Friday, September 28, 2018

Three-Semester VAP at Earlham College

Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics & Astronomy (Three-Semester Position): 

Description
Earlham College invites applications for a full-time, three-semester Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics & Astronomy position beginning in January 2019. The College has a preference for an experimentalist, but applications from all areas of specialty are welcome. Earlham seeks a person who is passionate about Physics/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 equally committed to making the Department of Physics and Astronomy an inclusive place for all students and faculty. Its goal is to build a department that supports a wide range of diversity.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is a small, dynamic group with three full-time tenure-track members and active research programs in computational biophysics, laser physics and gravitational physics. Earlham's facilities include local cluster computing resources, a teaching observatory, a natural history museum with a planetarium, and dedicated research laboratory space.

Earlham combines the finest liberal arts education with an environment shaped by historic Quaker values. Its 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.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
The successful candidate will have a teaching load of three courses per semester, and will teach a range of topics, including introductory courses and labs as well as advanced courses and a senior seminar in the candidate’s area of interest. College support, including conference travel funding, summer research funds, faculty development funds, and assistance with applications for external grants, is available to successful candidates who wish to engage in scholarly activities.
Experience & Qualifications
Preference will go to applicants who have completed (or are presently finalizing a dissertation for) a Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field. Earlham holds excellence in teaching as its most important criterion, so as the Department reviews applications, it 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.
The candidate selected to fill this position should have legal work authorization to be employed by any U.S. employer. Due to the short duration of this position, Earlham is unable to provide work authorization sponsorship.

Application Instructions
Candidates should send applications as a single PDF including:

• A cover letter that addresses your interests, qualifications and experience;
• Your curriculum vitae;
• A statement of teaching philosophy;
• A 300-500 word statement that describes your ability to contribute to the advancement of Earlham’s goal of being a diverse and inclusive institution;
• A research statement; and
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial is fine).
Three letters of recommendation should be sent separately, as PDFs.

Application materials should be sent to:

Bobbi Cayard-Roberts
Administrative Assistant
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Earlham College
Email: physics_astro_search@earlham.edu

Review of applications will begin October 12, 2018, and will continue until the position is filled.

Please direct questions to:
Michael G. Lerner, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Physics
Earlham College
Email: lernemi@earlham.edu

Earlham College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks applications from candidates who contribute to diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, age, religious affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and veteran status, among other distinctions and contributions. As a College with a Quaker identity, Earlham also is eager to solicit applications from members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

Earlham utilizes E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees within the United States.