Assistant Professor of Physics

Aquinas College • East Grand Rapids, MI

2d

About The Position

Aquinas College seeks a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Physics beginning Fall 2027. The position includes teaching 24 contact hours per academic year, advising undergraduate students, supporting recruitment and retention, and developing a sustainable program of research and scholarship appropriate to an undergraduate institution, involving undergraduate students where feasible.

Primary teaching responsibilities include the two-semester introductory physics sequence, with lecture and laboratory sections, and modern physics. Additional assignments may include courses for non-science majors and other courses suited to the candidate’s background and departmental needs.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field, although ABD candidates will be considered. Candidates are expected to show evidence of, or strong potential for, effective undergraduate teaching and the ability to develop scholarship that can engage undergraduate students. Applications received by December 14 will receive full consideration; the position remains open until filled.

Aquinas College is an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions. It offers a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service, and fosters lifelong learning and the pursuit of truth and the common good. The College emphasizes sustainability and expects employees and supervisors to engage in appreciative inquiry to identify ways the position can advance sustainability. Employees are also expected to uphold the College’s Service Statement, including commitments to quality, accountability, cooperation, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy statement, statement addressing the College’s mission, research interests and scholarship plans statement, and names and contact information for three professional references. Letters of recommendation will be requested from candidates selected for an interview.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field; ABD candidates will be considered.
• Evidence of, or strong potential for, effective undergraduate teaching.
• Ability to develop a sustainable program of scholarship that can engage undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Teach 24 contact hours per academic year.
• Teach the two-semester introductory physics sequence, including lectures and laboratory sections, and modern physics.
• Teach additional courses as assigned, potentially including courses for non-science majors and other courses suited to the candidate’s background and departmental needs.
• Advise undergraduate students.
• Contribute to departmental and college efforts to recruit and retain students.
• Develop and maintain a sustainable program of research and scholarship appropriate to an undergraduate institution, involving undergraduate students where feasible.
• Engage in appreciative inquiry with supervisors to identify ways the position can advance sustainability.
• Conform to the College’s Service Statement and its commitments to quality, accountability, cooperation, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid sick time.
• Short-term disability coverage.
• College-paid life and AD&D insurance.
• Free tuition at Aquinas for employees and their dependents after one year of full-time employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree