Instructor, Astronomy - Adjunct Pool Requisition

Instructor, Astronomy - Adjunct Pool Requisition [Houston, Texas, System Wide]( Requisition #Aug 14, 2025 Post Date*SUMMARY*
Provide the expertise and knowledge that supports the college curriculum and programs. Establish courses following accepted higher education standards, teach students using a variety of effective methodologies and provide engagement and support activities that encourage student learning. The role of the Instructional Faculty encompasses teaching and learning, academic advising, professional development, and institutional and community service.
The incumbent may teach a maximum load of 9.75 (See Faculty Workload Guidelines) contact hours per week each semester in area(s) of competency and participate as a part-time instructor in the activities of the department, division, and college (See Faculty Workload Guidelines).
*ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES *include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Teaching:
* Demonstrate skill and/or knowledge in teaching discipline.
* Make continuous efforts to improve the quality of instruction by reviewing and utilizing innovative methodologies, techniques, and delivery methods.
* Develop and use a syllabus for each course or laboratory within college, discipline, and departmental guidelines and submit one copy to the department chair.
* Plan, develop, and use a variety of teaching methods and materials that assist students in meeting course objectives, and which are appropriate for students with differing educational and experiential backgrounds and learning styles.
* Evaluate students to measure their progress toward achievement of stated course objectives and inform them of their progress in the course in a timely manner.
* Keep accurate student records and submit related reports and forms within requested timelines. (See Faculty Workload Guidelines)
* Review, evaluate, and recommend student textbooks and learning materials.
* Teach courses at a variety of times, locations, and modalities in response to institutional programmatic needs.
* Develop and maintain an LMS (Learning Management System) shell for each assigned course.
* Use equipment and facilities responsibly and courteously. Where appropriate, assist the chair with the routine maintenance of instructional laboratories.
* Demonstrate competence and interest in the use of technology in the classroom and willingness to explore new instructional methodologies.
Academic Advising:
* Maintain professional relationships with students, colleagues, and the community.
* Provide access to students through posted office hours, electronic communication, and other appropriate methods. Provide advice and assistance to students regarding instructional or program-specific issues during class time and office hours.
Professional Development:
* Establish annual objectives for professional growth in consultation with the department chair.
* Keep pace with developments in the discipline.
* Learn technologies that support student learning.
* Participate in department-required annual evaluation process.
Institutional and Community Service:
* Part-time faculty are encouraged but not required to participate in department's, college, or district committees and governance organizations.
* Be familiar with and adhere to all policies and procedures of HCCS.
* Participate in activities required to maintain program and college accreditation standards.
*QUALIFICATIONS*
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. The qualifications listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
*EDUCATION*
Master's degree (or higher) with 18 completed graduate hours in Astronomy, Aerospace Engineering, Astrophysics, Space Studies, Applied Physics, Physics, Planetary Science or related field required.
A Master's degree (or higher) with extensive Astronomy experience and/or Astronomy training may be considered in lieu of 18 graduate hours in a qualifying field.
Copy of transcript conferring required degree and certifications must accompany application.
*EXPERIENCE*
1 year college-level teaching experience preferred.
*KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES*

* Willing and able to teach day or evening classes at a number of sites around the city.
* Knowledge and skill in a variety of computer usage and software are required.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
* Possess good organizational and planning skills.
* Demonstrate sensitivity to students with different academic and socio-economic backgrounds and students with disabilities.
* Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate students in a learning-centered environment.
* Self-disciplined and able to effectively manage others.
*This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.*
*This job description may be revised upon development of other duties and changes in responsibilities.*
*The Organization*
Houston Community College (HCC) is composed of 14 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society. HCC is one of the country's largest singly-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities.

*The Team*
Play a central role at HCC as you keep our everyday operations running like clockwork. You'll get the chance to make things happen and work closely with inspiring leaders across different parts of the institution. Whether your role is supportive, administrative, financial or something else, you'll be part of a dynamic team that not only provides HCC students with cutting-edge academic and career tools, it also takes care of its people.

*Location*
Houston is a city with limitless possibilities:
·Fourth-largest city in the U.S. and home to 54 Fortune 500 companies, second only to New York City's 55.
·Approximately 145 languages are spoken here.
·Overall after-taxes living costs are 5.6 percent below the average for all 308 urban areas recently surveyed.
·Houston is a major-league sports town, and don't forget the annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
·The weather is great! Mild winters ensure that outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round.
·World-renowned medical care. The Houston metro area has long been known for its first-rate healthcare system, with many Houston area hospitals consistently ranking among the nation's top institutions.
·With over 150 museums and cultural institutions in the Greater Houston area, museums are a large part of Houston's cultural scene.
·Houston is the Culture & Culinary Capital of Texas with more than 7,500 restaurants and eating establishments covering 60+ cuisines.

If this sounds like the role for you and you're ready to join an amazing team, please apply right away.

*EEO Statement*
Houston Community College does not discriminate on the bases of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or veteran's status. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
* *
*Sandra Jacobson, Interim Director EEO/Compliance/Title IX Coordinator**
Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX*
*PO Box 667517 *
*Houston TX, 77266*
*713 718.8271 or *[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) * *
* *
HCC values its employees and their contributions, promotes opportunities for their professional growth and development, and provides a positive working and learning environment that encourages involvement, innovation, and creativity.
Individuals with disabilities, who require special accommodations to interview, should contact (713) 718-8565.