Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics - 999971
- Physics & Astronomy
- Faculty, visiting
Title: Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics - 999971
Position Number: 999971
Unit/Department: Physics & Astronomy
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Department Summary:
The Department of Chemistry and Physics at Drake University provides students with the scientific knowledge and experiential skills necessary for a career in chemistry, physics, and related fields. In preparing students for a career, we encourage and promote personal interactions between students, faculty, and experienced professionals through a variety of interactive courses, undergraduate research experiences, and seminar presentations.
Job Summary:
The Department of Chemistry and Physics at Drake University invites applications for a one-year, non-tenure track Visiting Assistant Professor position for the 2025-2026 academic year. We seek a candidate who will be committed to providing a rigorous and engaging classroom experience for students enrolled a combination of introductory physics, theoretical mechanics, electronics, and laboratory courses depending on departmental needs and the candidate’s expertise. Responsibilities include teaching assigned sections, preparing teaching materials, assessing student learning, and supervising capstone experiences.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Doctoral degree in physics or a closely related field;
• Experience teaching undergraduate physics courses.
• Knowledge and ability to develop, implement, and teach physics courses at the undergraduate introductory and intermediate levels;
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience as lead teacher or sole point of contact in one or more undergraduate physics courses.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please complete the online application and attach (1) a cover letter, (2) CV (3) a 1 page service statement describing how if hired you will support students of broad backgrounds and otherwise uniquely serve the Department, and (4) the contact details for three references.
Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.
Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Matthew Zwier, Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics, matthew.zwier@drake.edu
Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.
All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Review of Applications Begins:
Review of applications begins July 7, 2025. For full consideration, apply by July 3, 2025.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Drake Benefits Guide (Plan Year 2023).
One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Tuition Benefits.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
About Drake:
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Drake:
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. Drake University is proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. In fact, the celebration of diversity and inclusion are embedded in our Core Values. Learn more about our DEI commitment and efforts here.
We welcome applicants of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you are a member of a socially or historically underrepresented or marginalized group or you have actively demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage you to apply. If you are a member of one of the equity groups identified by applicable law, we encourage you to self-identify, where requested in our online application system.
Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
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