Assistant Professor; Experimental Physics

Assistant Professor (Experimental Physics) Physics

Openings
: 1

Position Details: Gustavus Adolphus College invites applications for a tenure-track position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics to begin August 15, 2027.

Required
Qualifications:

• PhD in an experimental sub-field of physics; we will consider candidates who have achieved ABD status and who will complete their degree by September 30, 2027
• Evidence of effectiveness in teaching and commitment to undergraduate education in support of the mission of Gustavus
• Evidence of commitment to student advising, recruiting, or mentoring students from all backgrounds and identities
• Evidence of broad exposure to and skill with modern research-grade instrumentation
• Ability to develop an independent and sustainable experimental physics research program that is appropriate for the inclusion of undergraduate collaborators

Preferred
Qualifications:

• While the experimental sub-field of physics is open, some preference will be given to the candidate who is involved in optics or who can make meaningful use of the existing extensive optical infrastructure available at Gustavus
• Experience teaching undergraduate physics courses.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to pedagogical methods that enable all students to reach their maximum potential.
• Experience teaching or developing innovative instructional upper-level undergraduate labs utilizing modern research-grade instrumentation
• Experience conducting experimental physics research with undergraduate students

Things you will do:

Gustavus faculty teach, advise, conduct research, and serve the college and department.

• Teach a 6-course equivalent each academic year (typically two courses and associated lab(s) for a total of 12 contact hours per semester). In their first year, the successful candidate will receive a reduced teaching assignment of five courses, plus one fully-compensated course release. Primary teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate physics at all levels (introductory through upper-level courses) as well as dedicated courses for students from cognate science departments and for those students seeking exposure to physics through a general education experience.
• Work collaboratively with existing faculty to reimagine and redesign the upper-level physics laboratory sequence into a coherent, rigorous, and integrated laboratory experience that utilizes research-grade instrumentation suitable for a twenty-first century education.
• Develop an appropriate and independent experimental undergraduate physics research program (preferably on-campus) that will be sustainable and, in time, be capable of securing external funding and producing results that lead to peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Actively participate in undergraduate student advising and mentoring.
• Help cultivate a welcoming community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We strive to foster an environment where people can be themselves, build community, learn, and grow.
• Elevate your teaching by joining a teaching circle, participating in workshops, applying for an internal teaching development grant, and engaging in conversations about teaching with colleagues across campus.
• Advance your scholarship by working with undergraduate research assistants, joining a writing retreat, applying for an internal grant, receiving travel funds to present at conferences, receiving help applying for external grants, and making use of our research facilities.
• Develop professional skills by participating in faculty meetings and committees, attending faculty development days, and taking advantage of the College’s membership to the National Center for Faculty Development…