Assistant Professor, Physics
About The Position
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith invites applications for an Assistant Professor position in Physics, beginning August 2027. The university seeks a broadly trained physicist, atmospheric scientist, geophysicist, or astrophysicist to teach undergraduate lecture and laboratory courses in calculus- and non-calculus-based physics and physical sciences; offer courses related to their graduate expertise; mentor undergraduate students; and develop a research agenda involving undergraduates. The Department of Physical Sciences offers undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Geoscience and a minor in Physics. The Physics program supports majors across the university, including advanced manufacturing engineering, electrical engineering, biology, and mathematics. Opportunities include developing courses in physics, geoscience, atmospheric sciences, and environmental studies. Primary responsibilities include teaching physics courses and associated laboratories, with possible additional teaching in physical science, other physics courses, or environmental and atmospheric subjects. The position also includes curriculum development, professional development, service to the department, college, and university, committee work, student recruitment and advising, assessment of instruction, and development and maintenance of a scholarly record. The position reports to the Department Head of Physical Sciences. Work is primarily in an office and classroom setting, with occasional travel and extended hours required.
Requirements
- PhD in any field of physics, atmospheric science, or geophysics.
- At least 18 graduate-level credit hours in physics.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to teach a variety of undergraduate calculus- and non-calculus-based physics courses to non-majors.
- Ability to incorporate technology appropriately into classroom instruction.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with students and coworkers.
- Ability to interact with diverse groups in individual and team settings.
- Ability to promote student learning using instructional methods that address a variety of learning styles.
- Ability to maintain consistent on-time attendance.
- Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for part of the stated requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated effective teaching experience in physics and/or closely related subjects.
- Evidence of undergraduate research interests.
Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate calculus- and non-calculus-based physics courses and associated laboratories.
- Teach physical science, other physics courses, and/or environmental or atmospheric courses related to the candidate’s interests and graduate experience, as assigned.
- Mentor undergraduate students and develop a research agenda involving undergraduates.
- Develop curriculum supporting the physics minor and/or the Geoscience and Chemistry degree programs.
- Assess and evaluate instruction.
- Develop and maintain a scholarly record, which may include physics or science pedagogical methods.
- Provide service to the department, college, and university, including committee work and curriculum assessments.
- Recruit and advise students.
- Participate in faculty and administrative meetings, the Student Research Symposium, commencement ceremonies, and other required events.
- Complete required employee professional development assignments.
- Collaborate with department coworkers to support departmental courses and programs.
Benefits
- University contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance.
- Tuition waivers for employees and their families.
- 12 official holidays.
- Immediate leave accrual.
- Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
