Faculty - Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor - Physics

Utah Valley University•Main Campus - Orem, UT

About The Position

Utah Valley University is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Physics to contribute to student learning, discovery, and success. The position has a 12-credit teaching load each semester and may include upper- and lower-division physics and astronomy courses, general electives, college service courses, laboratories, and majors’ courses. The faculty member is expected to use student-centered, engaging instruction and participate in assessment, curriculum planning, instructional improvement, and professional development. Regular office hours, student consultations, and mentorship are important parts of supporting students inside and outside the classroom. The position also involves developing and sustaining an active research program that includes undergraduate students. The faculty member is expected to support student presentations at conferences and/or publication in peer-reviewed journals, pursue internal and preferably external funding, and participate in professional meetings. Service includes contributions to the department, college, university, and/or community, including meetings, committees, collaboration, and institutional initiatives.

Requirements

PhD in physics or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
Understanding of physics, mathematics, and computational methods sufficient to teach introductory courses and one or two upper-division courses.
Knowledge in a physics research discipline sufficient to mentor undergraduate research and create student research opportunities.
Knowledge of effective practices and pedagogical methods for teaching physics.
Social and communication skills to interact respectfully and professionally with students and university personnel.
Common computer and communication skills used in a modern office.
Proficiency in a computer language appropriate to physical science.
Physics and/or astronomy problem-solving and calculation skills.
Ability to organize and maintain a research program and mentor students effectively and safely.
Classroom management skills and the ability to explain complex physical ideas to audiences with varied mathematical and scientific backgrounds.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and speech, collaborate with peers, solve and analyze problems, and persist with difficult long-term problems.

Nice To Haves

Evidence of, or potential for, excellence in teaching a variety of undergraduate physics courses.
Proven success in a physics research field with collaborative potential with current UVU physics, science, and/or engineering faculty.
Research in biomedical applications, condensed matter physics, or technologies relevant to contemporary material physics, which may offer particular collaborative potential.
Experience interfacing with undergraduate engineering programs and/or developing and implementing undergraduate laboratories.

Responsibilities

Teach twelve credit hours per semester, including courses with a PHYS or ASTRO prefix as assigned.
Deliver prepared, student-oriented and engaging lectures, demonstrations, and other appropriate classroom activities.
Use university classroom and course-management tools in accordance with university policy.
Plan, implement, evaluate, and assess learning activities; maintain thorough records of student performance and outcomes.
Support student success through regular office hours, timely responses to student communications, consultations, and mentorship of student researchers.
Participate in professional development related to teaching, including workshops, conferences, and similar activities.
Develop and maintain an active, student-oriented research program involving undergraduates, with students presenting research at conferences and/or publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Develop financial resources for research through internal funding and preferably external funding agencies.
Participate in professional meetings and collaborate with UVU faculty and faculty at other institutions.
Provide service to the department, college, university, and/or community.
Attend department meetings and serve on committees as required.