Assistant Professor - Physics and Astronomy
About The Position
Full-time, tenure-track assistant professor, beginning September 2026. Western Washington University (WWU) invites applications from candidates who will contribute to the department’s curriculum at all levels, and establish an active and sustainable research program with opportunities to engage WWU undergraduates. Teach upper and lower division undergraduate courses in WWU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, where the standard teaching load is five classes across the three quarters of each academic year. Develop and maintain a research program involving undergraduate students, and seek extramural funding in support of research. Participate in student advising, committees, and departmental activities. Assist in closing existing gaps in student retention and success by fulfilling teaching and mentoring responsibilities in ways that provide equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students.
Requirements
- Ph.D. at time of application in physics or a closely related field
- Record of significant scholarly accomplishment in physics or a closely related field
- Potential for establishing an active, independent, and sustainable research program that engages undergraduates at a regional public primarily undergraduate institution (PUI)
- Demonstrated experience in or potential for effective teaching of the physics undergraduate curriculum at both the upper- and lower-division
- Demonstrated commitment to and potential for cultivating learning environments that are equitable and inclusive of students with diverse identities and backgrounds
Nice To Haves
- Post-doctoral research experience or equivalent
- Demonstrated commitment to and potential for the use of student-centered teaching approaches
- Experience in, or potential for, teaching upper division courses in experimental methods, quantum mechanics, or astrophysics.
Responsibilities
- Teach upper and lower division undergraduate courses in WWU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy
- Develop and maintain a research program involving undergraduate students
- Seek extramural funding in support of research
- Participate in student advising, committees, and departmental activities
- Assist in closing existing gaps in student retention and success by fulfilling teaching and mentoring responsibilities in ways that provide equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students.
Benefits
- Relocation assistance may be available per University guidelines.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
