Department Head - Astronomy & Astrophysics

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• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Eberly College of Science at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park, PA, invites applications and nominations for the position of Head of the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics. The Department seeks an accomplished scholar, strategic thinker, and collaborative leader to guide its next chapter of excellence in research, education, outreach, and service.

Upon appointment, the successful candidate will hold the rank of Professor and will receive a primary academic appointment in the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics. The candidate should possess a distinguished record of research, teaching, mentorship, and academic leadership, along with a commitment to fostering an inclusive, collegial environment in which faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students can achieve their fullest potential.

Department

The Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics is internationally recognized for excellence in observational, theoretical, and computational astrophysics. Faculty, researchers, and students pursue fundamental questions about the universe through research spanning exoplanets and planetary systems, stellar and galactic evolution, black holes and active galactic nuclei, cosmology, gravitational waves, multi-messenger astrophysics, astronomical instrumentation, and data-intensive astronomy.

The Department benefits from extensive collaborations across Penn State and with national and international partners. Its faculty play leading roles in major observatories, surveys, space missions, and interdisciplinary research initiatives, providing exceptional opportunities for discovery, innovation, and student engagement. The Department is committed to advancing knowledge of the universe while educating the next generation of scientists and leaders.

Position Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Dean of the Eberly College of Science, the Department Head serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Department and provides leadership for all aspects of its mission.

The successful candidate will:

• Articulate and advance a compelling vision for the Department's future while building alignment around strategic priorities.
• Create and maintain an environment that fosters a strong sense of community, shared purpose, academic excellence, innovation, integrity, and mutual respect among faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students.
• Support faculty success at all career stages through effective mentoring, professional development, and strategic resource allocation.
• Strengthen and expand the Department's research enterprise while enhancing its national and international reputation.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations within the College, across Penn State, and with external partners.
• Serve as a visible and effective advocate for the Department, promoting its priorities with College and University leadership, alumni, donors, and the broader scientific community.
• Support fundraising and development efforts that advance research, education, student success, and strategic initiatives.
• Develop and manage budgets strategically while effectively administering personnel, facilities, and academic programs.
• Promote transparent communication, shared governance, and inclusive decision-making within the Department.
• Foster a welcoming and supportive environment in which all members of the Department can thrive and contribute to its success.

The Department Head is expected to maintain an active and visible research program and continue contributing to the advancement of the discipline through scholarship, mentorship, and professional service.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess:

• Credentials sufficient for appointment as a tenured Professor in the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics.
• An earned doctorate in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field.
• A distinguished record of research, scholarship, teaching, and mentorship.
• Proven ability to strategically manage budgets, personnel, and organizational resources, and balance diverse priorities and resource needs.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences and represent the Department within and beyond the University.
• Effectiveness in advocating for research, education, and institutional priorities.
• Experience building collaborative programs and fostering interdisciplinary partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust, foster collegiality, and strengthen community within a diverse and collaborative academic environment.
• Capacity to lead effectively in a rapidly evolving academic and research environment and to identify opportunities that strengthen the Department's long-term impact and resilience.
• A demonstrated commitment to mentoring and supporting the professional development of faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students.

Application Materials

Applications should be submitted on the Penn State site and should include:

• A letter describing the applicant's interest in the position, qualifications, leadership experience, administrative accomplishments, and vision for the future of the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics.
• A statement of their research, teaching philosophy, leadership and management approach, including examples of effective leadership, team building, faculty development, mentoring, and strategic decision-making.
• A curriculum vitae.

Review of Applications

Screening of applications will begin January 5, 2027, and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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