Assistant Teaching Professor

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the new School of Science and Engineering at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is pleased to announce an opportunity for an Assistant Teaching Professor of Physics. We invite you to consider this opportunity or share this e-mail with colleagues, graduating or former students, and others in the discipline/profession that may have interest. Nominations are welcome and we appreciate your shared interest in our endeavor. We seek faculty with a commitment to increasing academic and research opportunities for students of color and underrepresented minorities within the STEM fields.

University Statement on Diversity: UMKC values diversity as central to its mission as an urban-serving research university and as a driver of excellence in teaching and learning. UMKC embraces a broad spectrum of diversities, including race, ethnicity, culture, nationality, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, linguistic ability, learning style, religion, socioeconomic and veteran status, life experiences, educational level and family structure. All are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must submit materials through the UMKC recruitment portal: Visit the UMKC website, https://www.umkc.edu/select Jobs at the bottom of the page, click on Academic Positions, then View Jobs. Enter Job ID 40772 into the search jobs field.

Job Description: The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Missouri-Kansas City invites applications for a ranked non-tenure track Assistant Teaching Professor position in Physics. This is a 9-month, full-time (benefit eligible) position with opportunities to teach classes during summer for additional compensation. This position has a start date of August 15, 2022.

Duties and Responsibilities: The position reports directly to the department Chairperson. The position includes instructor of record roles for 12 credit hours per semester (0.8 FTE) and service roles (0.2 FTE) as a voting faculty member. Primary teaching responsibilities include semesterly instruction in large-enrollment (100-200) calculus-based introductory physics courses required by campus STEM degree programs, and coordination of the associated laboratory sections including supervision of Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) assigned to physics labs. Regular instruction includes maintaining course grading and resources on Canvas learning management system (LMS) pages, holding office hours each week, and engaging in professional development. Instruction will primarily be on-campus and face-to-face. Primary service responsibilities include serving as the physics coordinator for the UMKC High School College Partnership (HSCP) dual credit program and serving on department and campus committees.

The successful candidate will be expected to 1) have a strong commitment to quality undergraduate physics education; 2) teach courses in the undergraduate physics program; 3) manage the operations of the physics teaching laboratories; 4) maintain an outstanding record of educational and professional leadership; 5) engage in department, school, and/or university level service activities appropriate to the position, and 6) advance the goals and strategic plan of UMKC and of the School of Science and Engineering.

The ideal candidate will have experience as a primary course instructor in introductory physics at the community college or university level, or in AP/IB physics at the high school level, as well as demonstrate a) knowledge about, and a commitment to, intellectually engaging students in their learning using evidence-based practices in student-centered teaching; b) enthusiasm for regular development of instructional materials designed to improve student learning and to foster a sense of belonging for students from historically underserved and underrepresented groups; c) a willingness to learn and use multiple technology platforms to communicate with students to promote accountability and student retention in the program; and d) the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and professionally with students.

About Physics and Astronomy at UMKC: The department offers BS, BA, MS, and PhD degree programs in physics and astronomy, as well as general education science courses for non-majors. The department will join the Division of Energy, Matter and Systems in the new School of Science and Engineering in Fall 2022. The department is an integral and prominent component of STEM education at UMKC and therefore is well-positioned and dedicated to attracting majors from historically underserved and underrepresented populations, implementing best practices for teaching and inclusive student engagement, and ensuring positive career outcomes for all students. The department has a strong commitment to fostering and maintaining an inclusive and equity-minded environment for a diverse academic community of faculty, staff, and students. We seek individuals who will contribute, through their teaching and service, to this environment and who can enhance the excellence of the department as well as the broader STEM community. More information about the department can be found at https://cas.umkc.edu/areas-of-study/physics-and-astronomy/ .

About UMKC: The University of Missouri-Kansas City is an urban public research institution, situated at the heart of a thriving and multifaceted community, with a strong STEM economy, a buzzing culture and arts scene, excellent schools, numerous recreational amenities, and an affordable cost of living. UMKC embraces a broad spectrum of diversities, including race, ethnicity, culture, nationality, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, linguistic ability, learning style, religion, socioeconomic and veteran status, life experiences, educational level, and family structure. We especially encourage applications from candidates who are committed to our core campus values of learning, diversity, integrity, accountability, respect, and collaboration.

Minimum Qualifications: A master's degree in physics, astronomy, or science education (or a closely related field with a minimum of 18 graduate hours in physics content).

Application Deadline: This position will remain open until filled.

Application Instructions: To apply, please combine all application materials (cover letter, full curriculum vitae, a teaching statement, and contact information for three references) into one PDF or Microsoft Word document with a maximum size of 11MB and upload online at the link above as your résumé attachment. Limit the document name to fifty characters and do not include any special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). The teaching statement is limited to no more than three pages, and it should include a narrative of the candidate’s teaching experience, teaching philosophy, knowledge of pedagogical best practices, and a diversity statement. The candidate may include supporting evidence in a clearly labeled addendum to the 3-page teaching statement (not counted toward 3-page limit).

For questions about the position or nominations, please contact: Department Chairperson Daniel