Astronomy Adjunct Professor (TEMPORARY)

Job Description

Position Title

Astronomy Adjunct Professor (TEMPORARY)

Special Instructions to Applicants

Diablo Valley College is seeking an Astronomy Adjunct Instructor to teach in Fall 2026.

If you are interested in the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and answers to the supplemental questions. Your documents should be uploaded in the attachment section of your job application online.

Applicants should be open to teaching in person or online, and in either lecture or laboratory formats, depending on demand.

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.

Recruitment Type: Faculty

Location: Diablo Valley College

Posting Number: F01312

# of Openings: 1

Salary: Adjunct instructor classroom faculty pay rate is $77.87-$128.97 per hour (up to $151.16).

EEO Job Category: Faculty & Other Instructional Staff

Employee Group: Part-Time Faculty

Department: D3545-Physics, Geology, Astronomy & Geography

Discipline: Astronomy

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. Masters degree in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics; OR
2. Bachelors degree in physics or astronomy AND a masters degree in engineering, mathematics, meteorology, or geophysics; OR
3. The equivalent.

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: 04/30/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Employment Begins: Fall 2026

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