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Assistant Professor of Astronomy/Astrophysics -

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Westminster, MD Posted:

Sep 28, 2026

Closes:

Open Until Filled Type:

Full-time Position ID:

205255

Share About McDaniel College:

McDaniel College is a four-year, independent college of the liberal arts and sciences offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the original "Colleges That Change Lives," McDaniel emphasizes experiential learning and student-faculty collaboration to develop the unique potential in every student. Represented by the Green Terror, over 20 athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division III Centennial Conference. A student-centered community of 1,600 undergraduates and 1,400 graduate students offers access to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., plus a European campus in Budapest, Hungary. At McDaniel College we value our employees by offering our full-time employees tuition remission, 403B retirement accounts, paid time off, medical insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and paid maternity and parental leave. For more information about the college's benefits, please click here to review the 2026 benefits guidebook and click here to view 2026 premium rates . The Assistant Professor salary for this discipline for current faculty based on experience and years in rank is $75,000 - $82,800. The budgeted hiring rate for this position is $80,000. Click here to see how McDaniel College employees impact the lives of students.

Job Description:

McDaniel College's Department of Physics seeks a tenure-track assistant professor to hold the M. Lee Rice Endowed Professorship in Physics and provide leadership for the Department's 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 candidate's 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. McDaniel's 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 Department's 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, veteran's 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 Provost@McDaniel.edu . Review of applications will begin October 30, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Powered by