AY26 - Astronomy Instructor

Full-time, probationary (tenure-track ) C Basis Deadline to File: July 14, 2026 Begin: Fall 2026

INTRODUCTION:

The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) announces an opening for an Astronomy instructor at Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC). LAVC is a two-year community college located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley and is one of nine colleges in the LACCD. Serving more than 20,000 students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, LAVC provides strong transfer, transitional, and career educational programs and is committed to student success. The College works closely with local secondary institutions to assist high school students in their transition to higher education and maintains strong ties to the business community by providing highly respected training programs that meet the direct needs of local employers. The College offers more than 200 credit and noncredit programs, including 29 associate degrees for transfer, one bachelor’s degree program, and many short-term certificates. LAVC is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and is a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

DEPARTMENT:

Chemistry, Physics & Engineering at LAVC consists of 10 full-time faculty members and approximately 25 adjunct faculty. The Department believes in “hands‑on” learning experience through laboratory courses to complement lecture sessions. We have a strong commitment to our program and our students. LAVC has a Planetarium and Observatory on campus. The Planetarium seats 46 under a 24-foot diameter dome, with a Spitz SciDome digital planetarium projection system. The rooftop Observatory houses a Celestron 16-inch diameter, computer‑controlled Schmidt‑Cassegrain telescope with a piggyback Hydrogen‑alpha solar telescope. Eight Celestron 8‑inch telescopes are available for student use during laboratory sessions. As our nation confronts the challenges of systemic racism and the status quo of social injustice, LAVC recognizes that by virtue of our position as an institution of higher education and our role in the community, we have the opportunity and the obligation to be an agent of change in addressing these issues. In response to the uprising and racial reckoning of summer 2020, LAVC began its journey towards being an antiracist institution and reaffirmed our dedication to working towards equity and social change. Beyond this initial step, we recognize that being antiracist is an ongoing process. We affirm our commitment to consistent action to bring about change. We join in the LACCD commitment: “As an organization founded on educational excellence, opportunity and access, and dedicated to the principles of equity, justice and community, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) must lead by example and make structural and permanent change to root out the ill effects of racism and bias from our classrooms and our workplace.”

JOB DESCRIPTION:

In accordance with its mission as a community college, instruction at LAVC focuses on creating pathways for certificates, degrees, and transfer. Faculty members at LAVC are expected to create a learning‑centered environment that supports students in fulfilling their educational goals. The assignment may consist of day, evening and/or weekend classes to be taught in‑person, and may include off campus, high school dual enrollment, hybrid, and online courses. This is a ten‑month appointment; however, additional summer and winter assignments may be available.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching the regular load, as defined by the collective bargaining agreement, of astronomy and holding regular office hours. Serving as planetarium director, managing the planetarium and observatory, and contributing to public outreach and recruitment activities. Duties associated with the Planetarium Director position may be used to offset some of the regular teaching load. Planning, developing and implementing course curricula, as well as updating course materials and the course outlines of record. Contributing to the development and assessment of student learning outcomes. Completing and submitting required documents in a timely manner. Participating in mandated projects, such as Program Review. Participating in department and campus committees and activities. Performing other academic duties and responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics; OR Bachelor’s in physics or astronomy AND Master’s in engineering, mathematics, meteorology, or geophysics; OR The equivalent Demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Advanced education beyond the minimum required, research experience, familiarity with the evening sky, and possession of an excellent academic record that indicates a strong background in astronomy. Commitment to maintaining a current knowledge of recent developments in astronomy. Experience teaching lecture and laboratory astronomy courses, and using astronomical equipment, in a community college or other college setting. Experience in the use of a planetarium projection system, telescopes and accessories, computers, and audio equipment. Commitment to managing maintenance and repair of the planetarium, observatory, and other specialty equipment. Commitment to serve as faculty liaison between the College and the LAVC Astronomy Group. Experience with conducting astronomy outreach activities. Experience or interest in web enhancing and/or teaching online courses and ability to use technology. Commitment to execute extracurricular responsibilities within the Department and College. Ability to set specific learning outcomes and objectives and measure achieved results. Success at initiating, executing and following‑up of projects in a timely manner. Commitment to a career in a diverse, student‑centered Department and College. Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college faculty, staff, and students, including those with physical or learning disabilities as it relates to differences in learning styles. Knowledge of equity‑centered educational research on best practices to support the success of Latinx, Black, Indigenous, and other students of color. Ability to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students, including those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. Experience with best practices in tutoring and teaching related to student success and equity. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with various academic departments and service areas at the College.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

A medical certificate indicating fitness to engage in administrative work is required for new employees at the applicant’s expense prior to employment. Eligibility Requirement: COVID 19 VACCINATION Pursuant to LACCD Board of Trustee's Policy 2900, all students and employees must be fully vaccinated and complete a baseline test or have an approved exemption. LACCD employees are required to provide their vaccination status in compliance with the LACCD Board of Trustees’ policy. Newly hired employees will be required to provide their vaccination status prior to starting a position or, at the latest, by their position start date.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The current starting range is from $76,960 – $143,000 for the ten‑month academic year depending on education and experience. The Ph.D. differential is $4,870 per academic year. The district provides an excellent benefits package including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance to the employee and eligible dependents. See LACCD’s Health Benefits website for more information. A cover letter, (no more than two pages), including a statement of teaching philosophy; Transcripts of all college work. (Unofficial copies are acceptable for application. Official transcripts are required upon offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon verification of qualifications. Foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation at the time of application.) You may obtain a listing of approved agencies at Legible copies of unofficial transcripts for bachelor’s, master’s and/or advanced degrees and any other postsecondary coursework completed. If applicant is selected for an interview, official transcripts will be required at the time of interview. Foreign degrees will need to be evaluated by an approved foreign evaluation agency. A listing of agencies can be retrieved from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing: Three recent signed letters of recommendation (including phone/email contact information). (Uploaded as an “Other Document”) All required documentation must be filed electronically no later than 4:30 p.m. July 14, 2026. Faxed, emailed, or mailed items will not be accepted. All application materials will be screened and a limited number of candidates with qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in interviews. A teaching demonstration will be part of the interview process. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact, If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Employment is contingent upon verification of qualifications. LAVC reserves the right to modify and/or withdraw this position at any time. Notification regarding advancement in the selection process will be provided to each applicant.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT:

Individuals protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may request an accommodation in the selection/interview process with at least three business days’ prior notice. Documentation of the need for accommodation may be requested. For more information, please visit LACCD’s ADA Compliance website.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY:

The policy of the Los Angeles Community College District is to implement equal opportunity to all qualified candidates for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, medical condition (cancer related), sexual orientation, or veteran status (LACCD Board Rule 101301 and Title IX, Section 504 – Employer). Positive action will be taken to ensure that this policy is followed in all personnel practices including recruitment, hiring, placement, upgrading, transfer, demotion, and treatment during employment, rate of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, layoff or termination. A vigorous equal employment opportunity program will be maintained to ensure a diverse workforce and to achieve expected representation of qualified members of underrepresented groups through the implementation of specific result‑oriented plans and procedures. Los Angeles Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Los Angeles Community College District