Physics​/Astronomy Instructor

The duties below are representative of the duties of the classification and are not intended to cover all of the duties performed by the incumbent(s) of any particular position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the scope of work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this classification.

• Teach lecture and laboratory courses in astronomy
• Operate and maintain the planetarium, CCD cameras, and other laboratory equipment
• Assist in curriculum revisions and new course development
• Consult with students during regularly scheduled office and lab hours
• Lead students in observational research
• Serve as a member of division and college committees
• Perform other professional duties as required by contract and general institutional needs
• Organize and participate in community-focused outreach events

College of San Mateo

The duties below are representative of the duties of the classification and are not intended to cover all of the duties performed by the incumbent(s) of any particular position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the scope of work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this classification.

• Teach lecture and laboratory courses in astronomy
• Operate and maintain the planetarium, CCD cameras, and other laboratory equipment
• Assist in curriculum revisions and new course development
• Consult with students during regularly scheduled office and lab hours
• Lead students in observational research
• Serve as a member of division and college committees
• Perform other professional duties as required by contract and general institutional needs
• Organize and participate in community-focused outreach events

• Successful teaching techniques that engage students in their learning, motivate students to develop higher-order thinking skills, and ensure consistent and appropriate monitoring of student progress
• Instructional strategies designed for diverse learning styles and academic goals
• Computer-based and the latest technology relevant to teaching astronomy; commitment to and willingness to expand its use
• Current astronomy concepts and effective instructional practices, with a commitment to staying current with developments in the field

• Academic preparation for or successful experience in teaching astronomy at the community college or university level
• Commitment to the teaching profession, its goals, and ideals
• Enthusiasm for, understanding of, and commitment to the role and purpose of the community college
• The capacity to reflect on and evaluate one's pedagogy and to examine its effects critically
• Skill and experience in motivating students from a broad spectrum of academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds and varying abilities, including communicating effectively and constructively
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken language
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to the SMCCCD goal of integrating writing across the curriculum
• Experience with:
• reflectors, refractors, and Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes;
• setting up and using a solar telescope;
• the operation of a planetarium and its application to teaching.
• Evidence of, and commitment to involvement with, community-related projects such as outreach activities with local schools

• Master's or higher in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics OR Bachelor's in physics or astronomy AND Master's or higher in engineering, mathematics, meteorology, or geophysics OR the equivalent (see below)
• Demonstrated cultural competence, sensitivity to, and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice both within and outside of the classroom.

Exempt

10

to promote a safe working and learning environment employees must report any unsafe working conditions or practices, as well as any near-miss incident to their supervisor.

• Position is designated as a Mandated Reporter under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• Position is a Responsible Employee under the Equity in Education Act and Title IX

The environmental, physical, and mental demands…