Assistant Professor of Astronomy

Primary Purpose and Essential Functions:

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of the Pacific invites applications for a full-time, 9-month non-tenure track Assistant Professor of Practice position, starting July 2026. This is a promotable and renewable position. Non-tenure-track faculty members collaborate in fulfilling the University's mission to provide a superior, student-centered learning experience integrating liberal arts and professional education and preparing individuals for lasting achievement and responsible leadership in their careers and communities. The University of the Pacific, located in Stockton, California, is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) as well as an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) by the U.S. Department of Education. Stockton was named the most racially and ethnically diverse large city in the United States in a 2020 U.S. News & World Report Special Study.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Non-tenure track faculty position focused primarily on teaching.


• The teaching load will be 6 courses over 2 semesters.


• Teaching responsibilities include algebra-based and calculus-based introductory physics courses for non-physics majors and for engineers and physics majors, respectively. Depending on the department needs, faculty interests, and expertise, the new professor may also teach introductory courses for non-majors (e.g. astronomy, physics of music) or upper-division courses for majors and engineers (e.g modern physics, classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, astrophysics, cosmology, or other courses from our catalog).


• Depending on department needs, there may be opportunities to develop new general education courses in physics for non-majors or upper-division electives for physics and engineer majors.

Additional opportunities include:

• Eligible to teach summer courses for an additional stipend.


• Mentoring student research and projects.


• Applying for internal research grants.


• Utilizing full support from the Office of Sponsored Programs to develop and submit external (national, federal, or local) grant proposals

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers B.S. degrees in Physics and Engineering-Physics, as well as a B.A. in Physics. The department consists of six full-time faculty members, most of whom are engaged in grant-funded research spanning high energy theory, galaxy formation and evolution, exoplanetary systems, and advanced battery development.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty and staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD degree in physics or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Postdoctoral experience.


• Experience teaching in higher education.


• Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.


• Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.


• Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To apply, please submit the following: Attention of Elisa Toloba , Department of Physics and Astronomy

• Curriculum Vitae


• Cover Letter/ Letter of Application


• Statement of Teaching Philosophy and interests.


• Three letters of reference - Please have references send their letters directly to Elisa Toloba, Department Chair, at etoloba@pacific.edu .

Optional application documents:Optional: Statement of Research.