Assistant Professor, Astronomy

JCCC•Overland Park, KS

1d•$54,122 - $91,437

About The Position

Johnson County Community College (JCCC) invites applications from a diverse pool of candidates for a full-time faculty position in the Astronomy Department, beginning Fall 2026. The successful candidate will teach astronomy lecture and laboratory courses and will be prepared to deliver instruction in a variety of formats, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online modalities. As a full-time faculty member at JCCC, responsibilities include maintaining regular office hours; serving on department, division, and college-wide committees; developing and revising curriculum; designing and implementing assessments of student learning outcomes; participating in professional development; and collaborating with faculty, staff, and stakeholders across the College and the broader community. Additional duties may be assigned as needed. While not required, faculty members are encouraged to pursue professional opportunities such as national and international travel for conferences and workshops, grant writing and publishing, and participation in independent or course-based undergraduate research with students. JCCC is located in Overland Park, Kansas, part of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The community is known for its museums, restaurants, and vibrant music and arts scene. JCCC is committed to fostering a rich cultural environment and is home to an award-winning contemporary art museum and a nationally recognized center for the performing arts. All applications must be submitted through the JCCC jobs portal. Required application materials include: Cover letter Curriculum vitae (resume) Unofficial transcripts One-page teaching philosophy

Requirements

Master’s degree with a minimum of 18 graduate credit hours in Astronomy and/or Physics.
At least one year of college-level teaching experience in astronomy lecture and laboratory courses.
Demonstrated computer literacy, including the ability to communicate electronically, develop instructional materials, and enter grades using learning management and institutional systems.
Demonstrated proficiency with appropriate instructional and discipline-specific software.
Demonstrated fluency in both written and oral communication.
Demonstrated experience with the use, care, and maintenance of telescopes and related equipment.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree in Astronomy or Physics, including a minimum of 18 graduate credit hours in astronomy and/or physics.
Three years of community college teaching experience in astronomy lecture and laboratory courses.
Experience mentoring undergraduate students in research, including independent projects or course-based research experiences.

Responsibilities

Teaching astronomy lecture and laboratory courses
Deliver instruction in a variety of formats, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online modalities
Maintaining regular office hours
Serving on department, division, and college-wide committees
Developing and revising curriculum
Designing and implementing assessments of student learning outcomes
Participating in professional development
Collaborating with faculty, staff, and stakeholders across the College and the broader community
Pursue professional opportunities such as national and international travel for conferences and workshops, grant writing and publishing, and participation in independent or course-based undergraduate research with students
Effective teaching requires content expertise
Effective teaching reflects sound instructional methods drawn from the scholarship of teaching and learning, and cultivates a supportive learning environment that allows students to think critically and experiment with material
Effective teaching communicates successfully
Effective teaching clearly articulates high, achievable, and purposeful expectations
Effective teaching adeptly guides meaningful course activities, allowing students to advance their knowledge or skill
Effective teachers should meet institutional expectations
Member of the College Community
Members of the college community should perform their professional responsibilities in accordance with the goals, missions, and plans of the department, program, division and College
Members of the college community should contribute to the creation of a collegial culture
In addition, full-time faculty members are expected to serve the College by contributing to the growth and enhancement of the College mission and programs

Benefits

Health insurance with some employer paid options.
Life insurance & AD&D (employer provided)
Retirement plans (403(b), 457(b), and KPERS)
Employer paid 8% contribution into a 403(b) no match required
Paid time off (vacation, sick, personal, and floating holidays)
14 days of paid holidays
Full tuition reduction for JCCC credit courses (for employee and eligible dependents)
Tuition reimbursement / assistance for non‑JCCC courses for employee
Free access to the Gym on campus for all employees and dependents
Discount to the Hiersteiner Child Development Center
Snow days
Professional development funding and training opportunities
Mentorship program
Recognition and awards programs
Employee wellness programs