Smith College: Massachusetts: Department of Astronomy
Location
Northampton, MA
Open Date
Nov 19, 2024
Description
The Department of Astronomy at Smith College invites applications for a one-year, benefits eligible position at the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor, to begin July 1, 2025. Successful candidates should be prepared to engage actively with diverse students across the liberal arts. Teaching responsibilities will include five undergraduate astronomy classes. These courses include an introductory-level survey class, a 2nd-year course on stellar structure, one or two intermediate-level courses, and/or topical courses directly related to the candidate's field of specialization.Integration of course materials with hands-on research experience is highly valued . Familiarity with small optical telescopes is desirable. Candidates from groups underrepresented in Astronomy are encouraged to apply A Ph.D. in Astronomy or related field is expected by the time of appointment.
Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is the largest women's college in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges. There will be ample opportunities, but no requirement, to engage in research in collaboration with Five College Astronomy Department faculty, students, and postdocs, including competitive access to the 50-meter Large Millimeter Telescope in Mexico and the 1.83-meter Perkins Telescope Observatory in Arizona. Details about the Department of Astronomy may be found at
As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.
Application Instructions
Submit application at with a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a sample syllabus for an intermediate-level topical seminar, diversity/inclusion statement and three confidential letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin on Feb. 1, 2025.