Earlham College anticipates hiring a full-time, tenure-track position in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning in Fall 2014.
Earlham is a liberal arts college of about 1200 students and is affiliated with the Society of Friends (Quakers); approximately 11% of the students are Quakers. We try to combine the finest liberal arts education with an environment shaped by historic Quaker commitments.
Our learning community is characterized by respect for every person, a commitment to social concerns and peacemaking, and a dedication to the integration of intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual growth of all members of the community. Global awareness and respect for cultural diversity are strongly emphasized. The College is selective and financially strong. Its student body comes from across the nation and the world; although most students are from the eastern and Midwestern states, approximately 15% of the student body is international, coming from 68 nations in 2007.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The Physics Department requires a candidate with a passion for Astronomy. Teaching load typically includes a Descriptive Astronomy course each semester, an upper-level Astronomy course every other year, and a mix of introductory and upper-level Physics.
In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will develop a research program that can attract and involve undergraduate students. Our department has three FTEs with active research programs in computational biophysics and laser, atomic and optical science. Earlham's facilities include local cluster computing resources, a teaching observatory, and a natural history museum with a planetarium.
Experience and Qualifications
Preference will go to applicants who have completed (or are presently finalizing a dissertation for) a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics or a closely related field. Earlham holds excellence in teaching as its most important criterion, so as we review applications we will be looking for evidence of a strong interest in teaching at the undergraduate level.
Earlham is willing to allow faculty to step outside their original academic fields. This has taken the form of interdepartmental courses and colloquia, leadership of off-campus programs, oversight of student activities, and support for faculty as they explore new directions for their research and teaching.
Application Instructions
Candidates should send applications as a single PDF including: cover letter that addresses your interests, qualifications, and experience; curriculum vitae; statement of teaching philosophy; research statement; undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Three letters of recommendation should be sent separately.
Materials should be sent to:
Bobbi Cayard-Roberts
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Earlham College
physics_astro_search@earlham.edu
