The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Mississippi (UM) invites applications for the inaugural F. Douglas and Cora Beal Shields Chair in Physics Education Research, an endowed tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. As the first endowed chair in the department's history, this position represents a significant institutional investment in establishing Physics Education Research as a strategic area of excellence.
The purpose of this faculty chair endowment is to recruit and retain outstanding faculty for the Department of Physics and Astronomy; to advance the understanding of physics pedagogy and contribute to the field of Physics Education Research (PER); to raise the quality of instruction across the department; and to seed a new research area with meaningful doctoral production.
This position offers a unique opportunity to establish a nationally visible PER group at a flagship R1 university with strong undergraduate and graduate physics programs. The inaugural holder of the Chair will help define the future direction of PER at the University of Mississippi.
The position includes a competitive salary and a startup package. Income from the endowment will be used to provide funds for research and creative activity, including but not limited to support for personnel (graduate teaching and research assistants, undergraduate learning assistants), operational support for scientific studies, travel to conferences, and hosting visitors and workshops. There are also opportunities for collaboration and support in connection with UM’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Center for Math and Science Education, Center for STEM Learning, and Institute for Data Science.
The Physics and Astronomy faculty are eager to attract a driven, energetic colleague who can help to craft a long-term vision for growing out PER in the department. Ideally, the new faculty member will be a proselytizer for active learning and a catalyst for extending modern, evidence-based practices. Like all our tenure-track faculty, this person must also excel at mentoring graduate students and providing them with research opportunities that lead to the Ph.D. degree.
The search committee’s aperture for evaluating the candidates is quite wide. Applications are encouraged from researchers working in all areas of PER and at all career stages. The department is open to recruiting an emerging scholar or an established researcher who could be hired with an accelerated tenure clock.
A Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field is required. Candidates should have relevant experience beyond the doctoral degree, a strong record of publication or impact in the field, demonstrated potential for establishing and sustaining a nationally recognized research program, and well-conceived plans to pursue external funding opportunities. The successful candidate is expected to establish an active and independent research program, teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute to the service missions of the department and university.
Applications should be submitted online via the Faculty Career Site portal, which is accessible from https://olemiss.edu/hr/um-
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Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of “R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.
Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.
The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
