Astronomy, Assistant (Tenure-Track) Professor Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 14605)

Description

Position Summary  

The Earth & Space Sciences Program at Bellevue College is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time tenure-track opening in Astronomy. Astronomy faculty perform duties and responsibilities under the general direction of the Provost and is responsible primarily to the Dean of the Science Division.

An assistant professor in the Earth & Space Science Program has duties in both teaching and governance. Candidates should be committed to improving student education both directly (through high-impact and effective instruction) and indirectly (through service to the department, college and community aimed at improving student success at Bellevue College). A successful candidate will be dedicated to teaching Earth and Space Sciences at an open- enrollment institution. Individuals with demonstrated commitment to closing equity gaps in STEM fields are particularly encouraged to apply, as are those with experience creating supportive learning and work environments for diverse students and colleagues.

Full-time faculty in this position will teach introductory Astronomy courses and assist in managing the Bellevue College Planetarium, which will include performing weekly maintenance and periodic updates to hardware and software, researching and updating content, as well as answering requests from users on campus and members of the public. Additionally, this faculty member must be knowledgeable in maintaining and using small telescopes, and occasionally conducting stargazes.

The successful candidate must reside in Washington State by the start of the position and demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching in person. This includes teaching on the Bellevue College campus and participating in non-teaching duties such as committee service, advising, and professional development activities. While there may be opportunities to teach online or hybrid courses, faculty are expected to maintain a significant presence on campus to support students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to the college community.

Furthermore, we seek candidates who embrace culturally responsive pedagogy, value diverse perspectives, and demonstrate an ability to create welcoming learning spaces that foster student success. Candidates with experience advancing equity, inclusion, and social justice in their teaching, scholarship, or service are strongly encouraged to apply.
 

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

Position Salary Range: $81,757.08/year - $114,664.94/year

Annual salary is based on a 176-day contract with a minimum of $81,757.08; beginning salary will be determined by the assessment of the candidate's education and related experience. New hires start no higher than $87,663.74 unless exceptional circumstances prevail. Certain positions may also be eligible for assignment/project-based additional compensation, including a High Demand Stipend up to $8,350 annually, prorated based on the discipline and duration of the assignment. All additional compensations are subject to change depending on funding and negotiated agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid personal leave plan; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

In addition to teaching, full-time faculty maintains office hours and participate in department and college activities. This position is represented by the Bellevue College Association of Higher Education (BCAHE) union.

About The College  

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our mission and goals, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable campus environment where all students, faculty, and staff feel valued, respected, and supported. We recognize that diversity enriches the educational experience and strive to address barriers to access and success for historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.

For more information, visit BC Facts at a Glance @ Bellevue College.

About the Department  

The Science Division provides opportunities for students to explore and pursue degrees in STEM. Our Division has set a goal of reducing opportunity gaps and we are engaging in conversations and initiatives to address these within our pedagogical and organizational practices. As part of this effort, we are committed to building a multi-cultural program that parallels the diversity of our community.

The Earth & Space Sciences Program includes astronomy, environmental science, geology, meteorology and oceanography. The Astronomy department offers a mix of in-person, hybrid and online sections of introductory astronomy courses. These courses primarily serve as electives for students earning their Associates degree. Members of the program participate in professional activities at both the regional and national levels. The program strives to build a supportive and encouraging community for both faculty and students and is committed to putting student success at the center of every decision.

Astronomy faculty usually teach in the Willard Geer Planetarium, which was built in 1975 and was the first major planetarium in the Puget Sound, and the first of the Washington State community colleges. The 60-seat planetarium is almost constantly in use as a classroom for more than 1,400 BC astronomy students and public groups. Since 2011, the Science and Math Institute (SAMI) and the Earth & Space Sciences Program have partnered to bring in community groups to the planetarium, including Bellevue College student groups, school groups, and local astronomy societies. In 2024, the college completed a major upgrade to the planetarium projector system, installing new Digistar VII software and hardware, made by Evans & Sutherland.

Astronomy faculty also have access to a 16¿ Schmidt Cassegrain telescope housed in a 15-foot dome. There are also a variety of smaller, portable telescopes that can be set up for solar observations and stargazing.

Essential Functions  

Teaching duties include:              

• Teach three 5-credit introductory classes per quarter in the Fall, Winter, and Spring; or an equivalent course load. Class sizes typically range from 28 to 55 students.
• Teach in a variety of settings, including face-to-face, synchronous and/or asynchronous virtual settings.
• Create and revise course materials, including varied assessments of student knowledge. Design and facilitate learning experiences centered on student needs and interests by using varied instruction methods and resources.
• Hold weekly office hours in accordance with the current faculty contract and generally assist students in person one-on-one and/or both through electronic media and in-person.
• Use data, self-reflection and student/colleague feedback to revise your instruction, improve student success and better serve historically underserved, underrepresented, or marginalized student populations (e.g. students with disabilities, black, indigenous and students of color, first generation college students, LBGTQIA+ students, Veterans, English language learners, etc.).
• Grade and/or provide useful feedback to students in a way that promotes student understanding and improvement. Assign overall course grades.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to student success through fostering a positive and caring learning environment where diversity and pluralism are valued.

Non-teaching duties include:

• Participate in curriculum design, assessment, and revisions aimed at 1) improvement of course relevancy and 2) promotion of educational equity in the classroom.
• Engage in professional-development opportunities on-and-off campus to maintain currency in astronomy, research and teaching methodology, and to stay up-to-date on campus programs and policies.
• Contribute to the department through service such as textbook selection, curriculum design, feedback regarding department policies and procedures, program and course-level effectiveness assessments, mentoring of adjunct faculty, and more.
• Contribute to the division, college, and community, such as through representation of faculty and department interests on division-wide and campus-wide committees, and participation in campus-wide efforts to dismantle barriers that can impact underrepresented and historically marginalized student populations.
• Provide responsible and compassionate guidance and advising to students as they navigate courses and college systems.
• Contribute to Science Division outreach efforts in the community. Assist in managing the Bellevue College Planetarium.
• Assist in maintaining small telescopes and other equipment.

Minimum Qualifications  

• Master's degree in Astronomy, Planetary Science, Astrophysics, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution
• Experience teaching Space Sciences and related courses at the college level or relevant skills to do so effectively
• Ability to design in-person and online learning experiences that are interactive.
• Dedication to increasing inclusivity and closing opportunity gaps with intentional curriculum and instruction design
• Effective communication skills (to students and colleagues) in both written and oral form
• Experience completing tasks independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience using a planetarium in support of astronomy courses or for public audiences
• Experience in governance or other service to a campus, community, or workplace Training and/or experience to effectively implement varied teaching methods (e.g. inquiry-based and project-based learning, group activities, effective online supplementation)
• Experience using and maintaining small telescopes and occasionally conducting stargazes.
• Experience teaching historically underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized populations
• Experience or interest in working with underrepresented populations in STEM fields (e.g. clubs, professional organizations, extracurricular outreach, etc.).
• Effective implementation of accessible strategies using both specific accommodations and universal design
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development to maintain currency in astronomy, planetary science, and teaching methods (e.g. involvement in relevant professional activities or organizations, etc.)
• Experience providing guidance and advising to students

Conditions of Employment  

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties. 

Other Information  

• This position is eligible for relocation allowance.
• Sponsorship for employment-based visa may be an option for full-time tenure-track faculty position only and depending upon applicants qualification.

How To Apply  

Applications received by 02/22/2025 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. This position will begin Fall Quarter, 2025.

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional documents will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Attach a statement of your Teaching Philosophy (max 2 pages)
• Attach a Diversity Statement  (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Please provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, background or philosophy demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity, and how these prepare you to contribute to Bellevue College. Please note that your Diversity Statement must be a separate response from your Teaching Philosophy
• Attach a copy of academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts may be submitted - official transcripts required upon employment)
• Complete Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact: 

If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to jobs@bellevuecollege.edu. 

EEO Statement  

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu .

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