The Department of Physics, Photonics and Optical Engineering at Bridgewater State University is a versatile and growing department making new and exciting strides in our curriculum and research. Overall, the department consists of approximately 60 majors, with over 20 majors pursuing undergraduate degrees with an astrophysics concentration. As a member of the APS Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Alliance, the department works to expand access and equity in the physics and astrophysics communities. The Department participates in the Massachusetts Space Grant Consortium, which provides funding to undergraduate researchers for observation and data analysis work. This position will work with a full-time observatory manager who coordinates a large public outreach effort as well as student observations obtaining photometric, astrometric, and spectroscopic observations using two 14” telescopes. The department also has access to high-end computational clusters and standard image reduction software. Current student research interests include supernova, AGN reverberation mapping, exoplanets, and other variable objects.

The Department is accepting applications for a full-time, 1 year, benefited position for the 2022-2023 academic year. The department is seeking an outstanding astrophysicist or astronomer who will bring novel perspectives and insights to students through teaching upper-level courses, including Astrophysics and Astrophysical Imaging.  Successful candidates will be staff members who can work with their colleagues to help meet the mission of the department in serving and supporting our racially and ethnically diverse campus community.

The successful candidate will be a dedicated and passionate teacher who will teach 12 contact hours per semester throughout the undergraduate curriculum. Teaching assignments will include one upper-level astrophysics lecture course per semester, one algebra-based introductory physics lecture course per semester, and a general education astronomy lecture and lab course per semester. Typical class sizes vary from 10 (upper level) to 32 (intro level). Preference will be given to candidates who will direct undergraduate research projects in their personal area of expertise as well as projects involving BSU observational capabilities. Additionally, preferred candidates will be committed to achieving equity in physics and supportive of the mission of the BSU APS Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Alliance Team.

Required:

Masters Degree in Physics or related field.
Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching and advising that enhances an environment of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Preferred:

PhD in Physics or related field.
Teaching experience preferred.