"Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy"

Posting Details

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
202500106F

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
https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/44305

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 77341-2267

Contact Phone
936 294 1601

Contact Email
jwalker@shsu.edu

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 PlaneWave 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

EEO Statement

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Candidate Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (Faculty)
3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
4. Statement of Research & Goals
5. Transcripts

Optional Documents

1. Letter of Recommendation 1
2. Letter of Recommendation 2
3. Letter of Recommendation 3