Director of Instructional Support, Department of Physics, UC Berkeley

 UC Berkeley Department of Physics is searching for a new Director of Instructional Support. The recruitment can be viewed on the UCB Careers page, key word "physics"

Direct Link to the Job Ad

If you know of someone who  might be a good fit for this position, please urge them to apply.

Purpose of this Position:

This position supervises the instructional Support Team, including research/instructional associates and engineering staff, which manages instructional lab spaces and/or provides lecture demonstrations for thirteen large undergraduate courses per semester serving more than 2500 students as well as some limited outreach activities to external constituencies. The eight large lower-division introductory courses are service courses for students in biology, engineering, chemistry, architecture, physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities while also functioning as a gateway to the physics major. Upper division courses serve primarily physics majors. The instructional Support Team provides day-to-day management of the labs and troubleshooting of experiments and demonstrations so the faculty can focus on working directly with students.  

Using knowledge of modern data acquisition systems, sensors, and experimental software, and an understanding of computing environments for physics labs, this position works closely with faculty to develop and support technological innovation in teaching methodologies and the use of technology in support of learning goals. This can include a range of activities such as affecting significant shifts in teaching pedagogy, new engineering advancements in experimental software and lab equipment, introduction of peer-learning techniques, and significant shifts in course staffing. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Solid knowledge of lab environments and the way technology is utilized in the service of learning. 
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills in a complex organization with proven ability to apply management principles, lead technical staff, organize and establish priorities, and establish unit goals and outcomes.
• Highly effective organizational and communication skills in order to convey complex information in an effective manner.
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner; identify challenges and barriers and provide resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and influence others.
• Understanding of computing environments for physics labs (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Arduino, or similar tools).
• Advanced knowledge of instructional methods and design to collaborate effectively with faculty and function as a resource to instructional associates.
• Solid interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty and staff.
• Knowledge of modern data acquisition systems, sensors, and experimental software.
• Experience overseeing the design, maintenance, and upgrading of instructional lab equipment.
• Familiarity/experience with general laboratory guidelines (chemicals, radiation, laser safety, etc).
• Background in physics or closely related STEM field.
• Familiarity with use of experimental setups and instructional demonstrations for undergraduate physics curricula and lab-based learning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Quantum, or closely related physical science, or a Bachelors degree and substantial graduate study in these fields.
• Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Quantum (or equivalent balance of education and experience).
• Understanding of Learning Management Systems (LMS), digital platforms for online homework and lab submissions. Familiarity with new teaching methodologies, including digital and remote labs.
• Knowledge of current, relevant research and best practices in physics education as they pertain to instructional labs and lecture demonstrations, classroom and on-line instruction.

The first review of applicants will be April 3rd.

FT NTT Teaching Assistant Professor (Eligible for Promotion to TT), Kansas State

https://careers.k-state.edu/jobs/teaching-assistant-professor-manhattan-kansas-united-states-dd746d4b-94a3-4f83-be86-0cd28bfa74b4

(Note: If you have any questions about the position, please reach out to Prof. James T. Laverty (laverty@ksu.edu).)

The K-State Physics Department seeks to hire a teaching assistant professor (TAP) of physics with a professional background in physics education research. This is a full-time, in-person, nine-month regular appointment as a non-tenure-track faculty member. Assuming good performance, they will be eligible for promotion to a tenure-track faculty position after a period of time nominally equal to three years, subject to agreement of the College of Arts and Sciences and adherence to applicable K-State Human Resources regulations. The TAP will have a teaching load corresponding to lead instructor for one large introductory class during one semester and a negotiable number of smaller classes in the other semester. Optional summer teaching is possible. The TAP will be allocated a fraction of their time for research and given departmental resources to support this research.

About Us

The Department of Physics, which is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, has 25 full-time faculty members engaged in internationally competitive research in atomic molecular, and optical physics; high energy physics and cosmology; soft matter, condensed matter, and biological physics; and physics education research. The successful candidate will become a member of the KSU Physics Education Research group which was founded in 1972 and has an international reputation for excellence in PER. The department is committed to teaching physics to students at all levels: non-majors, pre-professionals, physics majors, and physics graduate students. Additional details about the department are available at: http://www.phys.ksu.edu.

Worksite Option

 This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location. 

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

PhD or equivalent in physics or a related field,

Experience teaching physics at the college level,

Evidence of scholarly work in physics education research or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

PhD specialization in physics education research or post-doctoral experience in physics education research,

Prefer at least two years of relevant teaching experience,

Experience teaching an introductory physics class as an instructor of record at the college level.

Sponsorship eligibility:

This position is eligible for sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

Cover letter

Current Curriculum Vitae (including courses taught)

Teaching philosophy (1-2 pages)

Research Agenda (2-4 pages)

Names and contact information for three professional references

Screening of Applications Begins

March 24, 2025 and continues until position is filled.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$52,000-$62,000

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

FT Lecturer, University of Detroit Mercy

 Lecturer Position in Physics 

The Physics Program in the College of Engineering & Science at University of Detroit Mercy invites candidates to apply for a full-time lecturer position starting August 16, 2025.  

 

University of Detroit Mercy is dedicated to the goal of building a supportive, diverse and inclusive academic community, with a commitment to experiential and community engaged learning. The Physics program at Detroit Mercy is a vibrant program whose faculty teach courses required for students majoring in science and engineering disciplines, as well as the university core curriculum; engage in interdisciplinary and collaborative teaching and research; and mentor students within the College of Engineering and Science.  

 

A successful candidate would be one that has a strong interest in implementing best practices in teaching pedagogy and supporting a diverse population of students at a primarily undergraduate institution. Candidates should hold at minimum a Master's degree in physics or physics specialty. 

 

Further details about the position description and instructions for applicants, as well as the application form can be accessed at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3070850. 

 

To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by 11:59PM ET on March 30, 2025. For any questions or clarifications please contact the Chair of the search committee, Dr. Prasad Venugopal, at venugoep@udmercy.edu. 

The University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.