Assistant Professor of AstronomyAstrophysics Tenure Track

Assistant Professor of Astronomy/Astrophysics - Tenure Track

About McDaniel College:

Job Description:

McDaniel Colleges Department of Physics seeks a tenure-track assistant professor to hold the M. Lee Rice Endowed Professorship in Physics and provide leadership for the Departments two new majors in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The core curriculum and course sequence for both majors are already approved and in place so the successful candidate starts with a working program with the freedom to teach it as they see fit and to develop new courses. The candidates specialization should be in astronomy or astrophysics though within the field the area is open.

The position carries a 3-3 teaching load centered in astronomy and astrophysics with other courses supporting the physics and engineering mechanics programs as needed. The candidate is also expected to establish an active research program that involves undergraduate students as collaborators. McDaniels location puts the Department within reach of regional research institutions including NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and we welcome candidates positioned to build on that proximity.

McDaniel is a private liberal arts college in the hills of north-central Maryland with easy access to both Baltimore and Washington D.C. Classes are small typically 20 students or fewer. The McDaniel community is close-knit and welcoming to people of all backgrounds. The College has committed real institutional support to this hire (this is an endowed position) and to the Departments growth into astronomy astrophysics and engineering mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Take leadership in the astronomy and astrophysics program and develop pedagogy-based assessment and learning outcomes for programmatic courses in coordination with the Department Chair.
• Teach three courses each semester spanning introductory through advanced astronomy and astrophysics offerings along with courses that support programs in physics and engineering mechanics and general-education science courses as departmental need requires.
• Create clear and detailed syllabi for each course; develop learner-centered activities and laboratories using pedagogical approaches that reflect current best practices; grade assignments discussions and other work that measures students progress toward course goals and mastery of the discipline; and maintain accurate objective and complete grading rosters for all assigned courses.
• Advise students in astronomy and astrophysics as the new programs grow and represent the programs to prospective students during admissions recruitment activities as needed.
• Build and sustain a research program; recruit train and mentor undergraduate students as active participants in that research; and publish research in peer-reviewed journals and give presentations at conferences.
• Contribute to departmental and college governance through committee service consistent with the Faculty Handbook and complete assigned program reports and data collection needed for assessment and accreditation.
• Submit grades department reports and other required records on the timelines set by the Registrar Department Chair Dean of Faculty and Provost.
• Follow FERPA Title IX and other applicable federal state and local regulations in all teaching and advising.
• Keep a portfolio of research activities and coursework consistent with tenure evaluatio

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in astronomy astrophysics or a closely related field; ABD candidates nearing completion will be considered.
• Area of specialization is within astronomy or astrophysics.
• A genuine interest building a rigorous and attractive undergraduate program in astronomy/astrophysics.
• College-level teaching experience is preferred beyond the teaching assistant level.
• Strong written and oral communication skills are a must.
• A demonstrated ability or clear potential to build a research program that engages undergraduates.
• A collegial collaborative approach to working with students faculty and staff within the department and across the college.

Additional Information:

McDaniel College in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate in the recruitment admission and employment of students faculty and staff in the operation of any of its educational programs and activities. McDaniel College will not tolerate any discrimination or harassment on the basis of any protected status including protective hairstyle race religion color ancestry or national origin disability age sex gender gender identity gender expression sexual orientation pregnancy military status genetic information marital status veterans status or any other actual or perceived legally protected characteristics.

Application Instructions:

Please click the Apply Now button below to begin your application.

Applications must be submitted via this online process to be considered. We look forward to reviewing the following materials from the candidates in their own original writing and personal perspectives.

• Letter of interest
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Statement of research interests

At the time of application letters of reference are encouraged but not required. All complete applications with or without reference letters will be reviewed. For candidates who are short-listed for phone interviews three letters of reference will then be solicited. To submit letters of reference at the time of application please arrange for three letters to be sent to .

Review of applications will begin October 30 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Required Experience:

Junior IC