Part-Time Instructor of Astronomy​/Physics - School of Science, Engineering and Mathematics - Mo

Job Title

Part‑Time Instructor of Astronomy/Physics – School of Science, Engineering and Mathematics – Modesto Junior College 2025‑2026

Modesto Junior College

The hourly range: $54.27 to $86.76. Doctorate range: $63.95 to $89.04. Part‑time faculty office hours are paid at a flat rate of $30 per hour.

Not eligible for benefits (except Workers’ Compensation coverage).

The successful candidate will join a physics and astronomy department that continues to create curriculum responsive to student needs, increasing student completion through the implementation of strategies geared to increase student equity.

• Master’s in physics, astronomy or astrophysics OR Bachelor’s in physics or astronomy AND Master’s in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics OR the equivalent.
• Knowledge of and ability to appraise the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.
• Sensitivity to the needs, problems and challenges associated with the diversity of the community college student population.

• Mobility: ability to sit or stand for long periods, move about an office, and reach above and below desk level.
• Dexterity: fine manipulation to operate a keyboard, handle individual papers, write and take notes.
• Lifting: occasional lifting of paper, files, equipment and material weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Visual requirements: close vision sufficient to read files, documents, and computer screens and do close‑up work; ability to adjust focus frequently.
• Hearing/talking: ability to hear normal speech, speak and hear on the telephone, and speak in person.
• Emotional/psychological factors: ability to make decisions and concentrate; frequent contact with others including some public contact; frequent deadlines and time‑limited assignments.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Ability to develop curriculum or services that stress innovation and improve student equity.
• Enthusiasm for the learning process.
• Commitment to supportive relationships with students and colleagues.
• Participation in professional growth and remain current in subject area and major state initiatives.
• Ability to operate effectively in an environment of change and ambiguity.
• Vision and energy to plan and organize programs to enhance student success.
• Willingness to participate effectively in shared governance and to work collaboratively.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, participation in community affairs, ability to conduct public presentations.

• Education and/or experience in teaching physics or astronomy at the community college level, with emphasis on basic skills.
• Current knowledge of physics and astronomy.
• Current understanding of assessment processes for improving student success at the course, program, and degree level.
• Competent in new pedagogies, such as incorporating the planetarium into instruction for the astronomy classes, and other pedagogies directed at improving student success and student equity.
• Recent experience working with African American/Black, Hispanic, Native American, and other minoritized students in the classroom, and an understanding of how historical patterns of exclusion of these groups within higher education shape participation outcomes.
• Willingness to examine and remediate one’s instructional, relational, and classroom practices to more effectively engage and support racially minoritized students.
• Experience and skill with addressing issues of equity in the classroom.
• Experience and expertise in culturally responsive teaching in physics and astronomy, especially as it relates to students’ lives, interests, and communities.
• Demonstrated ability to address equity gaps within coursework and the classroom.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Hispanic‑Serving designation for institutional, departmental, and instructional practices.

Part of the counseling assignment may be online, in the evening, and/or on Saturdays.…