"Astronomy Adjunct Professor (TEMPORARY)"

Job Description

Posting Number: F01312
Location: Diablo Valley College
Salary:

Description of Position:
Diablo Valley College is seeking an Astronomy Adjunct Instructor to teach in Fall 2026.

Essential Functions include the following:

1. Instruct and assist in the growth and success of a diverse population of students through careful preparation of course materials, effective teaching methods, and informed critical feedback on assignments.
2. Operate the planetarium, telescopes, and other laboratory equipment.
3. Assist in curriculum revisions and new course development.
4. Consult with students during regularly scheduled office hours.
5. Regularly communicate with students and college personnel.
6. Perform related duties as assigned, including timely compliance with clerical and administrative responsibilities and college and department policies.
7. Ability to teach late afternoon, evenings, and/or online distance learning classes, when scheduled, as part of the regular teaching assignment.

Inquiries:
Jean Chiar (jchiar@dvc.edu) and Paul Sasse (psasse@dvc.edu)

Position Status:
EEO Job Category: Faculty & Other Instructional Staff
Employee Group: Part-Time Faculty
Department: D3545-Physics, Geology, Astronomy & Geography

Duties and Responsibilities:
Adjunct Faculty duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. providing instruction in accordance with established curriculum, course outlines and class schedules;
2. creating and maintaining an environment which emphasizes learning, encourages free discussion of ideas and critical thinking;
3. evaluating progress of students concerning educational matters and grades student work;
4. meeting with students outside of class;
5. maintaining appropriate standards of professional conduct and ethics;
6. maintaining current knowledge in the subject matter areas;
7. fulfilling professional responsibilities of a part-time/temporary faculty member;
8. maintaining accurate academic records;
9. performing other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification-Education/Experience:
The applicant must possess one of the following qualifications (earned degrees must be from an accredited college/university):EDUCATION: 1. Master's degree in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics; OR 2. Bachelor's degree in physics or astronomy AND a master's degree in engineering, mathematics, meteorology, or geophysics; OR 3. The equivalent.
The disciplines listed in the minimum qualifications are determined by the statewide Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. A Doctoral degree (PhD) is considered to encompass a master's degree (MA or MS).

If the title(s) of your degree major(s) listed on your unofficial transcripts or other documents from the degree-granting institutions are not an EXACT MATCH to the degrees listed below, you MUST submit an equivalency form. Without it, your application will not be considered. The equivalency form can be downloaded here. In addition to responding to the required Supplemental Questions below, please upload the following required documents:

1. Any/all undergraduate and graduate unofficial transcripts (must show degree and the date degree was conferred).

2. Résumé including information regarding preparation and experience relevant to the position and

3. Cover letter explaining your interest in the position.

Desirable Qualifications:

1. Experience using and/or willingness to learn to use planetarium equipment to teach astronomical concepts,
2. Enthusiasm for teaching conceptual astronomy to general education students with varied math and science experience,
3. Ability to use a variety of telescopes and to locate celestial objects, and
4. Ability to advise students regarding transfer options, degrees, and careers related to physics, astronomy, and STEM

Job Open Date: 03/18/2026
Job Close Date: 4/13/2026
Open Until Filled: No
Employment Begins: Fall 2026
# of Months: 4

To apply, visit: https://www.4cdcareers.net/postings/11977