1

Astronomy Faculty Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adjunct Faculty-Astronomy Employee Classification: Adjunct Faculty Institution: Roane State Community College Department: Math Science Campus Location: Roane State Community College Job Summary ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Astronomy Faculty information

See salary details

$15K

$63.2K

$141.5K

How much do astronomy faculty jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for astronomy faculty in the United States is $63,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Astronomy Faculty?

Astronomy faculty are academic professionals who teach and conduct research in the field of astronomy at colleges and universities. Their responsibilities typically include delivering lectures, mentoring students, carrying out research projects, publishing scholarly articles, and participating in departmental or university service. Astronomy faculty often have advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D. in astronomy or a related field, and may specialize in areas like astrophysics, planetary science, or cosmology. They play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the universe and training the next generation of scientists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Astronomy Faculty member, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Astronomy Faculty member, you need advanced knowledge in astronomy or astrophysics, typically demonstrated by a Ph.D. in the field, along with experience in teaching and research. Familiarity with scientific software (such as Python, MATLAB, or IRAF), telescope operation, and academic publishing platforms is important. Strong communication, mentorship, and collaboration skills set outstanding faculty apart. These competencies ensure effective student learning, impactful research, and meaningful contributions to the academic community.

How do Astronomy Faculty typically balance research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities throughout the academic year?

Astronomy Faculty members often juggle a combination of research projects, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and participating in departmental or university committees. Balancing these responsibilities can require careful time management, as research activities may peak during grant application cycles or observation windows, while teaching obligations follow the academic calendar. Collaboration with colleagues is common, both within the department for course planning and across institutions for research. Many faculty members find that clear communication with students and peers, as well as setting boundaries for research time, helps manage these competing demands effectively.

What is the difference between Astronomy Faculty vs Astronomy Researchers?

AspectAstronomy FacultyAstronomy Researchers
Required CredentialsPhD in Astronomy or related field, teaching experiencePhD or master's in Astronomy, specialized research skills
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, classrooms, labsResearch institutes, laboratories, field sites
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, academiaResearch organizations, government agencies, labs
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on teaching and academic dutiesFocus on research projects and data analysis

While both Astronomy Faculty and Astronomy Researchers work within the field of astronomy, faculty members primarily focus on teaching, curriculum development, and academic responsibilities at educational institutions. In contrast, Astronomy Researchers concentrate on conducting scientific studies, experiments, and data analysis often within research organizations or labs. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their work environments and primary duties differ significantly.

More about Astronomy Faculty jobs
What cities are hiring for Astronomy Faculty jobs? Cities with the most Astronomy Faculty job openings:
What states have the most Astronomy Faculty jobs? States with the most job openings for Astronomy Faculty jobs include:
Infographic showing various Astronomy Faculty job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 26% As Needed, 29% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 59% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,213 per year, or $30.4 per hour.
Adjunct Astronomy Faculty (Pool)

Adjunct Astronomy Faculty (Pool)

Tennessee Board of Regents

Tullahoma, TN โ€ข On-site

$500 - $700/day

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Adjunct Astronomy Faculty (Pool)
Job no: 503976
Work type: Adjunct
Location: Tullahoma
Categories: Adjunct
MOTLOW STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
is accepting applications for the following position:
Adjunct Astronomy Faculty (Pool)
Position Summary: Pool Position
Campus: Any
Position number: BA9970
Salary: $500-$700 per credit hour
Motlow State is located in the beautiful rolling hills of middle Tennessee and has four campuses that serve students from eleven counties. Motlow positions are contingent upon funding availability and budget approval.
General Function:
Provide high-quality, effective instruction in accordance with the catalog description and approved course syllabus for assigned courses. Facilitate student learning and evaluate student performance using each course's standards and learning objectives as a guide. Provide appropriate academic support and guidance to students regarding course content and related academic or career goals.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master's degree in discipline or a qualifying field earned from a regionally accredited institution by the application date or a Master's degree in any field with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in discipline or a qualifying field earned from a regionally accredited college or university by the application date.
Qualifying Fields:
Astronomy
Physics
Physical Science
Space Studies
Preferred Qualifications:
Doctoral degree in discipline or a qualifying field earned from a regionally accredited institution and three years of Community College teaching experience. Ability to teach in an additional Motlow State teaching field.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Teach courses as assigned in accordance with the catalog description and the approved course syllabus; Teach dual enrollment classes at area high schools as assigned; Travel to multiple campuses as assigned
  • Collaborate collegially with faculty, department lead/program director, and academic leadership about curricular and programmatic issues and needs
  • Collaborate collegially with faculty, administration and staff to support the students, strategic plan, goals and business operations of the college; Work collegially as part of both discipline-specific and multidisciplinary teams
  • Stay current with developments in the teaching discipline, including relevant scholarship, professional practices, and emerging instructional approaches, and incorporate appropriate updates into course instruction to support effective student learning.
  • Support curricular and co-curricular activities within the college
  • Teach up to 12 credit hours per semester as assigned
  • Maintain availability to communicate with and meet students regarding coursework and participate in occasional meetings or instructional activities as requested by the department
  • Respond promptly to the Dean's requests
  • Submit all requested paperwork timely and completely
  • Perform all duties in accordance with both TBR and MSCC policies
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies.
  • Strong computer skills, to include college database (Banner) management, word processing, creating spreadsheets, e-mail, and the internet
  • Knowledge of confidentiality statutes and policies as they apply to FERPA
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both in writing and verbally, with students, fellow employees, college administrators, and other stakeholders.

To ensure consideration, interested applicants must submit an application, transcripts and resume online with application submission.
Human Resources Office, Dept. 200
Motlow State Community College
Telephone (931) 393-1544, TDD (931 393-1621)
E-mail: jobs@mscc.edu
Website: www.mscc.edu
Motlow College is an EEO/Title VI/Title VII/Title IX/Sections 504/ADA Employer
Motlow State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.
Advertised: 05 Jun 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 05 Jun 2029 Central Daylight Time
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App