About this Lecturer or Assistant Teaching Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics role at Penn State University
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State invites applications for a full-time Lecturer or Assistant Teaching Professor position (non-tenure track) to begin by January 2027. The successful candidate will join a team that runs very large online interdomain classes in astronomy and art. They will be responsible for working on the day-to-day operations of the classes, including availability on Zoom office hours, answering student emails, grading assignments, and making course announcements. They will also be partners in efforts to improve and update the course materials, which include the University of Mars video game (written in Unity 3D), astronomy art projects, creative writing assignments, and telescope observation quests with the Slooh network. They can also participate in new video game development for other astronomy courses at Penn State, in instructional design, programming, or art design.
Education and Experience
The successful candidate should have a master’s degree (Lecturer) or a Ph.D. (Assistant Teaching Professor) in Astronomy, Physics, Art, or in a related field. The successful candidate should have teaching experience, a strong interest in teaching in an online format, and a student-centered, experiential teaching philosophy. They should also have experience and interest in a combination of astronomical art, video game design, video game programming, and astronomy education research.
Additional Information
Applications must be submitted electronically and include the following:
Cover letter detailing qualifications for the position including relevant educational background as well as any related teaching experience.
Curriculum vitae or resume.
Statement of teaching interests.
In addition, please arrange for at least three reference letters to be sent to [email protected].
Review of applications will begin October 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by September 30, 2026, will receive full consideration. Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience. This position has the potential to be performed as a hybrid of remote and on-site work.
For more information about our department or undergraduate program, visit https://science.psu.edu/astro.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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.
