AAS Graduate Education Project Fellow

Summary of job duties:  

The American Astronomical Society (AAS) Graduate Education Project Fellow will oversee AAS’s engagement with the implementation of the 2018 Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion in Astronomy Graduate Education report as it pertains to the activities under the Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN) collaboration, as well as other initiatives under AAS’s strategic Education programs. The Project Fellow reports to Tom Rice, Education Program Manager.   This contractor position is an exciting opportunity to work with the AAS to help shape astronomy graduate education— join us and make a meaningful impact!  

Description:  

As part of its 2021–2026 Strategic Plan, AAS has committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in astronomy graduate education via a combination of community and organizational efforts. As an organizational member of IGEN, AAS convenes a number of Communities of Practice (CoPs) of leaders and faculty in astronomy higher education, which include the following groups:  

• Astronomy department graduate admissions chairs and admissions committee members  

• Directors of graduate studies  

• Department chairs  

• Faculty who teach and mentor graduate students  

• Other leaders in graduate education  

The duties of the Project Fellow will include the following:  

• Coordinate with IGEN leadership via regular cross-organizational coordination meetings, typically online but occasionally in-person.  

• Collaborate with individuals working on equity in STEM education at other professional societies in the physical sciences.   

• Coordinate with the IGEN Research Hub and Inclusive Practices Hub to design, schedule, and execute workshops and convenings for astronomy CoPs.  

• Work with the AAS Meetings, Communications, and Finance staff teams to support the planning, promotion, execution, and administration of these workshops and convening activities as appropriate.  

• Act as the on-the-ground point of contact for IGEN-aligned workshops at AAS meetings.  

• Coordinate year-round online gatherings for the CoPs (e.g., monthly Zoom calls or other meetings as appropriate) and serve as the point person for department leaders and faculty to support the implementation of best practices for equity in graduate education and admissions throughout astronomy departments.  

• Coordinate with the AAS community to identify and recruit appropriate members for these CoP convenings. This may include working with the community to identify and maintain a database of appropriate astronomy departmental leaders and developing and delivering appropriate communications to recruit them.  

• Coordinate with the efforts of various AAS Committees and Task Forces which have some bearing on equity and inclusion in astronomy graduate education, to solicit feedback and engagement from these volunteer bodies as well as to ensure that they are informed of the activities and impact of AAS’s IGEN activities.  

• Support the research activities of the IGEN Research Hub, including working to ensure that the Research Hub members have timely and appropriate access to AAS resources, knowledge, and community members; and, when appropriate, collaborating on Research Hub academic publications.   

• Evaluate, summarize and communicate the AAS’s activities in supporting equity and inclusion in graduate education to the AAS Board of Trustees, its committee leaders, and to the AAS membership.  

• Help support astronomy students engaged in or seeking graduate education by promoting AAS and IGEN materials such as student guides, career support, funding opportunities, and community-building activities (e.g., at AAS meetings or online).  

• Support the development of grant proposals to sustain AAS’s engagement in equity & inclusion in astronomy education.  
    

Qualifications:  

• PhD in astronomy, physics, or closely related field or PhD/EdD in higher education, education, or closely related field  

• Experience and enthusiasm in working on education reform and diversity, equity, and inclusion work in academic settings and with academic faculty  

 If funded the fellowship position will be secured through August 31, 2025. AAS is actively seeking funds to continue the position beyond August 31, 2025.    

Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected]