The Department of Physics and Astronomy is a high-quality, baccalaureate program which has grown significantly over the past decade. With approximately 80 majors in our four degree programs and more in our minors and certificate programs, we are one of the largest baccalaureate-only physics programs in the country. We are committed to fostering a sense of inclusiveness by providing equal access to educational opportunities in a welcoming environment. Our senior and junior faculty members (seven tenure track hires in the past nine years) work collaboratively to provide our students with research experience in a wide range of areas. The Department is committed to supporting faculty-student research through a number of unique programs made available by the generosity of donors to the Department. Our Department has a long history of faculty being recognized with numerous awards for teaching, scholarly activity, and service, as well as through federal grant support for both research and teaching. Recent graduates have pursued advanced studies at many institutions including MIT, UC Berkeley, Harvard, UC Davis, and many others. Others have found careers in teaching or industry (including Intel, Google, Pixar Animation Studios, Apple, and the State of California). Across the board, our graduates are known for their hands-on and real-life problem-solving skills.

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from the State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” is one of the most diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State’s 31,000 students come not only from the Greater Sacramento Region, but also from across the state, country, and world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission: “As California’s capital university, we transform lives by preparing students for leadership, service, and success. Sacramento State will be a recognized leader in education, innovation, and engagement.” As the regional hub of higher education, Sac State is dedicated to student success, diversity, equity and inclusion, and community engagement. For more information visit Office of Faculty Advancement, Division of Academic Affairs: https://www.csus.edu/academic-affairs/faculty-advancement/why-sac-state.html

Duties/Responsibilities

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is seeking a new faculty member in physics for a tenure track appointment in a high-quality baccalaureate program that values student research. The duties of a successful applicant will include effective teaching, promoting student success, effectively working with our diverse student body, and involving undergraduate students in research projects. The appointee will also be expected to pursue scholarly activity, including seeking external funding, and performing service to the Institution (committee assignments, program development, etc.) as well as service to the Community.

• Required Qualifications

  – Education

  – Ph.D. in physics or closely related field.

  – All degree requirements must be completed by August 1, 2023.

• Experience

  – Completion of graduate level coursework and research experience in physics or a closely related field. ABDs will be considered, if degree is completed prior to August 2023.

• Special Knowledge and Abilities

  – Strong commitment to teaching at the undergraduate level.

  – Strong commitment to promoting student success at the undergraduate level.

  – Commitment and potential to work with a diverse student body.

  – Potential to successfully develop an independent research program at Sacramento State.

  – Potential to mentor undergraduate student research projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience or training in undergraduate teaching is highly desirable.
• Willingness to work with colleagues to assess and implement strategies to foster student success in introductory courses.
• Potential to utilize innovative strategies to improve access to high demand courses.
• Potential to communicate effectively with a diverse student population.

Appointment

This is tenure-track position and will be at the Assistant Professor level. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and professional experience.

Application Review

To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by December 2, 2022; position open until filled.

Application Procedures

Applications are only accepted through the Sacramento State jobs website located at: https://careers.csus.edu/en-us/job/520211/tenure-track-faculty-physics-and-astronomy Questions about the position may be directed to Chris Taylor, Department Chair, at physicschair@csus.edu.

Candidates must include the following attachments with the application:

• A one page letter of application.
• A curriculum vitae.
• Unofficial copies of transcripts of all college work (Note: Official copies will be required of those invited for an interview).
• A one to three page statement outlining the applicant’s approach to teaching.
• A one to three page statement outlining the applicant’s plans for their scholarly activity, including how they will involve undergraduate students in their research program.
• A one to three page statement outlining the applicant’s experience and/or potential to work with diverse students and colleagues, and contribute to a diverse academic environment both in teaching and scholarly work.
• Contact information of at least three references who will speak to the applicant’s professional qualifications.
• Page limits do not include references.

Only complete applications will be considered.