What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Professional - Three College Observatory position at Inside Higher Ed?
Position Number
2220
Functional Title
Academic Professional - Three College Observatory
Position Type
Non-Tenure Stream
Position Eclass
FG - Faculty 12 Mo Leave Earning
University Information
Located in North Carolina’s third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal — helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University’s 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B.
Primary Purpose Of The Organizational Unit
UNCG has an on-campus planetarium and the Three College Observatory which is located 30 miles from campus. The Three College Observatory is located at a dark-sky location and contains a 0.81-meter reflecting telescope, one of the largest in the southeastern United States. The observatory opened in 1981 and is used for astronomical research, instruction of North Carolina college students, and sky observing by interested persons in the community.
Position Summary
The College of Arts & Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro invites applications for a 12-month professional track faculty position of Academic Professional Assistant Professor (AP) to begin on August 1, 2026. The position will have an initial one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal. The AP will be responsible for oversight and maintenance of equipment at the university’s Three College Observatory (including a 0.8 meter optical telescope, CCD camera, and echelle spectrograph) as well as a small analog Spitz planetarium on the UNCG campus. The position is expected to teach seven introductory courses during the year (spread out over fall, spring, and two summer sessions).
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:
Not on Track
Special Instructions To Applicants
Applicants should include a cover letter, a CV, and names and email addresses of at least three references. Review of applications will begin on April 24, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
Recruitment Range
competitive
Org #-Department:
Physics and Astronomy - 12213
Job Open Date
03/17/2026
For Best Consideration Date
04/24/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Fte
1.000
Type Of Appointment
Permanent
Number Of Months Per Year
12
Physical Effort
Hand Movement-Repetitive Motions - O, Hand Movement-Grasping - O, Holding - O, Finger Dexterity - O, Vision-Skilled Trades - O, Reading - F, Writing - F, Eye-hand coordination - O, Vision-Preparing/Analyzing figures - O, Vision-Visual inspection - F, Vision-Measuring/Assembling at distance close to eye - F, Hearing - F, Talking - F, Standing - O, Sitting - O, Walking - O, Vision-Color Distinction - O, Lifting-0-30 lbs. - O, Pushing/Pulling - O, Climbing-Stairs - O, Climbing-Ladders - O, Bending - O, Squatting - O, Crawling - O, Reaching - O
Work Environment
Driving - Car/Truck - F, Equipment/Machines - Ladders - O, Equipment/Machines - Step Stools - O, Night/Dark - F, Extreme temperatures - O, Inside - F, Outside - O
2220
Functional Title
Academic Professional - Three College Observatory
Position Type
Non-Tenure Stream
Position Eclass
FG - Faculty 12 Mo Leave Earning
University Information
Located in North Carolina’s third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal — helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University’s 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B.
Primary Purpose Of The Organizational Unit
UNCG has an on-campus planetarium and the Three College Observatory which is located 30 miles from campus. The Three College Observatory is located at a dark-sky location and contains a 0.81-meter reflecting telescope, one of the largest in the southeastern United States. The observatory opened in 1981 and is used for astronomical research, instruction of North Carolina college students, and sky observing by interested persons in the community.
Position Summary
The College of Arts & Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro invites applications for a 12-month professional track faculty position of Academic Professional Assistant Professor (AP) to begin on August 1, 2026. The position will have an initial one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal. The AP will be responsible for oversight and maintenance of equipment at the university’s Three College Observatory (including a 0.8 meter optical telescope, CCD camera, and echelle spectrograph) as well as a small analog Spitz planetarium on the UNCG campus. The position is expected to teach seven introductory courses during the year (spread out over fall, spring, and two summer sessions).
Minimum Qualifications
- Candidates for this position must have at least a MS in astronomy, astrophysics or related degree.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Experience maintaining telescopes and related equipment.
- Experience maintaining electronic equipment, computer systems and software.
- Experience with and enthusiasm for public outreach programs at the observatory and planetarium.
Not on Track
Special Instructions To Applicants
Applicants should include a cover letter, a CV, and names and email addresses of at least three references. Review of applications will begin on April 24, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
Recruitment Range
competitive
Org #-Department:
Physics and Astronomy - 12213
Job Open Date
03/17/2026
For Best Consideration Date
04/24/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Fte
1.000
Type Of Appointment
Permanent
Number Of Months Per Year
12
Physical Effort
Hand Movement-Repetitive Motions - O, Hand Movement-Grasping - O, Holding - O, Finger Dexterity - O, Vision-Skilled Trades - O, Reading - F, Writing - F, Eye-hand coordination - O, Vision-Preparing/Analyzing figures - O, Vision-Visual inspection - F, Vision-Measuring/Assembling at distance close to eye - F, Hearing - F, Talking - F, Standing - O, Sitting - O, Walking - O, Vision-Color Distinction - O, Lifting-0-30 lbs. - O, Pushing/Pulling - O, Climbing-Stairs - O, Climbing-Ladders - O, Bending - O, Squatting - O, Crawling - O, Reaching - O
Work Environment
Driving - Car/Truck - F, Equipment/Machines - Ladders - O, Equipment/Machines - Step Stools - O, Night/Dark - F, Extreme temperatures - O, Inside - F, Outside - O