https://employment.ku.edu/academic/6745BR
Posting Title Teaching Specialist
Auto req ID 6745BR
Position Number 01200626
Department Physics and Astronomy
Location/Division Lawrence
FTE 1.0
Reg/Temp Regular
Position Overview The Teaching Specialist will primarily teach introductory undergraduate physics courses, which have an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students each academic year. She or he will work with the administration and faculty of the department of Physics and Astronomy to develop and implement effective instructional approaches for these courses, along with associated materials and laboratories, and will participate in assessment and documentation of student learning in all undergraduate courses. The Teaching Specialist will also participate in the advising of undergraduate majors within the department. This is a full-time, eleven-month (nine months, academic year, plus four bi-weekly pay periods of summer salary) unclassified academic staff position. The successful candidate must have appropriate authorization to work in the U.S. before employment begins.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has an internationally recognized faculty and a strong graduate program leading to both the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Undergraduate degree tracks include Bachelor of Arts degrees in Astronomy and Physics, and Bachelor of Science degrees in Astronomy, Physics and Engineering Physics. The department has a long tradition of excellence in teaching and research.
The University of Kansas is a major public research and teaching institution that operates through a diverse, multi-campus system. KU's many parts are bound together by a mission to serve as a "center for learning, research, scholarship and creative endeavor" in the state of Kansas, the nation and the world. An ideal campus, historic and wireless at the same time, KU is home to one of the top public-university library systems in the nation. The university fosters a multicultural environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected.
A city of approximately 90,000, Lawrence is located in the rolling hills of eastern Kansas, 35 miles west of the Kansas City metropolitan area and 20 miles east of Topeka, the state capital. Home to Haskell Indian Nations University as well as KU, Lawrence offers the many cultural opportunities of a university town. Lawrence is a wonderful community filled with endless opportunities for historical explorations, beautiful scenery, incredible arts and entertainment venues, and many popular restaurants. Kansas City International airport, The Plaza, and access to world-renowned attractions are less than an hour away.
Job Description Teaching/Advising (.65 FTE)
Teaches a minimum of two courses per semester (fall, spring, and summer sessions); participates in curriculum development efforts.
Develops and updates syllabi, study guides, instructor’s guides, test questions, tests, and web-based material. Participates in regular meetings of departmental instructors. Implements the use of technology in the teaching of courses.
Holds regular office hours for students involved in classes taught.
Manages the department’s demonstration equipment and supervises the students responsible for daily delivery to classrooms.
Adheres to department, College and university policies and procedures.
Professional Performance (.15 FTE)
Works closely with the department’s administration and faculty to develop and implement curriculum changes. This includes partnering with faculty members to teach and implement mechanisms for improving student learning, engagement, and retention in large introductory courses.
Assists with training, supervision and evaluation of department’s teaching assistants.
Research (.10 FTE)
The specialist will contribute to the research mission of the Department of Physics & Astronomy, primarily in the area of Physics Education and Pedagogy, through presentations at professional conferences and publication of works in books, articles, abstracts, or other scholarly works such as the online publication of new active-learning materials in online formats.
Possible areas of focus for publications and presentations include the scholarship of assessment and curriculum design, the development of new undergraduate laboratories and/or new teaching methods, supervision and evaluation of undergraduate research in the specialist’s area of research expertise, methods to enhance online course resources outside of class time and use of active learning activities to maximize concept mastery during face-to-face class and laboratory time, development of programs and courses that feature research-based instructional practices (included but not limited to inquiry and discovery based instruction, student-centered instruction, peer-mentoring, and the integration of technology into the classroom).
Service (.10 FTE)
Member of the department’s undergraduate committee, and other committees as appropriate.
Serves as the lead advisor for department’s undergraduate majors.
Participates in appropriate professional activities.
Required Qualifications Evaluation of the following requirements will be made through (1) descriptions of work experience and educational experiences in letter of application, (2) record of accomplishments and productivity addressed in c.v., , and (3) information provided from professional references.
Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related discipline is expected by the start date of the appointment. A copy of the transcript should be included, if the degree has been obtained in the last five years.
Record of excellence in teaching college-level introductory courses in physics and/or astronomy.
Demonstrated written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work well with students, faculty, and administrators.
Demonstrated interest in pedagogical design and improvement in course teaching.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in course design and development.
Experience using technology in teaching.
Demonstrated excellent oral communication skills.
Experience with development of innovations that enhance student learning.
Experience with implementing mechanisms for assessing and improving student learning and engagement in large introductory courses.
Experience with pedagogical design and improvement in course teaching.
Additional Candidate Instruction A complete online application includes the following materials: on-line application; C.V.(including publications list); cover letter that addresses relevant teaching, leadership, and organizational experience; teaching statement; statement of research interests and skills; transcript copy if degree has been obtained in the last five years; and the names and contact information for three references. Candidates should arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be emailed to Prof. Chris Fischer at shark@ku.edu or mailed to the Department of Physics & Astronomy, 1251 Wescoe Hall Drive, Room 1082, Malott Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA.
Initial review of applications will begin October 1st, 2016, and will continue as needed to ensure a large, high quality, and diverse applicant pool.
Contact Information to Applicants Kristin Rennells
tatekris@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range Competitive with comparable research universities
Application Review Begins 01-Oct-2016
Anticipated Start Date 01-Jan-2017
Disclaimer The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information and retaliation in the University's programs and activities. Access to information regarding equal opportunity and diversity worksite posters is available at http://www.humanresources.ku.edu/policies_procedures/category_details/index.aspx?category=8 or you may contact 785-864-4946 or employ@ku.edu for alternate access options. Any inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY
