Job Details

Assistant Professor (Lecturer) for Physics & Astronomy

Position Number: 9796402
Location: Salt Lake City, United States
Position Type: Science - Physics

Assistant Professor (Lecturer) for Physics & Astronomy

Details

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Utah invites applications for a career-line (non tenure-track) faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor (Lecturer). We seek a long-term colleague who will join our talented group of faculty. The position requires a graduate degree in physics or a related area.

The candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to physics instruction that serves all students, the use of evidence-based instructional practices, and excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills. The position consists of standard teaching responsibilities equivalent to several departmental courses per year. The majority of these responsibilities will support the department's core instructional mission through introductory and core physics courses, with opportunities potentially available to teach and/or develop other courses, such as primarily online, lab-based, or upper level courses. In addition, most career-line faculty actively participate in committees that promote student success, improved faculty teaching techniques, curriculum reform, and TA mentoring and coordination.

In this position, the successful candidate can take advantage of positive trends and opportunities to meet their professional goals. The University of Utah has experienced steady enrollment growth in recent years, drawing students from a broader geographic area. The Department of Physics & Astronomy has recently moved into a new, state-of-the-art building with modern teaching and research facilities. Membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU) solidifies the University's status as a top-tier research-intensive institution with a strong focus on student success.

Details: This salaried (exempt) appointment within the career-line track does not include the possibility of tenure, but is expected to be a long-term appointment that is otherwise similar to tenure track appointments with various ranks (assistant, associate, and full professor), the eligibility to apply for external funding, service on committees (including in leadership roles), and participation in departmental governance. The initial appointment is envisioned to start as early as the Spring 2027 semester, preferably somewhat earlier to allow for ample preparation, will be for three years, and is expected to be renewed thereafter.

Application process and timeline: Please provide (i) a cover letter describing your interest in this particular opportunity; (ii) your complete academic curriculum vitae; and (iii) a statement describing your educational philosophy and experience, and your plans for implementing evidence-based instruction that serves all students and supports the achievement of their educational goals. Please also provide contact information for three (3) professional references and arrange for the reference letters to be submitted by November 1, 2026.

The review of applications will commence on September 14, 2026. Please apply by November 1, 2026 for priority review, though we will be accepting applications until the position is filled. If you have questions about this search, please direct them to the chair of the search committee, Prof. Daniel Wik (wik@astro.utah.edu).

Located in metropolitan Salt Lake City, a vibrant metropolitan area in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains with a multicultural population, and numerous cultural and family-oriented activities, the University of Utah is the state's flagship research institution and emphasizes exceptional scholarship, quality teaching, and professional service. The university serves over 32,000 students from across the U.S. and the world with over 72 major subjects at the undergraduate level and more than 90 major fields of study at the graduate level, including law, dentistry, and medicine. Known for its proximity to exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities, such as world-class skiing, hiking, biking, camping, climbing, and breathtaking national and state parks, and for a diverse and growing economy, the University of Utah encourages an active, holistic lifestyle, innovation and collaborative thinking to engage students, faculty, and business leaders.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, and faculty from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and employment opportunities for historically underrepresented groups. All individuals, including those from historically underrepresented groups such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities, and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Department: 00127 - Physics and Astronomy
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Track: Non Tenure Track
Close Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Requisition Number: PRN01557CF

To apply, visit <a href=""https://apptrkr.com/9796402"">https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/208378

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.