Assistant / Associate Professor of Astronomy

Location St. Davids Job Type Faculty Full-Time Job Number 1179 Department Astronomy & Planetarium - (College of Health & Sciences) Opening Date 09/18/2026 Description Benefits Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice. Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St.

Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern’s core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education. Position Description Eastern University seeks a full-time, tenure-track astronomy professor who will also serve as Director of the Bradstreet Observatory and Julia Fowler Planetarium.

This unique role combines undergraduate teaching, active research, facility administration, public outreach, and the integration of the Christian faith into higher education. Position Responsibilities Teaching: Instruct introductory astronomy courses and labs (e.g., The Solar System, Exploration of the Universe) and an Honors Cosmology course. Must also be willing to teach math, physics, or computer science based on departmental needs. Facility Leadership: Direct academic and public programming for the Observatory and Planetarium.

Coordinate field trips, public outreach, and astrophotography. Administration: Supervise the Observatory/Planetarium Administrator and the Researcher/Coordinator. Undergraduate Research: Maintain an active research program in astronomy/astrophysics that provides hands-on mentorship and research opportunities for undergraduate students. Christian Mission: Integrate a Christian worldview into teaching, mentoring, and scholarship, adhering to the University's Doctrinal Statement.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field. Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching undergraduate students (including non-science majors). An active research program with the potential to involve undergraduates. Commitment to Eastern University’s Christian values and the ability to integrate faith into teaching.

Willingness/ability to teach interdisciplinary courses (math, physics, CS) as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in observational astronomy, astrophotography, or astronomical instrumentation. Background in Observatory administration or Planetarium programming/education. Experience with public outreach, astronomical data analysis, and computational methods. Application Materials Required Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter.

Statement of Teaching Philosophy. Research Statement (must include plans for undergraduate participation). Statement describing the integration of Christian faith and academic discipline. Names and contact information for professional references.

About Eastern University Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university . The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply. Background Checks Standard University employees are required to complete the background clearance process.

Employment is contingent upon the successful results of an employment background screening. The employment background screening may include but is not limited to your consumer credit history (for positions that work with the university finances or alumni funds only), verification of education and professional credentials, criminal history, driving history, residency, immigration status, performance, references, and other qualities pertinent to your qualifications for the following position. Youth Clearances are required for positions with direct contact with children and essential personnel positions. Employees working with or around minor age children are required to complete the youth clearance process which includes the following four child protection clearances: 1) Affidavit; 2) FBI Criminal Record Check; 3) Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance and; 4) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.

In accordance with state laws, Act 73 of 2007, Act 153 of 2014, Act 168 (relating to the Child Protective Services Law), school employees of Eastern University who will have "direct contact with children" must complete the background check process prior to employment. Results must be submitted within ten days of receipt.

Description

Disclaimer This description is intended to describe the general level and nature of work performed by the person/people assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities of the person/people so assigned. For all positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Statement of Non-Discrimination Eastern University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity as defined under federal and state law, and does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, age, disabled veteran/Vietnam-era, Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), or veteran status in its admission policy, program, or activities, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University-administered programs, or employment practices and programs. We offer a complete benefits package to full-time faculty and staff including healthcare coverage, retirement plan contributions, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, tuition remission and tuition exchange participation as well as an extensive holiday, summer hours and paid time off leave schedule. Part-time Regular staff who are scheduled 30-36 hours per week over the course of a year, receive a full benefit package based on their part-time scheduled hours. Healthcare coverage is based on the ACA medical coverage guidelines.

Affiliate faculty receive a benefit package as outlined with their covenant. Adjunct faculty may be eligible for medical coverage under the ACA after an annual one year lookback review. Part-time staff who are scheduled to work less than 30 hours per week schedule are eligible for employer contribution towards the retirement plan after one year of employment. Eligibility rules apply.

Adjunct faculty may make employee deferral contributions towards the retirement plan. Part-Time Graduate Assistant Coaches are eligible for participation in the Tuition Remission Coaches Program. Temporary, Contractors and Seasonal Employees: Individuals in this status are scheduled on an as-needed-basis and are not eligible for participation in the University’s benefits programs. Detailed information regarding our benefits program and eligibility is provided once hired or you can contact Human Resources with any questions.

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