University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut invites applications for faculty positions in the Department of Physics. The successful candidate will be expected to share a deep commitment to effective instruction and teaching excellence at the undergraduate level, and to the mentoring of students in their professional development. Candidates will also share a commitment to the development and innovative improvement of physics courses. In addition, individuals will be expected to contribute to the scholarship of teaching and outreach activities. Successful candidates will also be expected to broaden participation among members of under-represented groups; demonstrate through their activities the richness of diversity in the learning experience; integrate multicultural experiences into instructional methods and research tools; contribute to the development of pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interests.
The candidate will be charged with managing laboratory courses in physics and astronomy, particularly the high-enrollment courses. The successful candidate should be able to coordinate with other faculty the design and operation of lower and upper division labs, including preparation and revision of lab manuals; training and supervision of teaching assistants; and development of grading policy and teaching assistants (TAs) evaluation methods. Duties also include responsibility for budget management of multiple accounts used to support all the teaching labs. Administrative duties include: enrollment management of laboratory courses; supervision of lab support personnel in physics and astronomy courses; general laboratory infrastructure management; and related duties as assigned.
The successful applicant must interact positively with a large and diverse group of faculty, staff assistants, teaching assistants, undergraduate students, and University administrative personnel. Along with interested faculty, the lab manager is expected to seek federal grant funding for research related to undergraduate education.
Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field; the ability to teach a full range of physics and astronomy courses at the undergraduate level; and evidence of outstanding teaching.
Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated exposure to and utilization of physics education research; experience with educational technologies, such as online homework systems, message boards, videos, smart boards, or classroom personal response systems (“clickers”); and experience teaching large lectures. Familiarity with modern lab equipment; Interest and experience in modern teaching methods, including the design and implementation of studio, or scale-up, courses for introductory physics and astronomy classes; and interest and experience in outreach activities.
Appointment Terms: This is a 9-month, annually renewable, non-tenure track position. This one-year contract may be renewed or lead to a multi-year contract in the future. This position does not lead to permanent academic tenure. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
To Apply: Select “Apply" to submit the following materials: a cover letter; curriculum vitae; and teaching statement. Your teaching statement should address your experience and philosophy, your commitment to effective learning and the use of new teaching technologies, and your ideas for integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles. Additionally, please follow the instructions in Academic Jobs Online to direct at least three reference writers to submit letters of reference on your behalf. Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. (Search # 2017354). All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.