Position: Assistant Professor of Astronomy and Physics
Department: Department of Physics and Astronomy
Status: Full-time, Tenure-track position with full benefits
Earlham College anticipates hiring a full-time, tenure-track position in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning in Fall 2017.
The Department seeks a person who is passionate about Astronomy and teaching — in lecture, seminar classes, laboratory, and research venues — to bright and motivated undergraduates at a nationally ranked small liberal arts college, and is committed to making our department an inclusive environment for all students and faculty.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is a small, dynamic group with three FTEs and active research programs in computational biophysics and atomic, molecular and optical physics. Earlham's facilities include local cluster computing resources, a teaching observatory, a natural history museum with a planetarium, and dedicated laboratory space for new hires.
Earlham College continues to build a community that reflects the gender and racial diversity of the society at large, and, therefore, we are particularly interested in inviting and encouraging applications from African Americans, other ethnic minorities, and women. Earlham also is eager to solicit applications from members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Earlham is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Earlham is a liberal arts college of about 1200 students and is affiliated with the Society of Friends (Quakers); approximately 11% of the students are Quakers. We try to combine the finest liberal arts education with an environment shaped by historic Quaker values.
Our learning community is characterized by respect for every person, a commitment to social concerns and peacemaking, and a dedication to the integration of intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual growth of all members of the community. Global awareness and respect for cultural diversity are strongly emphasized. The College is selective and financially strong. Its student body comes from across the nation and the world; although most students are from the eastern and Midwestern states, approximately 18% of the student body is international, coming from 81 nations in 2015.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Successful candidates will teach in both Astronomy and Physics. The Astronomy teaching load typically includes a Descriptive Astronomy course each semester and an upper-level Astronomy course every other year. Physics teaching responsibilities are shared throughout the department according to need and faculty interest, and include a mix of introductory and upper-level Physics courses as well as a mix of theoretical and laboratory courses.
In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will develop a research program that can attract and involve undergraduate students. Support for developing an active undergraduate research agenda is provided through start-up funds, travel funds, departmental support, regular access to the College’s Summer Research funds and Faculty Development funds, and through the Office of Institutional Advancement for help pursuing external grants. Other duties will include advising students, participating in College and Department service activities, and contributing to our goal of building a department that is inclusive and supportive of our diverse faculty and student body.
Experience and Qualifications
Preference will go to applicants who have completed (or are presently finalizing a dissertation for) a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics or a closely related field. Earlham holds excellence in teaching as its most important criterion, so as we review applications we will be looking for evidence of a strong interest in teaching at the undergraduate level. An ability to contribute to the advanced laboratory curriculum is preferred.
Application Instructions
Candidates should send applications as a single PDF including: cover letter that addresses your interests, qualifications, and experience; curriculum vitae; statement of teaching philosophy; research statement; undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Three letters of recommendation should be sent separately, as PDFs.
Materials should be sent to:
Bobbi Cayard-Roberts
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Earlham College
physics_astro_search@earlham.edu
Review of applications will begin October 1, 2016, and will continue until the position is filled.
Please direct questions to Dr. Michael G. Lerner: lernemi@earlham.edu
