Working Title: Graduate Assistant - John C. Wells Planetarium

State Role Title: Graduate Assistant

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Science and Mathematics

Department: 100032 - Physics Department

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $10,110 ($5,055 per semester)

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 03/02/2026

About JMU:

Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

The Department of Physics & Astronomy seeks a Graduate Assistant for the 2026-27 academic year to provide support for the John C. Wells Planetarium. Assistants will contribute to the overall success of the Planetarium, with primary responsibilities focusing on our public shows. Assistants will work an average of 20 hours per week; night and weekend hours are required. The assistantship dates are from August 10, 2026 to May 9, 2027.

Duties and Responsibilities:

All duties and responsibilities will be explained in more detail during the interview process. Below is a list of some basic responsibilities.
- Hosting and presenting public planetarium shows.
- Scheduling and training undergraduate student assistants to present planetarium shows to the public.
- Manage and schedule group show reservation requests.
- Assist with outreach programs such as the monthly Sunday Science for Girls, if/as needed.
- Assist with other planetarium projects as needed.
- Potential for instructional opportunities in ISCI 104, if applicant's desire and background allows.
- Be able to work independently and comply with confidentiality guidelines.
- Work an average of 20 hours per week; night and weekend availability is required.

Qualifications:

- Must be able to work night and weekend hours.
- Must be an engaging and clear public speaker.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in a professional environment.
- Attention to detail with strong organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.
- Ability to calmly and respectfully engage with members of the public.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

Students may apply to a graduate assistantship prior to being accepted into a graduate program. However, to be eligible to receive an assistantship upon entry into a graduate program, the following criteria must be met:

The student must be conditionally or unconditionally accepted into a graduate program. Students who are provisionally accepted will not be eligible until they achieve conditional or unconditional acceptance into their program.

The students must have an official transcript on file indicating completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or agency

After receiving an assistantship, the student must maintain at least a 3.0 graduate GPA in order to retain or reapply for the assistantship.

These are minimum criteria. Graduate program coordinators have the right to impose additional criteria if they see fit.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.