Department Head - Astronomy & Astrophysics

Penn State University•University Park, IL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Eberly College of Science at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications and nominations for a Department Head to lead the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics in University Park, Pennsylvania. The successful candidate will hold the rank of Professor, with a primary academic appointment in the department, and serve as its chief academic and administrative officer. The Department Head reports directly to the Dean of the Eberly College of Science and provides leadership across the department’s research, education, outreach, and service missions. The department is internationally recognized for observational, theoretical, and computational astrophysics, with research spanning 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. The Head will guide the department’s future, strengthen its research enterprise and reputation, support faculty and community success, and foster collaboration within Penn State and with external partners. The appointee is expected to maintain an active and visible research program and continue contributing to the discipline through scholarship, mentorship, and professional service. Applicants should have credentials sufficient for appointment as a tenured Professor and an earned doctorate in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field. Applications should include a letter describing interest, qualifications, leadership experience, administrative accomplishments, and vision; a leadership and management philosophy statement; a curriculum vitae; and contact information for five professional references. Application screening begins January 5, 2027, and continues until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027. Employment requires successful completion of standard background checks and 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.
Proven 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 characterized by 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 enhance its national and international reputation.
Foster interdisciplinary collaborations within the College, across Penn State, and with external partners.
Advocate for the department and promote its priorities to College and University leadership, alumni, donors, and the broader scientific community.
Support fundraising and development efforts advancing research, education, student success, and strategic initiatives.
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 all department members.
Maintain an active and visible research program and contribute through scholarship, mentorship, and professional service.