Lyman Briggs College (LBC) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a mathematics and physics faculty position in the Academic Specialist Appointment System to join the college’s mathematics and physics groups in August of 2015.
Candidates must be committed to undergraduate teaching and should have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, math education, science education, or related field in hand by August 15, 2015. The position requires expertise and/or teaching experience in both mathematics and physics. The successful candidate will be committed to advancing excellence in the teaching of introductory courses in both mathematics and physics and will join the college’s ongoing efforts to reform undergraduate STEM education.
Founded in 1967, LBC is a vibrant residential college at MSU that focuses on the study of science and its impacts on society. Bridging the two cultures of the sciences and the humanities, the LBC curriculum integrates natural sciences and mathematics courses with courses in the history, philosophy, and sociology of science, and faculty work closely with students in smaller classes. Nearly all of the students in LBC major in the natural sciences, about 60% are women, nearly 20% are students of color; about 20% of LBC students also belong to MSU’s Honors College. The college’s faculty, staff, and students promote inclusion through a range of initiatives and have won awards for diversity and inclusion in their instruction and research.
Academic Specialists in LBC teach five courses each academic year. The mathematics and physics groups offer courses in intermediate algebra and college algebra, as well as a three-semester calculus sequence and a two-semester calculus-based physics sequence. The physics group in LBC is committed to moving toward a studio-physics style classroom that includes integrated lecture and laboratory sessions. The ideal candidate will strengthen ties between the mathematics and physics groups and contribute to advancing the quality of teaching in both groups’ classes. Academic specialists contribute professional service to the college, including membership on LBC committees. A candidate would also have the opportunity to work on teaching and learning projects as needs and interests arise. The mathematics and physics academic specialist will start with a three-year probationary appointment that has the potential, after successful reappointment, to become a long-term position (for details see the MSU Faculty Handbook http://www.hr.msu.edu/documents/facacadhandbooks/academicspecialist/ASH_AppendixA.htm).
This position is listed on the MSU Applicant Page, Posting # 0518. Applications must be uploaded to MSU’s online job application site (https://jobs.msu.edu). A complete application will include a c.v., a teaching portfolio, and a cover letter that outlines the candidate’s expertise as it pertains teaching in the college as well as the pedagogical approaches the candidate employs. For details on teaching portfolios see www.lymanbriggs.msu.edu/faculty/openPositions.cfm. In addition, three letters of recommendation addressing the candidate’s teaching experience and expertise must be sent electronically by the recommenders through the application system.
The deadline to ensure full consideration of applications is January 6, 2015, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding this position should be directed to Dr. Mark Largent at largent@msu.edu.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.
