Tuesday, January 16, 2024

FT, Primary Teaching Intro Astronomy, University of South Carolina

 The faculty of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a full-time, professional-track position at the rank of Instructor to begin August 16, 2024. The position is a 9-month appointment with a teaching load of 8 courses for the academic year. This is an annual appointment that may be renewed contingent upon the Dean’s approval, satisfactory performance, departmental needs, and the availability of funding.

Candidates must have a minimum of a Master’s degree in physics, astronomy, or a related field. A PhD in physics or a closely related discipline at the time of the appointment is strongly preferred. Experience teaching introductory physics and astronomy courses at the university level is also strongly preferred. Applicants must have demonstrated a strong commitment to and enthusiasm for excellence in undergraduate teaching. The successful candidate will teach introductory astronomy and physics classes for majors and non-majors. They will also have an opportunity to participate in physics and astronomy outreach events.

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate, and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster, and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online, or blended learning. All of our system institutions place a strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy teaches several thousand students per semester. Our courses are part of the core curriculum for several majors. We seek to provide the best introductory courses for these students, including reducing class sizes and implementing a lecture/studio model of teaching that emphasizes student interactive engagement. We anticipate that the successful applicant will contribute to these efforts. For more information about the Department of Physics and Astronomy, please visit our website at www.physics.sc.edu.

The University of South Carolina is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

How to Apply
All applicants must apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/158028. Applications must include (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a teaching statement/philosophy, and (4) at least three letters of reference (signed and on letterhead) submitted on behalf of the applicant. Reference letters may be emailed to Alexey Petrov, the Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, at apetrov@sc.edu. Review of complete applications will begin on December 1, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to Dr. Petrov at apetrov@sc.edu.