Assistant Professor, Astronomy

Overview

Johnson County Community College (JCCC) invites applications from a diverse pool of candidates for a full-time faculty position in the Astronomy Department, beginning Fall 2026. The successful candidate will teach astronomy lecture and laboratory courses and will be prepared to deliver instruction in a variety of formats, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online modalities.

As a full-time faculty member at JCCC, responsibilities include maintaining regular office hours; serving on department, division, and college-wide committees; developing and revising curriculum; designing and implementing assessments of student learning outcomes; participating in professional development; and collaborating with faculty, staff, and stakeholders across the College and the broader community. Additional duties may be assigned as needed. While not required, faculty members are encouraged to pursue professional opportunities such as national and international travel for conferences and workshops, grant writing and publishing, and participation in independent or course-based undergraduate research with students.

JCCC is located in Overland Park, Kansas, part of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The community is known for its museums, restaurants, and vibrant music and arts scene. JCCC is committed to fostering a rich cultural environment and is home to an award-winning contemporary art museum and a nationally recognized center for the performing arts.

• Teach astronomy lecture and laboratory courses in formats including face-to-face, hybrid, and online as assigned.
• Maintain regular office hours and be accessible to students through e-mail and scheduled appointments.
• Serve on department, division, and college-wide committees; participate in curriculum development and revision.
• Design and implement assessments of student learning outcomes; use instructional technology and various engagement and assessment methods to promote mastery of content.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback; evaluate student learning and progress against course competencies.
• Prepare and distribute syllabi and maintain accurate records of student performance in accordance with college procedures; adhere to final exam schedules.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and community partners to support the college mission and programs.
• Other duties as assigned; scheduling and work location may change for business needs.

• Required:
  
  Master’s degree with a minimum of 18 graduate credit hours in Astronomy and/or Physics; at least one year of college-level teaching experience in astronomy lecture and laboratory courses.
• Demonstrated computer literacy, including the ability to communicate electronically, develop instructional materials, and enter grades using learning management and institutional systems.
• Proficiency with appropriate instructional and discipline-specific software; demonstrated fluency in written and oral communication.
• Experience with the use, care, and maintenance of telescopes and related equipment.

• Doctoral degree in Astronomy or Physics, including a minimum of 18 graduate credit hours in astronomy and/or physics.
• Three years of community college teaching experience in astronomy lecture and laboratory courses.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate students in research, including independent projects or course-based undergraduate research experiences.

• Job duties include but are not limited to: Teaching responsibilities as described above; professional development; and service to the college.
• Additional duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at the discretion of management; scheduling, shift assignments, and work location may be changed as required by business necessity.

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (resume)
• Unofficial transcripts
• One-page teaching philosophy

For Full‑time Employees: Health insurance with some employer-paid options;
Life insurance & AD&D (employer provided);
Retirement plans (403(b), 457(b), and KPERS) with employer-paid 8% contribution into a 403(b);
Paid time off (vacation, sick, personal, floating…