Teaching Assistant Professor, Physics

Position Title
Teaching Assistant Professor, Physics
The Opportunity

The Physics Department at the Colorado School of Mines (Mines) invites applications for a teaching assistant professor to support the delivery of our introductory sequence and core curriculum. The Department of Physics offers an ABET-accredited undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics, as well as MS and PhD degrees. The program typically graduates between 50 and 60 majors per year. The department encourages and supports innovation in teaching and learning and has developed effective methods of instruction at the introductory and advanced levels. More information can be found at http://physics.mines.edu . The successful candidate will become part of the departmental teaching faculty team, which currently consists of seven full-time members. While having the primary responsibility for delivering the two-semester introductory calculus-based physics sequence using a hybrid-studio approach, the teaching faculty team had been regularly, and will continue to be, called upon to support the delivery of courses in our core curriculum both at the undergraduate and graduate levels as well. We are looking for the successful candidate to start in August 2023.

Responsibilities

• In the introductory discussions, lead large-enrollment class sessions with active learning pedagogies (e.g., clicker questions, worked examples).
• In the introductory studio, work alongside graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants to coach students through a combination of hands-on activities, problem-solving practice, and other computer-assisted lessons.
• Contribute to other parts of the Engineering Physics undergraduate and (Applied) Physics graduate core curriculum.
• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants.
• Coordinate multi-section courses and collaborate effectively in curriculum development, innovative pedagogy, and other departmental services.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students.
• Contribute both institutionally and professionally through active service.
• Cultivate and promote an inclusive and diverse Mines community through recruiting, mentorship, collaboration, and service.

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned doctoral degree in physics or a closely related field by August 2023.
• Strong commitment to undergraduate education, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively as a member of a teaching team.
• A thorough understanding of modern, research-based educational practices.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrate experience with the delivery of physics courses in the introductory sequence and in the core curriculum at the undergraduate and graduate levels using modern, research-vetted teaching practices.

Department Description

Colorado School of Mines is located in picturesque Golden, Colorado, in the foothills of the Rockies, 15 miles west of Denver and 20 miles south of Boulder. Mines is proud to have recently earned Carnegie Classification R1 “Very High Research Activity.” The Department of Physics is housed in the new CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering building, which is at the center of campus and has several new classrooms that are available to apply interactive and innovative teaching techniques. The Physics faculty are extremely research-active with national and international reputation. The Teaching Faculty team is known for driving innovation in teaching throughout campus and beyond, and their strong dedication to provide the Mines students with unique signature experiences.

More information can be found at http://physics.mines.edu .

About Mines & Golden, CO

Mines is consistently ranked among the top engineering colleges in the United States and ranks number one as the best public school in the state for best value colleges. Mines is located in the heart of Golden, Colorado, a western suburb of Denver. The campus location offers a small-town ambiance with close proximity to all that the Denver metropolitan area has to offer with an abundance of cultural events, museums, theaters and sporting venues. A high altitude sunny climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities make the area an ideal place to live, work and play. We seek individuals who value a diverse and inclusive community – offering different perspectives, experiences, and cultures that enrich the educational and work experience.

Equal Opportunity

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

Pay Range

Mines is offering an academic year salary of $75,000 - $80,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Total Rewards
Mines is proud to provide exceptional benefits that include pay, health & wellness and work/life balance offerings. Our portfolio of benefits includes medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. Additionally, Mines employees are eligible for tuition benefits (for employees and dependents), generous paid holidays and leaves and discount programs. Additionally, Mines’ leadership and innovation brings proximity and access to several research centers, consortia, agencies, labs and leading edge technology. For more information, visit Mines benefits .
How to Apply

Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, references, veterans status) and upload a CV and cover letter (required). References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made.

For full consideration, apply by November 1, 2022.

Applicants must submit:

1. A letter of application,
2. A statement of teaching and/or design experience and interests with a description of any experience you have in education (face-to-face and online) (maximum of 2 pages),
3. A statement on contributions to diversity and inclusion, describing your past experiences and proposed activities to advance access, inclusion and diversity at Mines (maximum of 2 pages), and
4. A curriculum vitae.

Teaching Statement:

Mines is committed to high quality, hands-on and project-based learning. Additionally, Mines is growing its online MS non-thesis degree programs. Candidates should cover their in-person and hands-on teaching pedagogy and be prepared to describe any experience they have in online education.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement:

Candidates should submit a statement on Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion. Mines is committed to access, inclusion, and diversity and is actively developing a strategic plan to advance Diversity, Inclusion and Access (for more information visit https://www.mines.edu/about/diversity-and-inclusion/ ). The diversity and inclusion statement should describe your past experience and proposed activities to advance access, inclusion, and diversity at Mines.

Please contact Kathleen Feighny, Human Resources, at kfeighny@mines.edu with any questions.

Background Investigation Required
Yes

Advertised: Sep 6, 2022 Mountain Daylight Time
Applications close: