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About Us
Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of over 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.
Job Summary
The University of North Georgia (UNG) invites applications for a full-time (12-month) Observatory Director and Lecturer in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. This position provides dedicated leadership to expand and elevate the observatory's impact. Key opportunities include growing public programming, strengthening partnerships with K-12 schools and regional institutions, and building a sustained pipeline into physics, astronomy, engineering, and related fields. The upcoming Astronomy on Wheels initiative (launching Fall 2026) will further extend the observatory's reach across North Georgia.
Please be advised that any offer of employment is contingent upon your eligibility to work in the United States. The university is aware of recent federal changes that may significantly increase the cost of filing H-1B visa petitions.
As a public institution, the university's ability to cover such costs is subject to budgetary constraints and state funding policies. Therefore, while we remain committed to supporting international faculty hires, we cannot guarantee payment of any newly imposed or increased visa-related fees.
If you have any questions regarding the visa policy, please contact Monica Arrendale at (706) 867-4470.
Responsibilities

• Teaching one astronomy lecture course and one or more laboratory courses each semester (or equivalent)
• Providing year-round operational leadership of the observatory
• Managing facilities, instrumentation, and observing operations
• Planning, scheduling, and directing public programs and events
• Hiring, training, and supervising student assistants
• Supporting faculty and student use of the observatory for instruction and research
• Expanding outreach initiatives and community partnerships
• Performing related duties consistent with the scope of the role

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in astronomy, physics, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution
• Experience with observatory operations, telescope systems, or astronomical instrumentation
• Demonstrated effectiveness in undergraduate teaching, particularly in laboratory settings
• Experience with public outreach, informal science education, or K-12 engagement
• Evidence of program development or leadership in academic or community-facing initiatives

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, and Transcripts
• A brief statement (1-2 pages) outlining your vision for the role of an observatory at a primarily undergraduate institution, including it use in teaching, research, and outreach
• Contact information for three professional references

USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Institutional Values
The University of North Georgia, a regional multi-campus institution and premier senior military college, provides a culture of academic excellence in a student-focused environment that includes quality education, service, research, and creativity. This is accomplished through broad access to comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. More details on the UNG Mission, Values, Vision, and Culture can be found at https://ung.edu/about/mission-vision-values.php
Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of North Georgia, as determined by University of North Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of North Georgia, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex or national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics or veteran status. Georgia is an open records state. Also, UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.
Other Information
This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time.
This position does not require security clearance.
Please note: the University of North Georgia career board updates daily, positions are subject to be removed without prior notice or before the posting expires.
Background Check

• Position of Trust + Education

Special Applicant Instructions

• If you received any graduate degrees from an institution outside the United States, you must provide a foreign course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES). Find a full list of NACES members at http://www.naces.org/members.htm.