Physics-Astronomy Faculty

Calvin University•Grand Rapids, MI

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Calvin University invites applications for a full-time regular faculty member to join the Physics and Astronomy Department to teach both physics and astronomy and to do astronomy research, beginning in August 2027, pending administrative approval. The opening is at the rank of assistant professor. The university seeks applicants with vibrant Christian faith who are dedicated to integration of that faith with their field of study. Ideal candidates will hold a PhD in Astronomy or Physics or a related field. Candidates are expected to demonstrate excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level as well as an active stream of relevant research and publication. Preference will be given to candidates with experience teaching using a variety of methods and instructional technology. The university will prioritize candidates with broad interdisciplinary interests, demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ability to integrate questions of meaning, significance, and ethics into all course content, and deep commitment to engaging students beyond the classroom.

Requirements

PhD in Astronomy or Physics or a related field.
Demonstrate excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level.
Demonstrate an active stream of relevant research and publication.
Vibrant Christian faith.
Dedication to integration of faith with field of study.
Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
Commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.
Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching using a variety of methods and instructional technology.
Broad interdisciplinary interests.
Ability to integrate questions of meaning, significance, and ethics into all course content.
Deep commitment to engaging students beyond the classroom.
Research area in astronomy.
Ability to teach intermediate-level courses in astronomy.

Responsibilities

Teach both physics and astronomy.
Do astronomy research.
Teach 24 semester hours per academic year.
Grow in Reformed Christian commitment.
Pursue an active scholarly agenda.
Teach effectively.
Serve the university, department, students, and the wider community.
Teach a variety of introductory and intermediate-level undergraduate physics courses and introductory astronomy courses, both lecture and lab.
Teach at least one upper-level undergraduate physics theory course.
Maintain an active experimental, computational, or theoretical research program that includes undergraduate research assistants during the summers.
Integrate questions of meaning, significance, and ethics into all course content.
Engage students beyond the classroom.