Physics Specialist at James madison University

James Madison University seeks applications for the position of Physics Specialist in the Science and Math Learning Center (SMLC), beginning August 2013. The position is a full-time, renewable-term faculty appointment, with affiliate status in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. We seek outstanding candidates with an M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Physics Education or a closely related field.


The SMLC provides tutoring and other academic support services for introductory STEM courses. The Physics Specialist’s responsibilities include tutoring; supervising, training and mentoring peer tutors and assisting with assessment and program development. The SMLC is part of the Learning Centers department, which provides academic support services across disciplines.

Classroom teaching responsibilities will be in Physics and Astronomy. The department was recently selected as a comprehensive Physics Teacher Education Coalition site. The Specialist is encouraged to pursue opportunities for scholarship with this and other pedagogical efforts in both departments and contribute to the development of physics education best practices.

The successful candidate must be knowledgeable about physics pedagogy and/or physics education research and demonstrate a record of excellent teaching, preferably with tutoring experience.

More details on the Science and Math Learning Center are found at http://www.jmu.edu/smlc/. Further information on the Department of Physics and Astronomy is found at http://csma31.csm.jmu.edu/physics/.

To apply, please visit https://joblink.jmu.edu/ and reference posting 0404908. In addition to completing the online faculty profile, candidates must provide via JobLink a cover letter; curriculum vitae; the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references and a statement of teaching philosophy describing how they can contribute to the development of physics education best practices and its integration with the SMLC support model. The cover letter should, in addition to reviewing qualifications, explain why the candidate is a good fit for the SMLC and the Physics and Astronomy Department at JMU.

Review of applications will begin on November 12, 2012. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Questions should be addressed to Dr. Mary Tam, Science Coordinator, tammc@jmu.edu.