Job Details

Laboratory Instructor and Telescope Technician

Position Number: 7078858
Location: Northampton, MA
Position Type: Science - Astronomy and Astrophysics

Laboratory Instructor and Telescope Technician
Department of Astronomy

Location: Northampton, MA
Open Date: Apr 14, 2026

Description:
The Department of Astronomy at Smith College invites applications for a one-year, half-time (0.5 FTE), benefits eligible position at the rank of Lab Instructor and Telescope Technician, to begin July 1, 2026. Successful candidates should be prepared to engage actively with diverse students across the liberal arts. Teaching responsibilities will include being instructor of record for two undergraduate astronomy classes plus assisting other faculty in two additional classes per year. These courses include an introductory-level survey class and hands-on, inquiry-based classes on telescopes and astronomical observing techniques and the astronomical origins of human time systems. Additional responsibilities include maintenance of small telescopes, cameras, and computers; training and mentoring of undergraduate teaching assistants; organizing public stargazing open houses; and ordering equipment and supplies. Familiarity with small optical telescopes is required. Candidates from groups underrepresented in Astronomy are encouraged to apply. A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Astronomy or related field is expected by the time of appointment.

In addition to a competitive benefits package, starting pay range for this position is typically between $34,500-$35,400. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications.

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is the largest women's college in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges. There will be ample opportunities, but no requirement, to engage in research in collaboration with Five College Astronomy Department faculty, students, and postdocs, including competitive access to the 50-meter Large Millimeter Telescope in Mexico and the 1.83-meter Perkins Telescope Observatory in Arizona. Details about the Department of Astronomy may be found at https://www.smith.edu/academics/astronomy.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.

Application Instructions:
To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/184870

Submit application at https://apply.interfolio.com/184870 with a cover letter, curriculum vitae, an equity and inclusion statement, teaching statement, a sample syllabus, and three confidential letters of recommendation. Finalists may be asked for additional materials. Review of applications will begin on May 7, 2026.

Smith College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.