involvement and collaboration among amateur astronomers, K-12 teachers, and Siena faculty and students;
- Collaborate with faculty at Siena College to develop and improve astronomy labs, activities, and outreach, including observing with the Breyo Observatory and smaller telescopes.
The Dudley Observatory is a nationally recognized, 160-year-old, nonprofit institution dedicated to astronomy education, outreach, and science history in New York State's Capital District. It has a strong endowment and owns a rare-book collection which includes first- and second-edition copies of books by Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and others.
Siena College and Dudley Observatory recently entered into a long-term partnership to build and enhance the science and astronomy education and public outreach activities of both institutions. The cornerstone of this partnership is a full-time Dudley Astronomer who will work closely with faculty in Siena College's School of Science and, in particular, with faculty in the Department of Physics & Astronomy.
The Department of Physics & Astronomy has the distinction of being one of the largest baccalaureate physics departments in the country, with nine full-time faculty, including three Ph.D. astronomers, and approximately 90 students majoring in astrophysics, physics, applied physics, and computational physics. The faculty lead high-impact research programs in a wide range of areas, including observational cosmology, galaxy formation and evolution, astrochemistry, astroparticle physics, and solar system biophysics.
A highlight of the astronomy program at Siena College is the Breyo Observatory, an 0.7-meter optical telescope with imaging and spectroscopic capabilities. The telescope is dedicated to undergraduate student research, ongoing faculty-student surveys, and public outreach.
Requirements:
We seek a candidate with a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, geophysics, or a closely related field and a demonstrated commitment to public outreach in astronomy aimed at audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Candidates with experience in observational optical astronomy, including a familiarity with amateur-class astronomical instruments, are especially desirable.
A background screening will be required.
Additional Information:
Siena College is committed to attracting, supporting, and retaining a diverse body of faculty, staff, and administrators. We actively encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, veterans, and others from underrepresented groups who may make a positive contribution to the diversification of ideas and perspectives.
Siena College is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
A COVID-19 vaccination is required for employees pursuant to the COVID-19 policy.
Questions regarding this position can be directed to Melanie Evans, Interim Executive Director of Dudley Observatory at [email protected] and John Moustakas, Chair of the Department of Physics & Astronomy at [email protected].
Application Instructions:
Applications received on or before January 15, 2022 will receive full consideration, although the search will remain open until the position is filled.
Complete applications should include a cover letter which addresses the candidate's background, qualifications, and experience; a curriculum vitae; a statement of teaching experience and educational outreach activities; and three professional references.
All application materials should be uploaded to https://siena.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=139974
