The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas A&M University-Commerce invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Physics Education Research or Astronomy Education Research. The position will begin Fall 2024, and is contingent upon the availability of funds. A PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field is required. The successful applicant should have a strong interest or demonstrated experience in teacher preparation. The new faculty member will be expected to: carry out a vigorous, externally-funded research program with a primary emphasis on physics education research or astronomy education research, advise undergraduate and graduate students, and participate fully in the teaching program of the department.
We are home to a unique, completely online MS program in physics primarily targeted at in-service high school physics teachers, and an undergraduate physics teacher education program. We are a legacy PhysTEC comprehensive site and leaders of the Texas PhysTEC Regional Network. We work on teacher preparation across STEM through the Noyce program. The successful applicant will be involved in the continued development and expansion of these programs. Our department encourages adoption of innovative teaching strategies. Several courses are taught in studio mode, and even more employ Learning Assistants. Our department recently took part in the APS Departmental Action Leadership Institute.
Our department and university are dedicated to supporting students and creating a welcoming environment for all students. As a department, we practice caring mentoring of our students and the employment of pedagogical practices and classroom environments that benefit all students.
The Physics and Astronomy Department has 11 full-time faculty members. A&M-Commerce is a growing regional university Located just 1 hour outside of Dallas, the university offers 130 affordable degree programs and is becoming the school of choice for urban and rural Northeast Texas. Embracing a mission to transform lives, A&M-Commerce has seen a 7% increase in overall enrollment compared to the same time last year, with 11,983 students enrolled for Fall 2023, including over 8,200 undergraduates and 3,740 graduate students. The university has a commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities that prepare students for success, including those from low-income and first-generation backgrounds.
Visit our website at http://www.tamuc.edu/physics for further information about the University and our department. Phone or e-mail inquiries can be directed to Dr. Kurtis Williams, Interim Department Head of Physics and Astronomy at (903) 886-5488, or kurtis.williams@tamuc.edu.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses
- Develop and maintain funded physics education research program
- Advise and mentor both graduate and undergraduate students
- Develop curriculum
- Work collaborative with faculty, staff, and students to implement departmental programs
- Provide service to the department, college, university, public schools, and community
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Education: Ph.D. in Physics or Astronomy or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
- Experience / Knowledge / Skills: Demonstrated experience conducting physics education research and/or astronomy education research; Excellent written and oral communication skills; Commitment to high quality teaching.
- Ability to: Work collaboratively with a team of professionals.
- Licensing/Professional Certifications: None
PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:
- Postdoctoral research experience
- A record of publications related to physics and/or astronomy related research in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience in writing competitive funding proposals
- Experience or high potential in physics teacher preparation and/or professional development
- Experience or high potential in teaching in an active learning environment and with innovative teaching strategies
- Experience or high potential in developing and maintaining a funded research program
- Experience or high potential in mentoring and advising undergraduate and graduate students
- Experience or high potential in fostering a sense of belonging for all students, including traditionally underserved populations such as those in the northeast Texas region
- Experience or high potential in recruitment and/or retention of undergraduate and/or graduate students
- Drive to excel in teaching, research, and service in rural northeast Texas
- Collegiality, humility, and welcoming of feedback
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.
