DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY AND SCIENCE EDUCATION
http://www.wwu.edu/physics

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 equitableand 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.

Department & College:

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is comprised of 16 full-time faculty and 110 undergraduate physics majors. Physics B.S. and Math/Physics B.A.Ed. degrees are offered in addition to minor degrees in both physics and astronomy. In recent years, the department has placed increased emphasis on providing meaningful research opportunities for its majors, including hiring new tenure-track faculty committed to undergraduate research. Members of the department are also active in the development of new educational materials and innovative teaching methods. The common vision shared within the department is to make the WWU Department of Physics and Astronomy the most outstanding undergraduate program of its kind in the nation.

WWU has a historic emphasis on teacher preparation and prepares a large fraction of the K-12 teachers in Washington State. SMATE is housed in the College of Sciences and Engineering, includes 12 faculty members with joint appointments in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geology, Computer Science, and the College of Education, and is led by a full-time director. SMATE prepares teachers in science content and methods and has an established history of leading and supporting systemic science education reform efforts in Washington State and nationally. SMATE faculty engage actively in interdisciplinary collaborations in research, teaching, and teacher professional development.

WWU is committed to creating equitable and inclusive learning and working environments for their students, faculty and staff. A number of faculty-led initiatives and committees focus on diversity and inclusivity in the classroom and beyond. The college’s STEM Inclusion & Outreach Specialist, who also teaches in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, maintains partnerships with faculty and inclusion programs locally and nationally that are devoted to recruitment and advancement of underrepresented students in STEM. New faculty are supported by mentoring both within the department and through university-wide initiatives, and individual faculty involvement in the Faculty Success Program has recently been supported by our department. Student clubs such as SACNAS, Physicists for Inclusion in STEM (PhIS), and Out in Science are also vital to advancing inclusion within the college.

Detailed information is available for the Department of Physics and Astronomy at http://www.wwu.edu/physics and for SMATE at smate.wwu.edu.

University:

WWU is a public university with over 16,000 students. We are centrally located with respect to major research universities such as the University of Washington, University of British Columbia, and Simon Fraser University. WWU has been named as one of the best colleges to work for by the Chronicle of Higher Education. WWU is one of 24 institutions in the USA to receive funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence Program, which supports the Advancing Excellence and Equity in Science program in the College of Science and Engineering.

Location:

The campus overlooks Bellingham Bay and the City of Bellingham. Seattle is 90 miles to the south, Vancouver, British Columbia is 50 miles to the north. The North Cascade Mountains are to the east, and the San Juan Islands are to the west, offering a wealth of recreation opportunities.

Application:

Applications must include (1) a detailed cover letter describing the ways in which the applicant’s background addresses the required and preferred qualifications, (2) a statement of teaching philosophy, (3) a statement outlining proposed research plans, specifically addressing plans for undergraduate involvement, (4) a statement that addresses how your cultural, experiential, and/or academic background has prepared you to support the success of students with backgrounds or identities that are underrepresented in STEM fields as well as your commitment to these issues, and (5) a full curriculum vitae including the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references. Do not send letters of recommendation; they will be requested only for semi-finalists. Review of applications will begin on December 3, 2021, and the position will remain open until filled. All application materials must be uploaded at http://www.wwu.edu/jobs.

Inquiries may be addressed to the search committee chair, Dr. Ken Rines, at kenneth.rines@wwu.edu or (360) 650-7944.

WWU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. For disability accommodation, call Human Resources at 360-650-6106 or 360-650-7696 (TTY). All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service before beginning work at WWU.