Assistant Professor of Astronomy

The Mount Holyoke College Physics & Astronomy Department invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Astronomy (tenure track) to begin in fall 2026. We seek a candidate with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching in a liberal arts environment, who will establish a vigorous research program involving undergraduates. A PhD (anticipated or completed) in astronomy or a related field is required.

Mount Holyoke College is an active member of the Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD), which provides multiple opportunities for research collaborations including at nearby UMass Amherst, the flagship campus of the state university system.

The successful candidate will have thoughtful approaches to teaching at the undergraduate level and demonstrated experience mentoring students. The candidate will embrace working with students, faculty and staff who are broadly diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion. The candidate will teach across our core astronomy curriculum, which spans general-education to upper level astrophysics.  With the recent merging of physics and astronomy, there is the opportunity to revamp the astronomy major sequence in collaboration with the FCAD.

The candidate will be required to submit statements concerning (1) teaching philosophy with illustrative examples, (2) research plan, and (3) a statement about mentoring a diverse student body, as well as a cover letter addressing your interest in Mount Holyoke and CV.  To apply, submit materials here: (MHC Jobs).  For further information please contact Prof. Spencer Smith, Department of Physics & Astronomy at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin October 1 and will continue until the position is filled.