Visiting Assistant Professor of Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Swarthmore College invites applications for a full-time, three-year position as Visiting Assistant Professor of Astronomy, beginning with the Fall 2025 semester. The teaching load over two semesters is three courses and one to two lab sections (6-9 weekly contact hours per semester) and includes teaching both introductory and advanced courses. We seek candidates who are strongly interested in teaching and mentoring undergraduates at a highly selective liberal arts college.

Involving Swarthmore’s highly accomplished undergraduates in summer research is encouraged, though not required; visiting faculty have access to funds to support summer undergraduate stipends and research expenses. Candidates are encouraged to discuss their research needs with the search committee.

Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia and near Wilmington DE, Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to diversity, and actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information on Faculty Diversity and Excellence at Swarthmore, see http://www.swarthmore.edu/faculty-diversity-excellence/information-candidates-new-faculty

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a PhD in hand by August 2025. Experience as the instructor of record for a college/university physics course is valued though not required.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a CV, a statement of teaching philosophy and experience, and a description of research interests and activities that could involve Swarthmore undergraduates. A brief cover letter (optional) may also be submitted with the application. Contact information for three letters of reference, at least one of whom can speak to your teaching, must be submitted as well. All materials must be submitted electronically through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/160452 to be added. Consideration of applications will begin February 3, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.