Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy

Position Title :

Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy

Requisition : 202500106F

Rank : Assistant Professor

FLSA status : Exempt

Hiring Salary :

Commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type :

Full-Time Tenure Track

College :

College of Science & Engineering Technology

Department :

Dept of Physics & Astronomy

Open Date : 11 / 07 / 2025

Quicklink :

https : / / shsu.peopleadmin.com / postings / 44305

Contact Name : Dr. Joel W. Walker

Title :

Professor / Chair of Physics

Sam Houston State University

1908 Avenue J (Box 2267)

204 Farrington Building

Huntsville, Texas 77341-2267

Contact Phone : 936 294 1601

Contact Email : jwalker@shsu.edu

Duties Performed in the Usual Course of the Job :

This is a nine-month position on the tenure track. Core duties involve instructing astronomy courses, supervising students, and conducting research in astronomy / astrophysics.

Educational Requirements for the Position :

PhD with emphasis in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field. ABD considered, must be completed by start of employment.

Experience Required for the Position :

Classroom instructional experience and Post-Doctoral research experience are preferred. The candidate’s research program must include a direct observational component of some kind.

Other Requirements for the Position :

SHSU values excellence in teaching, research, and service. The selected candidate must be able to : Proficiently instruct introductory astronomy courses, while fostering an active learning environment and making good use of our new “engaging spaces” classroom. Promote development of the burgeoning Minor in Astronomy, and instruct more specialized courses at the upper division for these students. Lead student observing projects and support activities at the near-campus Dominey Observatory (this new facility houses a 27” CDK-700 telescope system from PlaneWave Instruments and is fully wheelchair accessible). Lead grant applications and future observing activities at the “Christmas Mountains” site near Big Bend (our system owns 10,000 acres of land in this dark-sky region, which is suitable for optical and also radio astronomy). Develop a strong research program with an observational component that is able to attract external funding and the allocation of time at major telescopes / observatories.

Special Instructions Summary :

Direct inquiries and supplementary materials, including letters of recommendation, to Joel Walker.

Please note : References provided in the References section of the application will receive an automated email reference request at the time the application is submitted.

Open Until Filled : Yes

EEO Statement :

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke / Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.

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