Assistant Professor of Astronomy

The Physics and Astronomy Department at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time tenure track faculty position in the College of Arts and Sciences.  Initial appointment to this position will be for a term of four years, beginning fall semester of year 2022, and will carry the rank of Assistant Professor.

Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a private four-year, highly selective national liberal arts college near Cleveland, Ohio and is also home to an outstanding Conservatory of Music. Together, the two divisions enroll approximately 2900 students. Oberlin College was the first college in the US to make interracial education and co-education central to its mission. The College continues to view a diverse, equitable and inclusive educational environment as essential to the excellence of its academic program.  Among liberal arts colleges, Oberlin is a national leader in successfully placing graduates into PhD programs.    The Physics and Astronomy department graduates approximately 15 majors a year. Students graduate with concentrations in either physics, astrophysics, or materials physics. The department has an authorized tenure/tenure-track faculty size of 7.5 full-time-equivalent. Faculty research interests include infrared molecular spectroscopy, study of magnetic nanoparticles, fundamental questions related to quantum mechanics, atomic physics, galactic star formation, numerical general relativity, and energy efficiency of buildings. Approximately 80% of Oberlin’s Physics and Astronomy students do research during their time at Oberlin. This student research takes place during the semester, the summer, and Oberlin’s month-long Winter Term.   The incumbent will teach the standard teaching load (4.5 courses per year) in the general area of physics and astronomy. Teaching assignments will include general audience astronomy classes, introductory courses in physics, and advanced courses in astrophysics and physics.      The incumbent will also be expected to engage in sustained scholarly research in the area of astronomy or astrophysics appropriate to the position and participate in the full range of faculty responsibilities, including academic advising and service on committees.   Qualifications: Among the qualifications required for appointment is a PhD degree (in hand or expected by first semester of academic year 2022).  Candidates must demonstrate interest and potential excellence in undergraduate teaching.  Successful teaching experience at the college level is desirable. Oberlin College is committed to student and faculty diversity, equity and inclusion. The incumbent will bring understanding of or experience working with underrepresented and diverse academic populations. Oberlin is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the excellence and diversity of the academic community through their research, teaching, and service. Oberlin recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran’s status, and/or other protected status as required by applicable law.   Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2021, and will continue until the position is filled. Completed applications received by the December 15, 2021 deadline will be guaranteed full consideration.     Questions about the position can be addressed to: Jason Stalnaker jason.stalnaker@oberlin.edu  , Chair of Physics and Astronomy, at 440-775-8336.     Please see the Oberlin job portal for full details at: https://jobs.oberlin.edu/postings/10866