Director of Physics Research Labs

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Department:

College of Arts & Sciences

Time Type:

Full time

Job Description:

The Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University invites applications for a term faculty appointment for Academic Year 2025-26, starting on August 1, 2025. Rank will be dependent on experience and stature in the field. The appointment is a 9-month academic year term position, with the potential for renewal contingent on department needs, budgets, and incumbent performance. Applicants should preferably hold a Ph.D. or other terminal degree in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Applicants with a Master’s degree and highly qualified applicants with significant experience and expertise in conducting or supporting experimental physics research will also be considered. 

Responsibilities include teaching three undergraduate courses per year. Courses taught may include, but are not necessarily limited to, electronics, experimental physics, and physics laboratories. All faculty are expected to hold office hours and participate in School and University activities and service. In addition to teaching three courses per year, responsibilities include managing the department's machine shop and electronics laboratories, providing support to the department’s Design and Build Lab (DaBL), mentoring student research and projects, supporting experimental research activities in the Department, and supporting other department initiatives. Candidates who have experience in fabrication, machining, and electronics, and experience obtaining or supporting externally funded research, is also preferred.

Salary, like rank, will depend on experience and stature in the field. The Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences has the following salary ranges for this term faculty position:

Professorial Lecturer: $75,000-$80,000

Senior Professorial Lecturer: $80,000-$90,000

Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer: $85,000-$95,000

Review of applications will begin December 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled, subject to ongoing budgetary approval. Please submit applications via Workday. Include (1) a cover letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) recent teaching evaluations (when possible). The cover letter should address your experience and qualifications as relevant to the position, why you are interested in the position, and how the position fits with your career goals. Contact information for three letters of reference will be solicited by Workday after applications are submitted and the review process has begun. We welcome questions about the position, directed to physicssearch@american.edu. 

American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation’s capital. For more information about American University, visit www.american.edu. The Department of Physics offers only undergraduate programs. Learn more about The College of Arts & Services at www.american.edu/cas/ and about the Department of Physics at www.american.edu/cas/physics/.

Candidates from under-represented communities are strongly encouraged to apply. American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation’s capital. For more information about American Universit