Assistant Professor, Astronomy (Natural Sciences)

Santa Fe College•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

The application deadline for this position is 11:59pm EST on January 8, 2026. Santa Fe College’s (SF) Department of Natural Sciences faculty provide pre-professional instruction in Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physical Science, and Physics to guide the development of the next generation of scientists, engineers, environmentalists, and health providers. The department also serves non-science major students with general education courses to enhance their understanding and appreciation of science in their own lives, their community, and the world. Under general supervision, the Assistant Professor will develop, prepare, and teach a variety of coursework in astronomy. This position will be housed primarily at the Northwest Campus (Gainesville) but may be assigned to one of the College’s six locations throughout Alachua and Bradford counties. Candidates must have the flexibility to teach during the day, evening, or online, as well as taught using other distance learning formats. This position has a 9-month contract based on teaching 15 credit hours in the Fall and 15 credit hours in the Spring. Summer instructional opportunities may be available for additional compensation based upon departmental need. This position’s starting salary is $50,303 annually. Any salary amount above this is commensurate upon an individual’s qualifications.

Requirements

A master’s degree in astronomy or a master’s degree with at least 18 graduate semester hours in any combination of astronomy, earth and space science, and/or physics.
A criminal background check will be conducted.
Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment.
Adaptability to Change – able to be flexible and supportive, able to positively and proactively assimilate change in rapid growth environment.
Analytical Aptitude & Problem Solving - able to analyze information, problems, situations, practices and/or procedures, collect and interpret data, reason logically, establish facts, identify and define existing and potential issues, recognize the interrelationships among elements, draw valid conclusions, develop recommendations, as well as alternative courses of action, select appropriate course, follow up, and evaluate.
Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.
Critical Thinking & Judgement - able to make well-reasoned, sensible, and timely decisions based on careful, objective review and informed analysis of available information, considerations, and other factors.
Customer Service – ability to respond promptly and courteously to all questions from students and faculty, demonstrating patience and persistence when helping students with little or no computer skills.
Ethics – able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job-related actions.
Organization & Time Management – able to plan, schedule, and organize tasks related to the job to achieve goals within or ahead of established time frames.
Problem Solving – proven skills in identifying issues, determining their cause, developing creative solutions, and following through with implementing resolutions.
Relationship Management – able to personally provide high level of interactive service to others, building relationships and addressing identified needs.
Results Orientation – proven ability to set and exceed established targets.
Systems & Software - proficient level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software programs.
Detail Oriented - Proven accuracy and attention to detail.
Multi-task - Ability to expeditiously organize, coordinate, manage, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously to swiftly assess a situation, determine a logical course of action, and apply the appropriate response.

Responsibilities

Plans, organizes, and delivers instruction to didactic, laboratory and/or classroom settings to promote student success within a community college setting.
Supports and promotes the college and departmental missions centered on excellence in teaching and learning through quality instruction, curriculum enhancement, and timely service.
Collaborates with the Chair, faculty, and peers to evaluate, revise, and develop curriculum that cultivates the mastery of course content.
Demonstrates technological literacy and innovation in the delivery of instruction.
Works collaboratively as part of a cohesive academic team.
Assists with the implementation of college policies, objectives, and functions in accordance with the SF philosophy, mission, strategic initiatives, and procedures.
Participates in departmental meetings and collegewide committees as needed.
Provides students with frequent, timely assessment and clear feedback regarding academic performance.
Appropriately documents student progress and maintains records including attendance, grading, and student learning outcomes.
Develops methods that fairly and accurately assess students’ progress in achieving the stated learning outcomes/objectives.
Maintains appropriate office hours proportionate to the instructional assignment.
Provides service to the college through participation in events, committees, and other college activities.
Strictly honors the privacy and security of records and other sensitive information according to appropriate state, federal and college regulations, policies, and procedures.
Complies with all published College Rules, procedures, guidelines, and laws/regulations governing public employees, including but not limited to those related to document retention and destruction, FERPA, and confidentiality.
Provides service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.
Performs other duties as assigned.