Columbia University logoColumbia University logo

Pre-College Instructor in Astronomy and Astrophysics for Summer 2026

On-site Part-time

Clicking Apply Now takes you to AutoApply where you can tailor your resume and apply.


Experience Level

Entry Level

Qualifications

A graduate degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field is required. Demonstrated expertise in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related subject. Strong teaching abilities and a passion for education.

About the job

Join Columbia University’s prestigious Pre-College Programs as a Pre-College Instructor for Astronomy and Astrophysics during the Summer of 2026. We are looking for dynamic educators to develop and deliver engaging on-campus courses tailored for high-achieving high school students.

As part of our program, you will report to the Senior Director of Instruction and Curriculum, crafting immersive, non-credit courses that inspire and challenge bright young minds. Your responsibilities will include guiding students through classroom activities, supervising field trips, and providing constructive evaluations of their performance at the conclusion of the course.

Course Overview:
This course explores the vast universe, tracing the evolution of astronomical knowledge from ancient civilizations to contemporary studies of extrasolar planetary systems, cosmology, and black holes. Key topics encompass Newton’s laws of motion, Kepler’s laws, orbital dynamics, and the principles of space travel. Students will delve into the nature of light and matter, while exploring nuclear physics, the properties of our sun, solar system, distant galaxies, the formation of chemical elements, and the universe's expansion. Ultimately, participants will be equipped to investigate dark energy and the universe's ultimate fate.

Prerequisites: It is recommended (but not required) that students have completed one year each of high school chemistry and physics. A comfort with math is essential, as a quantitative approach will be employed throughout the course. Calculus knowledge is advantageous but not mandatory.

Course Schedule:
Session B: July 21 - August 7, 9:10 AM - 11:00 AM & 1:10 PM - 3:00 PM
Please be aware: Course availability and schedules may change. All times are in Eastern Time (ET).

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design and develop course content, including syllabus, lesson plans, and assignments in accordance with Pre-College guidelines.
  • Facilitate all class sessions and supervise student excursions.
  • Create an engaging learning environment tailored for high school students.
  • Assess student work and provide holistic evaluations post-course.
  • Address student inquiries and concerns, managing class sizes of 20-24 students.
  • Complete all necessary online training requirements.

About Columbia University

Columbia University's Pre-College Programs provide exceptional high school students with the opportunity to engage in intellectually stimulating coursework at the college level, collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds around the globe. This selective program is available to students entering 9th grade through the summer after their senior year.

Similar jobs

Browse all companies, explore by city & role, or SEO search pages.

Tailoring 0 resumes

We'll move completed jobs to Ready to Apply automatically.