Candidates must have a PhD in physics, astronomy, physics education, or a related field. Preference will be given to applicants with undergraduate-focused teaching experience as well as to applicants who do physics education research and/or theoretical physics, computational physics, and/or astrophysics research. Duties include teaching a calculus-based physics course sequence for science majors in the LBC physics program, teaching one course (typically at the upper undergraduate or graduate level) in the Physics and Astronomy Department, and maintaining an active, externally-funded research program. Salary and start-up support is competitive and commensurate with experience.
Founded in 1967, LBC (http://lymanbriggs.msu.edu) 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. LBC is also a leading center for research in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and for interdisciplinary scholarship. Nearly all of the students in LBC major in the natural sciences; about 60% are women and nearly 20% are students of color; approximately 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. LBC faculty work closely with students in smaller classes, and the physics group in LBC is committed to implementing a studio-physics style classroom that includes integrated lecture and laboratory sessions. The ideal candidate will strengthen ties between the physics teaching environment and a student cohort with strong interests in the life sciences.
The joint appointment with the Department of Physics and Astronomy (www.pa.msu.edu) will add to MSU’s investment in cross-college collaboration. The Physics Education Research Lab at MSU is a dynamic community that includes 3 principal faculty, 5 research associates, 5 graduate students, and several undergraduate students, and it spans the College of Natural Science, Lyman Briggs College, and the College of Education. Additionally, the recently founded Department of Computational Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering has 13 principal faculty (including 7 recent hires) appointed in the College of Natural Science and the College of Engineering. The Department of Physics and Astronomy is looking for a candidate who will establish an independent, externally funded research program in any area of physics education, theoretical physics, or computational physics. The department has substantial theoretical expertise in biophysics, high energy physics, astronomy, astrophysics, and condensed matter.
This position is listed on the MSU Applicant Page, Posting # 1519. Applications must be uploaded to MSU’s online job application site (https://jobs.msu.edu). A complete application will include a cover letter, CV, teaching portfolio, and statement of research interests. 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. Complete applications should be received by January 1, 2016, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding this position should be directed to Dr. Mark Waddell at waddellm@msu.edu.
LBC cultivates a vibrant, multi-disciplinary community that is diverse along many dimensions, including race and ethnicity; gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression; ability status; and creed or ideology.
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.
