Assistant Professor, Physics Education Researcher
College of Science
The Physics and Astronomy Department and the Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (CEMaST) at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) invites applications for a tenure-track joint position as a Physics Education Researcher at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin Fall 2015.
The Position
Serving as a Physics Education Researcher, the successful candidate will:
- Teach the full range (from freshman to senior level) of undergraduate courses in physics, as well as science content and or methods leading to a teaching credential;
- Engage undergraduate students in research;
- Lead and participate in grant-supported workshops for science teachers at the secondary level that support innovation in the science curriculum and teaching in ethnically diverse urban schools; and
- Collaborate with university science educators and faculty in physics and astronomy to promote excellence in science teaching and learning at all levels of education (K-16).
The candidate must have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and exhibit potential for independent research in Physics Education. It is expected that the new faculty member's assignment will be split approximately 2/3 on Physics related teaching and about 1/3 on CEMaST related activities. Committee service activities are expected to be split between the department and CEMaST with a similar ratio. This ratio is likely to vary from quarter to quarter depending on grant support, teaching needs, or release time.
In addition to positive contributions to teaching and learning, the successful candidate will also be expected to provide service to the university and surrounding community at large. Applicants whose work incorporates a global perspective and a commitment to diversity and equity in higher education are particularly encouraged to apply.
Minimum Requirements
- Ph.D. in physics by August 2015 from an accredited university
- University teaching experience (at least at the T. A. level)
- Documented evidence of independent scholarship in the area of Physics Education Research
Preferred/Desired Qualifications
- K-12 teaching experience
- A history of developing and leading professional development activities for secondary science teachers and serving as a research mentor to undergraduate or Masters’ students
- Experience with external funding
- Experience working collaboratively with schools or community groups particularly in urban and ethnically diverse settings
Application Procedure
A completed application will consist of:
- a cover letter that addresses the duties and qualifications articulated in the position description;
- a statement of teaching experience and philosophy;
- a proposed research plan;
- a curriculum vitae comprised of at least those elements specified on the application form;
- reprints of up to three representative publications;
- three letters of reference to be sent to the department as well as the names and contact information for two additional references. Include the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of your references in your applications. Initial screening can begin without the letters of reference, but they must be received to advance to finalist status. Official transcripts and three letters of reference will be required of all finalists.
The position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to completed applications received no later than November 14, 2014. Early response is encouraged. Applicants should e-mail one or more PDF files which include above application materials to persearch@csupomona.edu, to receive full consideration. Please arrange for the references to send signed, PDF-format letters of reference to the e-mail address above. In case of questions, please contact Dr. Steve McCauley, Chair, at swmccauley@csupomona.edu or:
Physics Education Researcher Search Committee
c/o Homeyra Sadaghiani, Chair
Physics and Astronomy Department
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
3801 W. Temple Ave
Pomona, CA 91768
Phone: 909-869-4014 FAX: 909-869-5090
Email: hrsadaghiani@csupomona.edu
About the University
Cal Poly Pomona, one of two polytechnic universities in California, is a member of the 23-campus California State University system. Our ethnically diverse student population of approximately 22,000 enrolls in 52 baccalaureate, 26 master’s degree programs, 11 credential and certificate programs, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership, presented by 1,200 faculty. We recruit students increasingly from throughout California and beyond. The students are success and career focused and extremely diverse. We are proud of our status as a Hispanic Serving Institution. We have a strong commitment to supporting scholarship, research, and student achievement. Our scenic and historic 1,400-acre campus, once the winter ranch of cereal magnate W. K. Kellogg, is located about 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in one of the most dynamic economic and cultural, regions in the country, and within an hour’s drive of beaches, mountains, and desert. The university is committed to diversifying its faculty and staff and has made educational equity one of its highest priorities. The mission of the university is to advance learning and knowledge by linking theory and practice in all disciplines, and to prepare students for lifelong learning, leadership, and careers in a changing, multicultural world.
About the College
As one of only 8 polytechnics in the US, the College of Science (COS) at Cal Poly Pomona is committed to creating an environment of discovery and innovation, generating modern and evolving academic programs which include interdisciplinary curricula that emphasize a learn-by-doing philosophy for teaching and learning science, and advancing scientific knowledge by promoting a creative and professionally active faculty of teacher-scholars that engage students through and in research.
Majors in nine fields leading to the Bachelor of Science degree are offered by the seven exceptional Departments (Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science, Geological Sciences, Kinesiology and Health Promotion, Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics and Statistics) that compose the College of Science. Graduate programs leading to the Master of Science degree are offered in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Kinesiology, and Mathematics. All programs are fully aligned with the University’s polytechnic, “learn by doing” philosophy, organization, and mission.
About the Department
The Cal Poly Pomona Department of Physics and Astronomy is one of the largest in the CSU and focuses entirely on undergraduate education from classroom instruction, to advising, to research. Consistent with the university’s learn-by-doing philosophy, most departmental courses are taught with accompanying laboratory sections. In addition, faculty members maintain active research programs that provide hands-on learning opportunities for undergraduates. The department has 15 tenured/tenure-track faculty and 6 support staff. The recent addition of science educators to several departments in the College of Science and the curriculum restructuring in Physics and Astronomy has created new opportunities for successful collaborations in the development of novel initiatives. For more information, please see the department website: http://physics.csupomona.edu/.
The Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching: The Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the primary vehicle through which the College of Science serves the educational community. CEMaST is committed to improving mathematics and science teaching and learning for pre-K-16. Cal Poly Pomona’s core values of learn-by-doing, teacher-scholars and celebration of diversity are at the core of the Center’s work. CEMaST helps connect area teachers and administrators with university faculty so they can work together to improve teaching and learning by identifying and solving context specific problems related to the curricula, teaching and evaluation of science and mathematics. The experiences shared by the K-12 teachers and the CPP faculty create a mutually beneficial relationship that extends to other teachers and faculty as new programs and partnerships develop.
Equal Opportunity Employer
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. The University seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of California, to maintain the excellence of the University, and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, perspectives and ways of knowing and learning. Cal Poly Pomona subscribes to all state and federal regulations and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity/gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, medical condition, and covered veteran status. Cal Poly Pomona hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. As required by the Clery Disclosure Act, the university’s annual security report is available at http://dsa.csupomona.edu/police/securityreport.asp. The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.http://www.calstate.edu/eo/EO-1083.html
