In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must apply to this posting through the U-M Careers website (careers.umich.edu). The cover letter and CV must be uploaded as one document.
In addition, please send an application letter of introduction explaining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, a current CV, evidence of teaching excellence, and two letters of recommendation to: Search Committee Chair, Department of Astronomy (astro-admin@umich.edu).
 

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and the Department of Astronomy at the University of Michigan invite applications for a LEO Lecturer I position at 50.00% effort for the Fall Term 2026. This appointment is scheduled to begin on August 25, 2026 and end on December 31, 2026.

Duties of these LEO Lecturer I positions are expected to include teaching, developing course materials, evaluating and grading students, and holding regularly scheduled office hours. A typical full-time (100% effort) load for a Lecturer in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts is three courses per semester.
For ASTRO 127, the instructor will act as Primary Instructor across 8 half-term (7-week) sections (4 meeting during the first half of the term, 4 meeting during the second half) taught onsite in the Angell Hall Planetarium. Specific duties include:

• Adapt and deliver course syllabi, lecture materials, and planetarium projection demonstrations.
• Design, evaluate, and grade student assessments and observational logs.
• Hold regularly scheduled office hours and manage student inquiries.
• Oversee section rosters, enrollment permissions, and final grade entry in Wolverine Access.

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Science Education, or a closely related field (or equivalent advanced graduate standing/experience).
• Demonstrated excellence in college-level teaching in the United States.
• Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for instructing non-science undergraduate majors.

The selection criteria used for this search is based on how the applicant's education and experience meets the required minimum qualifications for the position. Excellence in teaching and instruction will be the principal criteria used to select the successful candidate.

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics Education.
• Prior experience conducting planetarium-based instructional labs, teaching introductory astronomy courses to non-majors, or guiding naked-eye observational techniques.
   

ASTRO 127: Naked Eye Astronomy

Course Objectives
Students learn about the nature of the most common astronomical objects that can be observed by eye, such as the Sun, Moon, planets, stars, comets, and meteors. The motion of these objects in the sky is studied along with their influence on the Earth.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Questions about applying for this position can be emailed to: astro-admin@umich.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Deadline for applications is August 20, 2026. The anticipated date by which an offer will be made is no later than August 21, 2026. The appointment opportunity described in this posting is subject to final approval by the academic unit.

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.