https://listings.jobs.gmu.edu/
Assistant Professor (Term Instructional)
Department: College of Science
Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty
Job Category: Instructional Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: On Site Required
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Department of Physics and Astronomy includes over 40 faculty members, 100 undergraduate students (BS), and 80 graduate students (MS and PhD). Our faculty and students collaborate with local, national, and international research institutions, including the Applied Research Lab, Argonne National Laboratory, CERN, Naval Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Space Telescope Science Institute, and the US Naval Observatory. For more information on the department, visit http://physics.gmu.edu.
George Mason University, a Carnegie Research I institution, is Virginia's largest university with more than 39,000 students representing all 50 states and more than 135 countries. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, Mason is part of the Washington DC metropolitan area offering easy access to the scientific and political resources of the nation’s capital.
The George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation, and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.
About the Position:
The Term Instructional Assistant Professor is responsible for preparing and teaching courses in physics (required) and astronomy (preferred), primarily at the undergraduate introductory and intermediate levels, as well as advising students toward academic, career, and life success. In addition, this position interacts with the department Chair and other faculty and staff regarding recruiting, curriculum design and assessment, and other service requirements of the department and university.
Responsibilities:
- Teach courses offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, including both lecture and lab courses in physics and/or astronomy, hold office hours, and mentor students; and
- Contributes departmental service, e.g., by serving on committees as assigned by the Chair.
Required Qualifications:
- Doctoral degree in physics and/or astronomy, or a closely-related field;
- Experience teaching undergraduate physics and/or astronomy courses;
- Knowledge and ability to develop, implement, and teach physics courses at the undergraduate introductory and intermediate levels; and
- Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Terminal degree in a related field;
- Commitment to mentoring and educating a broad range of students, particularly those who are traditionally underrepresented in physics and astronomy; and
- In addition to the minimum KSAOs, knowledge and ability to develop, implement, and teach astronomy courses at the undergraduate introductory and intermediate levels, as well as the ability to develop and implement innovative teaching methods.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Assistant Professor (Term Instructional) at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent, CV, Philosophy of Teaching, Transcript, and three Letters of Recommendation.
Posting Open Date: April 24, 2025
For Full Consideration, Apply by: June 13, 2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.
If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!
George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/
