The Department of Physics and Astronomy, http://www.physics.appstate.edu, invites applications for a tenure-track position in astronomy at the Assistant Professor level to begin August, 2014. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics or a related field by the time the position begins in August.
Candidates must have a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate education and are expected to develop a research program that, in addition to involving undergraduate and M.S. students, can attract and maintain external funding. Responsibilities will include advancing astronomical research in the department, teaching astronomy and physics courses, and service activities including advising. Preference will be given to candidates who (a) can show evidence of teaching excellence at the university level, and (b) will implement a research program involving facilities available at the department’s Dark Sky Observatory (DSO). The observatory hosts 32- and 18-inch telescopes with imaging and spectrographic capabilities as well three robotic photometric telescopes (6-, 14- and 17-inch). The Jo and Don Cline Visitor Center at DSO is used for outreach. More details on DSO can be found at http://dso.appstate.edu/facilities). The department also houses an instructional observatory on campus with a 16-inch telescope capable of imaging and spectroscopy (see http://dso.appstate.edu/facilities/rankin-science-observatory ) and the “GoTo” Astronomy Facility, a state-of-the-art astronomical laboratory with 15 Celestron CPC1100 telescopes used in our two-semester introductory astronomy course sequence.
The department offers the following degrees: a B.S. in Applied Physics, a B.A. in Physics, an M.S. in Engineering Physics, as well as three tracks in a Profession Science Masters degree program. The department has 14 tenure-track faculty members, approximately 150 undergraduate majors, and 22 Master’s students (including, currently, 3 astronomy graduate students). Appalachian State University is a member institution of the 16 campus University of North Carolina System. Located in Boone, NC, the University has approximately 17,000 students and has been ranked by US News and World Report (in 2013) 3rd among top public regional universities in the south, and 10th among top regional universities in the south.
Applicants must send a complete application, consisting of: (a) letter of application; (b) a current curriculum vitae; (c) names and contact information for three references; (d) a statement of teaching philosophy; and (e) a research plan that specifically addresses undergraduate participation and possible sources of funding. Applications should be addressed to Dr. Richard Gray, Chair, Tenure-Track Search Committee. The application should be sent electronically (pdf format only) to astronomysearch@appstate.edu. Individuals with disabilities desiring accommodations in the application process should contact Dr. Gray at grayro@appstate.edu or 828-262-2430.
Review of completed applications will begin shortly after Friday December 13, 2013 and continue until the position is filled. Proper documentation of identity and employability will be required before the hiring process can be finalized. Any offer of employment to a successful candidate will be conditioned upon the University’s receipt of a satisfactory criminal background report.
Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence among its faculty, staff, and students, to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and to maintaining a work and learning environment that is free of all forms of discrimination. In support of its commitment to inclusive excellence through diversity and equity, Appalachian State University strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and members of other underrepresented groups.