Tenure-track Assistant Professor and Director of John L. Stull Observatory

The Division of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at Alfred University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin Fall 2023. 

This position is unique in that the successful candidate will also become director of the John L. Stull Observatory; a particularly well-equipped teaching observatory located on campus under the dark skies of western New York. The facility consists of a small classroom and six domes, three of which have warm rooms. The permanently mounted telescopes include a 9" refractor dating from 1863; 16", 24", and 32" computer-controlled reflectors; a 20" manual reflector; an 8" reflector configured for solar observations; and a 6" heliostat. Alfred University is a member of the New York Space Grant Consortium (funded by NASA). We host the Alfred Summer Astronomy Institute, a week long camp for high school students, each summer as well as weekly public viewing nights throughout the year. 

The responsibilities of this position include teaching introductory astronomy and physics courses as well as upper-level courses where applicable; directing and maintaining the Stull Observatory for curricular use as well as campus and public outreach; establishing a research program that can involve undergraduates; working toward the continued development of Alfred University's astronomy program; and advising majors and minors in physics and astronomy. The faculty load of this position is balanced between teaching and directing the observatory and therefore carries a smaller teaching load (6 to 9 credits per semester) than would a standard professorship. 

Successful candidates will possess a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a closely related field at time of hiring (ABD considered). Previous experience in teaching and in telescope/observatory management are highly desirable, and the current director of the Stull Observatory will overlap with the candidate for a period sufficient to complete knowledge transfer and to hand over the various duties involved in directing the observatory. 

To apply, submit the following materials directly at Alfred University's Application Site:

Letter of Application

Curriculum Vitae

Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Description of Proposed Research Program

In addition, arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent confidentially to [email protected]. Review of applications will begin on October 15th and continue until the position is filled. 

Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Protected veterans, minorities and women are encouraged to apply.