Assistant Professor - Physics Education Research

Position:                  

Full-time, tenure-track assistant professor, beginning September 2022. Western Washington University (WWU) invites applications from candidates with research specialization on the learning and teaching of physics and/or astronomy. This is a joint appointment in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Science, Mathematics and Technology Education (SMATE) program. The Department, SMATE, and the College of Science and Engineering support WWU’s mission to bring together individuals of diverse backgrounds and perspectives in an inclusive, student-centered university that develops the potential of learners and the well-being of communities.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Ph.D. in physics, astronomy or closely related field, OR in science education together with upper-division or graduate-level course work in physics. Degree requirements must be completed by September 1, 2022
• Record of scholarly research on the learning and teaching of physics and/or the learning and teaching of astronomy
• Potential for developing an active research program involving undergraduate students
• Demonstrated experience in or potential for teaching undergraduate physics and/or astronomy courses, including physics courses designed for preservice teachers
• Demonstrated commitment to and potential for cultivating learning environments that are equitable and inclusive of students with diverse identities and backgrounds
• Demonstrated commitment to and potential for the preparation and/or professional development of K-12 teachers
• Demonstrated commitment to and potential for the use of student-centered teaching approaches

Preferred:

• Teaching experience at the undergraduate or K-12 level
• Post-doctoral research experience or equivalent
• Potential for scholarly collaborations with existing faculty at WWU
• Interest in actively participating in discussions with faculty, staff, and students from multiple disciplines to create vibrant STEM teacher preparation programs
• Demonstrated interest in and potential for teaching upper-division physics courses

Responsibilities:

The successful applicant will enhance existing strengths in undergraduate education and science teacher preparation and will contribute actively to identifying and responding to new challenges and opportunities in these areas. Teaching assignments (typically five courses per academic year) will be distributed evenly between courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and courses in SMATE. An active research program on the teaching and learning of physics and/or astronomy is expected, especially one that engages undergraduate research assistants and supports collaborations within and between SMATE and Physics. Service activities include departmental committees and student advising. The successful applicant will work to close existing gaps in student retention and success and to provide equitable and inclusive learning opportunities for all students.