Teaching Assistant Professor - Department of Physics & Astronomy
- Employer
- West Virginia University
- Location
- Morgantown, West Virginia
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- Faculty Jobs
- Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Science & Technology, Other Science & Technology Jobs, Social Sciences, Other Social Sciences Faculty Jobs
- Position Type
- Assistant Professor
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
Teaching Assistant Professor
Department of Physics & Astronomy
West Virginia University
Job No. 18296
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for a Teaching Assistant Professor position starting August 1st, 2022. This is a full-time, nine-month, non-tenure track position with full benefits. Teaching Assistant Professor appointments have renewable terms of up to three years, with no limit on the number of terms. Summer teaching assignments can be requested if desired. Teaching Assistant Professors are eligible for promotion, e.g., to Teaching Associate Professor and Teaching Full Professor; however, promotion to senior ranks is not a requirement for institutional commitment and career stability.
The successful candidate will contribute to our teaching mission by providing exemplary instruction of physics and astronomy classes at all levels and direct the WVU Planetarium and Observatory by providing oversight of the on-site planetarium and planetarium outreach activities. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: teaching primarily introductory physics and astronomy courses in a large lecture format as well as opportunities to teach other astronomy and physics courses; direction of the introductory astronomy laboratory; oversight of the on-site planetarium and associated optical and radio telescopes; development of outreach activities involving the planetarium; collaboration with Physics Education Research faculty at WVU; and engagement with the regional and national physics education communities.
The successful applicant must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in astronomy, physics, physics education research, or a closely related field by time of appointment; excellent written and oral communication/teaching skills; the ability to teach effectively in a large lecture format; and the ability to oversee a planetarium and associated telescopes. Candidates with an understanding of astronomy and a specific background in or a history of demonstrated interest and activity in astronomy are strongly encouraged to apply. The normal teaching load is 4 courses per semester with a 2 course per year reassignment to facilitate and collaborate on the operation and development of programs for the Department of Physics and Astronomy’s Planetarium and Observatory (3-3 load).
The Department of Physics and Astronomy consists of 25 tenured and tenure-track faculty, one teaching associate professor, one teaching full professor, 16 research faculty and postdoctoral researchers, 90 Ph.D. graduate students, and 70 undergraduate physics majors. The main research areas are astrophysics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, physics education, and plasma physics.
WVU is an R1 research land grant university located within 90 minutes of Pittsburgh and 3.5 hours from the Washington/Baltimore area. Morgantown has been recognized as one of the most livable small cities in the U.S. There are extensive recreational opportunities, excellent public schools, and a supportive University environment in which to develop a visible and productive career. The WVU Dual Career Program is available to assist candidates with suitable employment opportunities for spouses or partners.
To apply, please visit https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities. Applicants should upload a cover letter, statement of teaching philosophy, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references as part of the application process. The cover letter should address the applicant's qualifications for each aspect of the responsibilities listed above. The screening process will begin January 14, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. For more information, please visit our website (http://physics.wvu.edu), or contact the chair of the search committee, Prof. John Stewart by email at jcstewart1@mail.wvu.edu.
WVU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The university values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.
Organization
West Virginia University, founded in 1867, has a long and rich history as a public, land-grant institution. WVU encourages scholarship and offers high-quality academic programs while serving the people of West Virginia and the nation. WVU statewide includes campuses in Beckley, Charleston, Keyser, Martinsburg, Montgomery as well as Morgantown – which has been ranked as a #1 Small City in America. WVU is an R1 Doctoral Research University (Highest Research Activity), one of only 115 nationwide. WVU offers 212 degrees throughout the 14 colleges and schools. Areas of specialty include STEM education, healthcare in Appalachia, shale gas utilization, radio astronomy and forensics. WVU researchers have helped confirm the existence of gravitational waves and uncovered diesel vehicle emissions discrepancies. On all campuses, there are over 31,000 graduate and undergraduate students along with 190,000 alumni worldwide. WVU is reinventing West Virginia’s future by strengthening education, healthcare and broad-based prosperity.
Pioneering. Like the resourceful people who first settled West Virginia's hills, we find creative solutions and blaze trails to new discoveries.
Passionate. It's often said that our fans bleed gold and blue, but that die-hard passion isn't confined to sports. Whether it's academics, athletics, or community service, we are known for our unwavering enthusiasm and school spirit.
Innovative. From protecting the soil beneath our feet to the search for millisecond pulsars in deep space, our faculty, students, and alumni pursue innovation everywhere.
Tireless. Mountaineers never back down from a challenge, no matter how insurmountable it may seem. We don't mind being the underdog. In fact, we rather like it.
Caring. Serving the state of West Virginia - and the world - is at the core of our mission. The benefits of WVU Extension, healthcare, and service programs are seen in every county in the state.
As a land-grant institution in the 21st century, West Virginia University will deliver high-quality education, excel in discovery and innovation, model a culture of diversity and inclusion, promote health and vitality, and build pathways for the exchange of knowledge and opportunity between the state, the nation, and the world.
By 2020, West Virginia University will attain national research prominence, thereby enhancing educational achievement, global engagement, diversity, and the vitality and well-being of the people of West Virginia.
1. Engage undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in a challenging academic environment.
2. Excel in research, creative activity, and innovation in all disciplines.
3. Foster diversity and an inclusive culture.
4. Advanced international activity and global engagement.
5. Enhance the well-being and the quality of life of the people of West Virginia.
Location
Morgantown, WV., population 31,073, rated “No. 1 Small City in America” by BizJournals.com for its exceptional quality of life and also rated one of the "Best Cities for Jobs" by MSN Careers. Within easy traveling distance of Washington, D.C., to the east, Pittsburgh, Pa., to the north, and Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, to the northwest. Other recent rankings: “Safe Communities' accreditation” by National Safety Council; #18 “Best College Towns in America” by American Institute for Economic Research; one of “50 Best Small College Towns in America” by College Values Online; #24 “50 Best College Towns to Live in Forever” by CollegeRanker.
Academics
WVU has a growing reputation on the national scene and is one of only 115 institutions to receive the R1 designation from among the nation’s over 4,500 higher education institutions. Recent research highlights include proving Einstein correct by helping with the detection of gravitational waves; discovering elevated levels of diesel emissions from Volkswagen vehicles; and receiving NSF funding to create a Physics Frontiers Center using the nearby Green Bank Telescope.
WVU ranks nationally for prestigious scholarships – 24 Rhodes Scholars, 22 Truman Scholars, 42 Goldwater Scholars, two British Marshall Scholars, 5 Morris K. Udall Scholars, 5 USA Today All-USA College Academic First Team Members (and 11 academic team honorees), 15 Boren Scholars, 36 Gilman Scholars, 46 Fulbright Scholars, 25 Critical Language Scholars, 4 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships and one Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholar.
WVU encompasses 14 colleges and schools offering 212 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs in the arts and sciences; business and economics; creative arts; engineering and mineral resources; human resources and education; journalism; law; agriculture, natural resources and design; dentistry; medicine; nursing; pharmacy; physical activity and sport sciences; public health.
West Virginia University understands that meeting the needs of today’s professional couples is a critical factor in recruiting and retaining faculty and staff. Many prospective and newly hired faculty and staff candidates at WVU have spouses/partners who are also pursuing employment in the surrounding community. The Dual Career Program strives to provide a high level of support to couples and their families as they consider faculty and staff appointment opportunities at WVU.
- Attract and retain first-rate dual career couples to West Virginia University and Morgantown, WV
- Enrich WVU’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and talent retention
- Provide customized assistance and support to faculty and staff spouses/partners (and the spouses/partners of key retention positions) in their job search efforts
- Deliver tailored information and resources towards relocating into the Morgantown community
- Engage employers of Monongalia County and the surrounding area to build networking and employment opportunities for our Dual Career clients
Visit WVU Jobs to apply.
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