Department Head - Astronomy & Astrophysics

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Eberly College of Science at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications and nominations for the Head of the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics in University Park, Pennsylvania. The Department seeks an accomplished scholar, strategic thinker, and collaborative leader to guide its research, education, outreach, and service mission. Upon appointment, the successful candidate will hold the rank of Professor and a primary academic appointment in the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics. The Department is internationally recognized for observational, theoretical, and computational astrophysics. Its research spans exoplanets and planetary systems, stellar and galactic evolution, black holes and active galactic nuclei, cosmology, gravitational waves, multi-messenger astrophysics, astronomical instrumentation, and data-intensive astronomy. Faculty, researchers, and students collaborate across Penn State and with national and international partners, and participate in major observatories, surveys, space missions, and interdisciplinary initiatives. Reporting directly to the Dean of the Eberly College of Science, the Department Head is the Department’s chief academic and administrative officer. The Head leads all aspects of the Department’s mission, advances a strategic vision, supports faculty and staff, strengthens research and partnerships, represents the Department, supports fundraising, and manages budgets, personnel, facilities, and academic programs. The Head is also expected to maintain an active and visible research program and contribute to the discipline through scholarship, mentorship, and professional service. Applicants should have credentials sufficient for appointment as a tenured Professor, an earned doctorate in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field, and a distinguished record of research, scholarship, teaching, and mentorship. Applications should include a letter describing interest, qualifications, leadership experience, administrative accomplishments, and vision; a statement of leadership and management philosophy; a curriculum vitae; and contact information for five professional references. Screening begins January 5, 2027, and continues until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027. Employment is contingent on successful background checks, including a credit history check.

Requirements

Credentials sufficient for appointment as a tenured Professor in the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics.
Earned doctorate in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field.
Distinguished record of research, scholarship, teaching, and mentorship.
Ability to strategically manage budgets, personnel, and organizational resources and balance diverse priorities and resource needs.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to engage diverse audiences and represent the Department within and beyond the University.
Effectiveness in advocating for research, education, and institutional priorities.
Experience building collaborative programs and fostering interdisciplinary partnerships.
Demonstrated ability to build trust, foster collegiality, and strengthen community in a diverse and collaborative academic environment.
Capacity to lead in a rapidly evolving academic and research environment and identify opportunities that strengthen the Department’s long-term impact and resilience.
Demonstrated commitment to mentoring and supporting the professional development of faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students.

Responsibilities

Articulate and advance a compelling vision for the Department and build alignment around strategic priorities.
Create and maintain a community grounded in shared purpose, academic excellence, innovation, integrity, and mutual respect.
Support faculty success at all career stages through mentoring, professional development, and strategic resource allocation.
Strengthen and expand the Department’s research enterprise and national and international reputation.
Foster interdisciplinary collaborations within the College, across Penn State, and with external partners.
Advocate for the Department with College and University leadership, alumni, donors, and the broader scientific community.
Support fundraising and development efforts advancing research, education, student success, and strategic initiatives.
Strategically develop and manage budgets and administer personnel, facilities, and academic programs.
Promote transparent communication, shared governance, and inclusive decision-making.
Foster a welcoming and supportive environment for members of the Department.
Maintain an active and visible research program and contribute to the discipline through scholarship, mentorship, and professional service.