The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Butler University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Astronomy and Astrophysics, at the Assistant or Associate professor level (initially without tenure) with an anticipated start date of August 15, 2023. Credit toward tenure is possible. Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field, as well as a strong commitment to teaching in a Liberal Arts environment. Postdoctoral experience in both research and teaching are highly desirable.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to excellent, inclusive teaching of astronomy and astrophysics courses and labs at all undergraduate levels Innovative pedagogical approaches are encouraged. The candidate will be expected to maintain a robust research program that can involve undergraduate students. Internal research funds are available on a competitive basis through the Holcomb Awards Committee. Funds for travel to conferences are also available. Successful candidates will demonstrate commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and will be expected to contribute to inclusion efforts on campus.

The successful candidate will also become Director of the Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium located on the Butler University campus, after an initial one to two-year transition period, during which the candidate will work with the current Director to become familiar with the operation of the facilities. As director, the candidate will be expected to coordinate the active teaching, research, and public outreach aspects of the observatory and planetarium, oversee the maintenance of equipment as well as the development and programming of planetarium shows, supervise student tour guides, help with fundraising efforts, and play an active role in the SARA telescope consortium (as a member of this consortium Butler University has remote access to other telescopes in the U.S. and abroad). Candidates who can make use of the SARA consortium telescopes are particularly encouraged to apply. The teaching load is 9 credits with potential reductions for substantial service responsibilities.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Butler currently has about 60 majors and 6 full-time-equivalent faculty members. We offer majors in both Astronomy-Astrophysics and Physics. The department is housed in a new science complex with all new labs and completely renovated facilities. Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium has been substantially renovated over the last several years as well; it includes a 1-meter Cassegrain telescope that can be operated remotely, a renovated planetarium with a new digital projector, and a fully mediated classroom. Over 60 nights per year of remote access to the other telescopes in the SARA consortium are available. The Astronomy-Astrophysics major has been growing, with typically a dozen new students enrolling each year; it attracts both in-state and out-of-state students.

To apply for this position: Click Here. Please direct questions to Please direct questions to Gonzalo Ordonez, Ph. D, Department Chair of Physics & Astronomy, gordonez@butler.edu.

Application should include:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement(s) of teaching and research interests, including evidence of teaching effectiveness, plans for a program of research with the support of undergraduate students, and commitment to diversity and inclusion
• A list of 3-5 references, including name, title, and contact information.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide at least three letters of recommendation addressing the candidate’s teaching, general communications and leadership/management skills, and ability to perform independent research.

We value faculty committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and we are eager to diversify our faculty. Thus, we strongly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented groups in higher education to apply. Consideration of applications will begin December 15, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. Questions may be sent to the email address above.

Butler University, founded in 1855 by an abolitionist on the principle of equal access to higher education for all genders and races, is located on a 301-acre campus in the heart of a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in Indianapolis. Butler enjoys a national reputation for excellence and quality and has consistently been ranked among the top institutions in its Carnegie category. Butler encompasses six colleges, with an enrollment of 4500 undergraduate and 1000 graduate students and emphasizes a liberal arts-based education with more than 60 academic majors. Visit our website at https://www.butler.edu/ for a closer look. Indianapolis is the 15th largest city in the U.S., with a growing and increasingly diverse population, a growing tech community, a livable environment, and a very reasonable cost of living.

Butler University is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, gender, gender identity, sex, race, religion, color, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other legally protected category.