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Astronomy Faculty Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Astronomy Faculty information

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$15K

$63.2K

$141.5K

How much do astronomy faculty jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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 is an 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,213 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty - Physics and Astronomy

Kentucky Community & Technical College System

Lexington, KY โ€ข On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Adjunct Faculty - Physics and Astronomy

Apply now Job no: 493244
Work type: Temporary
Location: Lexington, KY
Categories: Adjunct Faculty

Title: Adjunct Faculty - Physics and Astronomy

Salary Range: $825 per credit hour

Contract Term Length:ย Not Applicable

Standard Hours:ย Varies

Work Location:ย On-Site

FLSA Status: Exempt

College: Bluegrass Community & Technical College

Campus Location: Bluegrass C&TC

Department: Natural Sciences

Job Summary

Part-time faculty are needed to teach selected in-person and online college Physics and Astronomy courses. These courses may be offered at various campus locations and/or online.
**If you have questions regarding this position, please contact the program coordinator:
Marilyn Akins
marilyn.akins@kctcs.edu
859-246-6242
**To be considered for a faculty position, please upload a copy of your unofficial transcript at the time of your application.

Job Duties:

Lecture courses - Prepare syllabus, lectures, and exams that follow course curriculum.
Laboratory courses - Prepare syllabus, supervise labs, and grade lab work. Set up and tear down equipment needed for each lab.
Promptly answer student emails and messages.
Meet with students to help them with course work as needed.
Complete and submit required college reports and grades.
Complete mandatory training annually.
OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Physics
Or
Master's degree in a any area including 18 graduate hours in a combination of Physics and Astronomy
ย 

Preferred Qualifications:

Teaching experience, preferably at the Community College level.

Advertised: 11 May 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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