The Department of Physics at Ursinus College invites applications for a tenure-track position at the assistant professor level in physics starting fall 2016.
Ursinus College, located in a suburban setting 35 miles northwest of center city Philadelphia, is a highly selective, nationally ranked, independent, coeducational, residential liberal arts college of 1,650 students, with a long tradition of strength in science. Vibrant programs in arts and theater, community service, and research in all disciplines foster an intellectually and civically engaged campus community.
The successful candidate will join the current three members of a physics department that offers a student-focused, modern curriculum. The department is willing to experiment and regularly modifies the curriculum in light of educational best practices. Recent examples include new introductory courses for majors, a new literature review senior seminar, a general relativity course, and an updated approach to upper-level quantum mechanics. Students can choose among a traditional physics major, an astrophysics concentration, and a pre-engineering program with linkages to Columbia University and Case Western Reserve University.
Many students actively engage in research projects each semester (typically, at least 10). Students can also be supported by the college for faculty-mentored research during the summer as part of the Ursinus Summer Fellows program, which provides stipends, supply money, and housing for approx. 80 students engaged in summer research projects. Faculty mentors of Summer Fellows also receive stipends. Department members have been successful at attracting outside funding, receiving upwards of $300,000 in grants over the last three years.
As part of its commitment to liberal education, all entering students participate in a seminar course called the Common Intellectual Experience, with readings from philosophy, science, history, and literature. As the aim of this course is to foster an intellectual community on campus, the successful candidate will contribute to the teaching of this course. The candidate will also find opportunities to engage students, through the Center for Science and the Common Good, in a continuing dialogue about their responsibilities as civically engaged scientists.
Responsibilities: We are seeking physicists who are committed to excellence in undergraduate education and research at a highly selective liberal arts college. Teaching responsibilities may include all courses across a typical undergraduate physics major. The successful candidate will also occasionally teach the Common Intellectual Experience, an interdisciplinary freshman seminar. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an active research program in their field that engages undergraduate students.
Requirements and Qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. (or ABD) in physics, engineering, astrophysics, or astronomy.
Anticipated Start Date: August 2016
Application:
Applications must be submitted to http://apply.interfolio.com/32121. Applicants should describe (1) their commitment to and philosophy of undergraduate teaching in a liberal arts setting, and (2) a research program that will involve undergraduate collaborators. A complete application includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, research plans, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and three confidential letters of recommendation. Direct any questions to Search Committee, Department of Physics at physicssearch@ursinus.edu. Full consideration will be given to applications received by November 15, 2015, but review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Ursinus College is an AA/EO Employer. Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law with respect to all aspects of employment.
