Visiting Assistant Professor/Instructor of Physics

University of Arkansas System • Fort Smith, AR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith is seeking a broadly trained physicist, atmospheric scientist, geophysicist, or astrophysicist for a one-academic-year Visiting Instructor or Assistant Professor position. This role begins in August 2026 and involves teaching a 15-hour load per semester. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate lecture and lab courses in calculus- and non-calculus based classical physics and physical sciences, and may offer courses related to their graduate expertise. A key aspect of the role is to serve as a mentor to undergraduate students. The Department of Physical Science offers undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Geoscience, and a minor in physics. The Geoscience program is recognized nationally for its student involvement and undergraduate research. The chemistry program has traditional and biochemistry concentrations. The physics program supports various university majors including advanced manufacturing engineering, electrical engineering, biology, and mathematics. Primary teaching duties include calculus and non-calculus-based physics courses and labs. Additional teaching may include physical science, other physics courses, and/or environmental or atmospheric courses. Other duties include supporting the physics minor and/or Geoscience and Chemistry degree programs, limited service to the department, college, and university (including committee work and student recruitment), and other related duties as required. The position reports to the Department Head of Physical Sciences.

Requirements

• Minimum qualifications include a Masters (Instructor) or PhD (Assistant Professor) in any field of physics, atmospheric science, or geophysics.
• A minimum attainment of 18 graduate-level credit hours in physics.
• Candidates with teaching experience in physics and/or closely related subjects and evidence of undergraduate research interests are favored.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Superior people skills.
• Ability to utilize instructional technology in the classroom.
• Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for part of these requirements.
• Ability to effectively teach a variety of undergraduate calculus- and non-calculus-based physics courses.
• Ability to appropriately incorporate technology into classroom instruction to enhance student learning.
• Ability to communicate with students and co-workers effectively and professionally.
• Ability to interact with diverse groups of people in individual and team settings.
• Ability to promote success in student learning with instructional methods that address a variety of learning styles.
• Must collaborate closely with coworkers in the Department of Physical Sciences to ensure the success of all departmental courses and programs.
• Will work daily with faculty, students, and staff in the College of Arts and Sciences and regularly with personnel across the campus.
• Interactions with students, teachers, staff, and administrators from Graduate Schools, K-12 schools and community groups will be required as needed for scheduled events.
• Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with teaching experience in physics and/or closely related subjects and evidence of undergraduate research interests are favored.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate level lecture and lab courses in calculus- and non-calculus based classical physics, physical sciences, and offer courses in any area of physics related to their graduate expertise.
• Be a mentor to undergraduate students.
• Support the physics minor, and/or the Geoscience and Chemistry degree programs.
• Limited service to the department, college, and university including committee work, student recruitment, and other related duties as required.
• Attendance and participation in all faculty and administrative meetings, Student Research Symposium, commencement ceremonies, and other meetings/events as required.
• Required employee professional development assignments.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Strong undergraduate classroom instruction.
• Assessment and evaluation of instruction.
• Service to the department, college, and university, including committees and curriculum assessments.
• Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and by providing leadership to subordinates.
• Requires consistent on-time attendance.

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• A choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level