Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy, emphasis on Astrophysics

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at St. Cloud State University has a fixed-term (non-tenure track) faculty opening in Physics and Astronomy for the 2021-2022 academic year. Successful candidates will have significant expertise to support our undergraduate programs. The department values close student-faculty interaction and stewardship of place. 

The successful candidate is expected to establish and maintain a professional goal to become an outstanding teacher-scholar through the use of research-based, best-practices pedagogy. They may be teaching using both in-person and alternative delivery methods such as online and hybrid. They will regularly engage in ongoing professional development and innovation opportunities focused on pedagogical growth.

The successful candidate will share St. Cloud State’s commitment to our mission, and in particular, the value we place in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as outlined in SCSU’s It’s Time strategic framework. Notably, we uphold the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion and engage in intentional actions to address systemic inequities throughout the university and surrounding environment. DEI values, practices, and strategies are embedded into the fabric of our institution and campus community, and they align with the priorities expressed in the Minnesota State system’s Equity 2030 initiative. SCSU expects all of its employees to help advance these practices and to contribute to the development of an anti-racist, inclusive community.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate courses with laboratories, teach advanced courses in Astronomy, advise students, engage in scholarly activities, and participate in continual development of curriculum and assessment activities.

Examples of possible courses to teach include; ASTR 106 (Concepts of the Solar System), ASTR 311 (Solar System Astronomy), ASTR 312 (Stellar Astronomy), and PHYS 231 & 232 (algebra based General Physics I & II).

Required Qualification:

A Ph.D. in physics or astronomy (or ABD with degree completion by August 1, 2021).

Evidence of ability to teach physics and astronomy effectively al all undergraduate levels including laboratory courses.

Evidence of ability to communicate effectively.

Evidence of demonstrated ability to teach and work with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

Research and/or teaching experience beyond the Ph.D.