Assistant Professor of Physics

*Posting Number:*F0157
*Department:*Assistant Professor of Physics
*Rank:*Assistant Professor
*Specialization:*Physics
*Tenure Status:*Tenure Track
*Position Summary:*The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of North Carolina Asheville, the UNC system s designated public liberal arts institution, seeks qualified applicants with expertise in physics for a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor position that will begin in the fall semester of 2023. The person selected for this position must have earned a Ph.D. in Physics or a related discipline prior to July 1, 2023 and will be expected to teach 12 contact hours per semester (typically three or four classes); establish scholarly activities that involve undergraduates; and engage in service to the institution, the community, and/or the profession. Individuals with a passion for undergraduate teaching and experience at an institution focused on the liberal arts are strongly encouraged to apply.
The department is particularly interested in individuals with the expertise to teach courses across the undergraduate physics curriculum including the introductory sequences and upper-level undergraduate courses such as thermodynamics, classical mechanics, or experimental physics.
We welcome applications from specialists in broad ranging fields including but not limited to: Atomic, Molecular, Optical Physics; Condensed Matter; Nuclear, Particle, or High Energy Physics; or Applied Physics.
Qualified candidates will help existing faculty meet the high demand for experimental or computational undergraduate research experiences. Experimental opportunities could make use of existing laboratory resources typical of an undergraduate-level institution, or bring partnerships with other area facilities.
In addition to having a passion for undergraduate teaching, research, and mentorship, the UNC Asheville faculty is committed to teaching through an inter- and multi-disciplinary lens and providing a premier liberal arts education. Faculty members are also encouraged to teach across the University s Liberal Arts Core (LAC) program, our required interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum in courses that include: introductory (first-year) colloquia; diversity intensive courses; courses that meet scientific perspectives and laboratory science requirements; social science courses; arts and ideas requirements; courses within the Humanities Program; and LAC senior capstone courses.
UNC Asheville has been a national leader in undergraduate research for over 30 years, and over 60% of our students graduate each year having been involved in this important learning experience. The University fully embraces the idea of mentored undergraduate research being one of the highest forms of teaching, and the institution values success in this facet of a faculty member s work. Therefore, the successful candidate for this position must be able to articulate a clear vision for sustainable, highly productive, and preferably externally funded scholarly activities that include undergraduates.
UNC Asheville is committed to promoting diversity and a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and the ability to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds. Faculty members across campus are encouraged to lead the institution s efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in the areas of pedagogy, programming, and service activity. Therefore, candidates interested and experienced in teaching physics to- and developing outreach activities for diverse student populations are especially encouraged to apply.
Applications for this position should be submitted electronically at Complete applications require:
* Cover letter,
* Curriculum vitae,
* Statement of teaching philosophy that includes interest in or potential for interdisciplinary teaching outside of the department, ( 2 pages)
* Statement of planned scholarship and creative activities, ( 2 pages)
* Statement of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, (The diversity statement should describe: (a) the applicant s experience in advancing diversity in teaching, scholarship and/or service; (b) examples of demonstrated leadership potential in the area of equity and inclusion; and the applicant s understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion to the mission of a liberal arts university.) ( 2 pages)
* Undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and
* Three letters of reference to be sent separately that address the candidate s written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; ability to teach and mentor undergraduate students; and potential to develop successful, externally funded scholarly activities.
Review of applications will begin December 19th, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to James Perkins, Chair and Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy, ...@unca.edu.
UNC Asheville is committed to equality and diversity of experiences for our students, applicants, or employees. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply regardless of socio-economic status, gender expression, gender and sexual identity, culture, or ideological beliefs. UNC Asheville is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status with respect to all terms, conditions, and privileges of university-sponsored activities, employment, and the use of university facilities.
*Qualifications:*A doctorate in physics or a closely related field earned prior to July 1, 2023 is required for this position. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate through application materials and in the interview that they have the ability to teach and mentor undergraduate students; bring diverse and multidisciplinary perspectives into the classroom; and function professionally in a highly collaborative and increasingly diverse organization.
*Months per Year:*9 months
*Division:*Academic Affairs
*Department:*Physics
*Special Instructions Summary:*Please note that any documents submitted to Human Resources or the hiring departments become property of UNC Asheville and will not be returned.
Applications for this position should be submitted electronically at The applicant will enter information into the application system which will automatically request three letters of reference to be sent separately and confidentially that speaks to the candidate s writing and interpersonal skills and ability to teach and mentor undergraduate students. Please, do not submit reference letters directly to the search chair.
Review of applications will begin December 19th, 2022 and continue until the position is filled.
Inquiries only may be directed to James Perkins, Chair and Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy, ...@unca.edu*. *Please do not submit any materials to this email address. All application materials, including letters submitted separately by references or portfolio services, must be uploaded via the application portal.
*Posting date:*11/18/2022
*Open Until Filled:*Yes
*Anticipated Start Date:*08/01/2023

Associated topics: astronomical, astronomy, astrophysics, gravitational, heliophysics, nuclear, physics