Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy

Come and join the Bearkat community!

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Position Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Position Title Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy

Requisition F Rank Assistant Professor FLSA status Exempt Hiring Salary

Commensurate with education and experience.

Position Category Position Type Full-Time Tenure Track College College of Science & Engineering Technology Department Dept of Physics & Astronomy Open Date 11/07/2025 Quicklink

Refer Applicants To

Contact Name Dr. Joel W. Walker Title

Professor/Chair of Physics

Sam Houston State University

1908 Avenue J (Box 2267)

204 Farrington Building

Huntsville, Texas

Contact Phone  Contact Email jwalker

Position Details

Duties Performed in the Usual Course of the Job

This is a nine-month position on the tenure track. Core duties involve instructing astronomy courses, supervising students, and conducting research in astronomy/astrophysics.

Educational Requirements for the Position

PhD with emphasis in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field. ABD considered, must be completed by start of employment.

Experience Required for the Position

Classroom instructional experience and Post-Doctoral research experience are preferred. The candidate's research program must include a direct observational component of some kind.

Other Requirements for the Position

SHSU values excellence in teaching, research, and service. The selected candidate must be able to:

Proficiently instruct introductory astronomy courses, while fostering an active learning environment and making good use of our new "engaging spaces" classroom. Promote development of the burgeoning Minor in Astronomy, and instruct more specialized courses at the upper division for these students. Lead student observing projects and support activities at the near-campus Dominey Observatory (this new facility houses a 27" CDK-700 telescope system from Plane Wave Instruments and is fully wheelchair accessible).

Lead grant applications and future observing activities at the "Christmas Mountains" site near Big Bend (our system owns 10,000 acres of land in this dark-sky region, which is suitable for optical and also radio astronomy). Develop a strong research program with an observational component that is able to attract external funding and the allocation of time at major telescopes / observatories.

Special Instructions Summary

Direct inquiries and supplementary materials, including letters of recommendation, to Joel Walker.

Please note:

References provided in the References section of the application will receive an automated email reference request at the time the application is submitted.

Open Until Filled Yes