The Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Science, Math, and Technology Education (SMATE) program at Western Washington University invite applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position starting September 2016.
For this joint position, applicants must hold a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, a related field OR a Ph.D. in science education combined with graduate level course work in physics or a related field. Applicants must have teaching experience at the undergraduate or K-12 level and have demonstrated interest in working with pre-service K-12 teachers.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience preparing K-12 science teachers. Candidates must have a commitment to developing sustainable undergraduate research opportunities in Physics Education Research or Astronomy Education Research.
A successful applicant will be expected to pursue an on-campus research program that will actively involve undergraduate research assistants and to apply for external grant support. Post-doctoral research experience and a record of high quality scholarship are strongly preferred.
Candidates should also have a demonstrated commitment to or potential for teaching excellence and enthusiasm for teaching undergraduates informed by best practices on student learning.
Preference will be given to candidates who express an interest in developing active collaborations with existing faculty at WWU.
Effective communication skills and an ability to work effectively with diverse populations are also required.
Applications must include
(1) a detailed cover letter that addresses the required and preferred qualifications and describes the applicant's background and interest in joining the department and SMATE,
(2) a statement of philosophy and interest in teaching, including a short statement on how the applicant’s background and experiences (academic and non-academic) have prepared them to effectively teach increasingly diverse students and work effectively with diverse colleagues,
(3) a detailed research proposal with plans for involving undergrad research assistants,
(4) a full curriculum vitae including the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references, and
(5) unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Submit all application materials as a single PDF file to the WWU Electronic Application System for Employment (https://jobs.wwu.edu).
Do not send letters of recommendation; they will be requested only for semi-finalists.
Inquiries may be addressed to Dr. Kenneth Rines at (360) 650-7944 orkenneth.rines@wwu.edu.
Review of applications begins November 15, 2015; position open until filled.
Western Washington University is a primarily undergraduate institution in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a bachelor of science degree in physics and a bachelor of arts degree in math/physics education. SMATE prepares preservice elementary and secondary teachers in science content and methods and has an established history of leading and supporting systemic science education reform efforts in Washington State and nationally.
More information can be found at http://www.wwu.edu/physics and http://www.smate.wwu.edu .
WWU is an AA/EO employer.
