Assistant Teaching Professor - Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor position with a start date of August 10, 2026. This is a 9-month, non-renewable appointment.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is located within the College of Arts and Sciences. The vision for our College, aligned with the university’s strategic plan, is to ensure that our students graduate career-ready to meet the world’s challenges, and that our faculty research and creative activity contribute to the public good. We achieve this through robust collaboration across departmental boundaries, with particular attention given to increasing experiential learning for our undergraduate and graduate students and connecting our scholarly and creative work to the needs of our region. We are especially interested in recruiting candidates who can contribute excellence in teaching, scholarly/creative work, and/or service toward achieving excellence throughout the university and to the greater community. The College is committed to faculty success, providing resources and support within the Dean’s Office and through collaboration with Arts and Sciences departments and schools, leadership teams in other colleges, and university-serving partners such as the Center for Faculty Excellence. Through these connections, we have developed a comprehensive, cohort-based mentorship program to support the professional growth and advancement of faculty across all disciplines and ranks. We value and practice shared governance and are committed to maintaining a vibrant and supportive working environment. Learn more at: https://www.bgsu.edu/arts-and-sciences.html

The Department of Physics and Astronomy currently has twelve faculty, including teaching and research faculty, with a 7-5 balance between physicists and astronomers. We offer BS and MS programs in Physics, and minor programs in Physics and in Astronomy. We teach introductory courses in Astronomy and Physics taken by students in a variety of majors across campus. Details about the Department are available athttp://www.bgsu.edu/physics

As a Public University for the Public Good, Bowling Green State University is a comprehensive, high research university located in northwestern Ohio committed to driving economic and cultural vitality in the region and beyond. Through innovative teaching, research and creative activities, BGSU fosters a collaborative and inclusive learning community where inspired ideas, knowledge and achievements support the region, state and nation. More than 760 talented and passionate faculty members teach across more than 200 undergraduate majors and programs, 17 doctoral programs, and 57 master’s programs. A focus on promoting research, scholarship, and creative activities has resulted in a significant increase in extramural funding over the past several years.

Guided by Forward, BGSU’s strategic plan, the University is focused on redefining student success. For the fifth year in a row, The Wall Street Journal ranks BGSU as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest that students would choose again. BGSU also holds the Wall Street Journal distinction of being the No. 1 public university in Ohio for the student experience.
The primary responsibilities of this position are to teach survey Astronomy courses for non-majors, along with recitation sections and perhaps lab sections of introductory, algebra-based Physics courses; and to provide service at the department, college, and university levels. The typical teaching load will be 12 credit hours (four courses) per semester of in-person instruction.
- Master’s degree in Astronomy or a closely related discipline (e.g. Physics, etc.).
- Experience as an instructor of record or teaching assistant.
- Commitment to active learning pedagogies.

Preferred Qualifications
- Doctoral degree in Astronomy or a closely related discipline (e.g. Physics, etc.). ABD will be considered if the requirements for the degree are completed by August 2026.
- Established background of teaching at the college level as an instructor of record.
- Demonstrated experience implementing active learning pedagogies.
Application Materials Required
- Cover letter (in 1 file) Curriculum vitae (in 1 file)
- Names and contact information of three professional references
- Statement of teaching philosophy that includes an example of active learning pedagogy (max 2 pages, in 1 file)

Unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned are required for candidates invited for interviews. Additional teaching-related materials may be required of campus visit finalists.

Finalist will be required to submit official transcripts and three reference letters.

Application Deadline The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided byApril 15, 2026.

Salary & Benefits
Competitive and commensurate with candidate’s experience and credentials. Full benefits package available.

Further Information
For additional information, please contact Dr. Andrew Layden, department Chair, atlaydena@bgsu.edu