Postdoctoral Fellow in Space Ethics

Wesleyan University’s College of Science and Technology Studies invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Space Ethics, beginning September 1, 2026. The initial appointment is for one year, and is renewable for a second year based on funding and performance. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in STS or related field with a strong focus on the history, philosophy, mythology, politics, law, and/or ethics of outer space. Reporting to Professor Mary-Jane Rubenstein, the Postdoctoral Fellow will teach one class per semester, help with grant-writing, and help plan an inaugural conference for a proposed Space Ethics Research Consortium at the university.  

With a strong and diverse undergraduate student body, Wesleyan is a highly selective liberal arts college that values both scholarship and teaching very highly. To apply, visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/about/careers.html. A complete application includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, writing sample, statement of current research, and documentation of teaching experience, including teaching statement, course syllabi and student evaluations. In the cover letter, applicants should describe how they will embrace the college's commitment to fostering an inclusive community. You will also be asked to provide the email addresses of three referees from whom we will obtain confidential letters of recommendation.

Applications should be submitted online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/about/careers.html. Applications completed by April 1, 2026 will receive full consideration. Please contact Meghan Demanchyk at mdemanchyk@wesleyan.edu if you have questions about the application process. Visa sponsorship may not be available.

All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.

Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University’s Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.

Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers.  For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html

Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.  

Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.