Saturday, September 23, 2017

FT at University of Utah

Professor of Educational Practice
Department of Physics & Astronomy University of Utah
The Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Utah invites applications for a career-line (non tenure-track) faculty member at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor (Lecturer). We seek a model educator to help us provide a world-class education for every undergraduate student. The successful applicant will have: 1) a PhD or equivalent in physics, physics education, or a related field; 2) physics education research experience; 3) a commitment to equity in physics education and record of utilizing inclusive, evidence-based instructional practices; 4) experience collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to reform aspects of the undergraduate physics curriculum; and 5) excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills. We seek a long-term colleague who will be fully integrated into our department and also affiliated with the Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CSME).
This position has four primary areas of responsibility. First, to be the instructor of record for between two and four courses per year depending on need, focusing primarily on introductory physics; there may be additional duties related to coordinating laboratory sections etc. with teaching anticipated to account for ~50% of total effort. Second, to work with other faculty to develop, implement, and assess the effectiveness of curriculum reforms (~25% effort). Depending on the interest and expertise of the candidate, possible projects might include integrating computation throughout the curriculum, reforming the introductory physics for life science majors sequence, developing integrated cross-disciplinary labs, developing online sections of strategically chosen courses, enhancing the professional development of graduate teaching assistants and undergraduate learning assistants, etc. Third, to serve as a model and consultant for other faculty who want to utilize inclusive, evidence-based instructional practices in their courses (~15% effort). Finally, to work with CSME staff and faculty affiliates to help execute college-wide educational programs (~10% effort). While the successful candidate will not be expected to seek external funding or publish peer-reviewed papers, collaborative opportunities for such activities may be possible, provided they are synergistic with the above responsibilities.
This is an exciting time in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The University is experiencing large enrollment increases, resulting in a more diverse student body from a broader range of academic, geographic, socioeconomic, ethnic, and life-experience backgrounds. In addition, we are preparing for the opening of the Crocker Science Center in November 2017, a new integrated science facility, which will house state-of-the-art research facilities, teaching laboratories and classrooms. We seek a colleague committed to inclusive excellence who will make a lasting impact on our department and institution.
Details of appointment:
  • This is a 12-month, salaried (exempt) appointment within the career-line track which includes summer compensation. The career-line track does not include the possibility of tenure, but otherwise parallels the tenure track with various ranks (assistant, associate, and full professor). Career-line faculty are eligible to be PIs on grants, to serve on departmental, college, and university committees and in leadership roles, and to cast votes in most faculty meetings.
  • The initial appointment will be for two years and is renewable thereafter.
  • All career-line faculty are reviewed informally on an annual basis (like their tenure-track colleagues).
  • Career-line faculty can request a formal review for promotion to a higher rank within the career-line track at their discretion.
Application process and timeline:
Please upload the information described below using this link: http://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/68890.  Review of applications will commence on October 15, 2017 and the posting will close on November 1, 2017.
  • Your complete academic curriculum vitae.
  • A teaching statement describing your educational philosophy and experience. This statement should describe your implementation of inclusive, evidence-based instructional practices.
  • In lieu of a research statement, please upload a statement that describes how you would choose among possible reform projects, generate departmental buy-in, and/or assess the impact of changes to the curriculum.
  • Please arrange for three (3) letters of reference to be submitted by the deadline.
Located in metropolitan Salt Lake City in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, the University of Utah is the state’s flagship research institution and emphasizes exceptional scholarship, quality teaching, and professional service. The university serves over 32,000 students from across the U.S. and the world with over 72 major subjects at the undergraduate level and more than 90 major fields of study at the graduate level, including law and medicine. Known for its proximity to seven world-class ski resorts within 40 minutes of campus, the University of Utah encourages an active, holistic lifestyle, innovation and collaborative thinking to engage students, faculty, and business leaders. Salt Lake City is a vibrant major metropolitan area with a diverse, multicultural population and numerous cultural and outdoor activities.
 
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, status as a person with a disability, genetic information, or Protected Veteran status. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. To inquire about the University’s nondiscrimination or affirmative action policies or to request disability accommodation, please contact: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 201 S. Presidents Circle, Rm 135, (801) 581-8365.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds, and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.
For additional information, please contact Jordan Gerton, Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Physics and Astronomy at jgerton@physics.utah.edu.