Five College Astronomy Department Fellow

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Job Description:

The Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD), which consists of Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith College and the University of Massachusetts, invites applications for a three-year teaching and research postdoctoral fellowship, to be based at Mount Holyoke College, with a tentative start date of July 1, 2027. The successful candidate must be dedicated to undergraduate education and have experience mentoring students who are broadly diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, and religion. Candidates from groups underrepresented in astronomy are encouraged to apply.

The educational component will consist of teaching two undergraduate classes per academic year, of which at least one will be in observational astronomy, including leading a one-week observing trip to a professional observatory in Arizona. The second course may also be in observational science or another area of interest to the candidate. The fellow is also expected to conduct a strong research program that is synergistic with existing research in the FCAD and that has potential for undergraduate contributions. The FCAD provides multiple opportunities for research collaborations. For example, applicants will have the opportunity to participate in science projects with the Large Millimeter Telescope in Mexico.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in astronomy, planetary science, physics, or a closely-related field, and should submit (1) a cover letter; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a statement of research goals and a proposal for a research project that would be conducted during your time in the FCAD; (4) a statement of teaching philosophy, including an indication of what you would offer to the planned observational astronomy course(s) and a second possible course. Reference letters will be requested at a later date in the process. Review of applications will begin January 1, 2027, and continue until the position is filled. Details about the Mount Holyoke College Department of Physics & Astronomy can be found here and the Five College Astronomy Department can be found here.

Minimum starting rate of pay: $65,000.

Mount Holyoke is an undergraduate liberal arts college with 2,200 students and 220 faculty. Mount Holyoke College is located about 90 miles west of Boston in the Connecticut River valley, and is a member of the Five College Consortium consisting of Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges and the University of Massachusetts.

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants: 

Apply online; application materials must include:

• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications

• A complete resume or curriculum vitae

• For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.

​It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.