Faculty - Assistant Professor - Physics

Utah Valley University•Orem, UT

65d

About The Position

Utah Valley University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Physics who is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of scientists. This position offers the opportunity to teach a variety of physics, physical science, and astronomy courses across all levels, with a focus on student engagement and hands-on learning. The successful candidate will bring a collaborative and inclusive approach to the classroom, actively supporting students through advising, research mentorship, and accessible office hours. UVU values faculty who are committed to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and success in a diverse student population. In addition to teaching, the Assistant Professor of Physics will develop a student-centered research program that provides meaningful learning experiences and opportunities for publication and presentation. The ideal candidate will pursue funding to enhance student research and acquire necessary resources, while also contributing to departmental, college, and university service. This role is well-suited for educators who thrive in a supportive, growth-oriented environment where teaching excellence, scholarly activity, and community engagement are all valued and encouraged.

Requirements

A PhD in physics is required at the time of appointment.
Good understanding of the fundamentals of physics, mathematics, and computational methods at a level sufficient to teach introductory courses and one or two upper division courses such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electrodynamics, optics, quantum physics, or relativity.
Knowledge specific to a particular research discipline in physics sufficient to mentor undergraduate research to create new opportunities for students in that field of research.
Knowledge of educational "best practices" in teaching physics and other pedagogical methods.
Basic knowledge of the operation and functions of a college department and university and be knowledgeable about specific UVU institutions and policies related to the job.
Social skills to communicate with and treat all students and university personnel with respect and professionalism.
Common computer and communication skills such as are used in a modern office. Proficiency in any of a variety of computer languages appropriate to physical science.
Problem-solving and calculation skills in physics and astronomy.
Social skills and abilities to treat all students and university personal with respect, patience, kindness, and good humor.
Skills to organize and maintain a research program. Skills to mentor students individually in a compelling, effective and safe manner.
Good classroom management skills. Skills to explain complex physical ideas to those without a mathematical foundation. Skills to explain complex physical ideas with the use of appropriate mathematical models to those with advanced scientific backgrounds.
Ability to use educational "best practices" in teaching physics and other pedagogical methods, and the ability to explain complex physical principles at a variety of levels, depending on the audience.
Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and in speech.
Ability to relate to students, faculty and staff in a caring and professional manner.
Ability to have tenacity in working with difficult, long-term problems.
Ability to create new opportunities for students by performing effectively in research and innovating new projects.
Ability to solve problems effectively. Ability to analyze problems in a rational and objective way.
Ability to engage the interest of coworkers and students alike in educational pursuits.
Ability to collaborate with peers at UVU and at other institutions on projects of interest in teaching and in research.

Nice To Haves

Evidence of, or potential for, excellence in teaching a variety of physics classes at the undergraduate level.
Proven success in a field of physics research with collaborative potential with current UVU physics faculty.
Additional preference will be given to those with experience interfacing with undergraduate engineering programs and/or in developing and implementing undergraduate laboratories.

Responsibilities

Teaches twelve credit hours per semester, which may include any combination of courses listed in the UVU Catalog offered with a PHYS or ASTRO prefix, including upper and lower division courses, general elective courses, college service courses, laboratories, and majors' courses.
Teaches in a student-oriented, engaged manner, with fully prepared classroom lectures, demonstrations, and other appropriate activities.
Makes use of classroom and course management tools such as those made available online by the university.
Carries out appropriate planning, implementation, evaluation and assessment of learning activities.
Keeps thorough records of student performance such as grades, and other information related to performance and outcomes.
Shows strong commitment to student success both inside and outside the classroom as evidenced by holding regular office hours and other student consultations, responding in a reasonable and timely manner to student communications such as email, and in mentoring student researchers in appropriate projects.
Participates in professional development activities related to teaching, such as faculty workshops, conferences and similar events.
Develops and maintains an active, student-oriented research program which must include participation by undergraduates with an outcome of having students present results at local, regional or national conferences, and/or publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Develops financial resources to support research, both from internal funding sources and (preferably) from external funding agencies.
Engages in professional development activities including participation in professional meetings.
Collaboration with other faculty at UVU, as requested, and those of other institutions.
Participates in service to the department, college, university and community.
Attends department meetings and serves on committees as required.
Other duties as assigned.