Assistant Professor of Physics

The Department of Physics and Astrophysics at the University of North Dakota seeks a teaching assistant professor in physics, initially on a two-year appointment with renewal possible contingent upon performance and funding. This position combines 9-month full-time academic appointments with part-time summer appointments commensurate with load. The position may begin as early as July 01, 2023, but not later than August 16, 2023. A start date of July 1^st will include a part-time summer contract from July 1 through August 15 and a full-time academic year contract from August 16, 2023 through May 15, 2024 as well as a part-time contract for summer of 2024 and a full-time academic year contract for August 16, 2024 through May 15, 2025. The Physics and Astrophysics Department is housed in the College of Arts & Sciences and currently offers a BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Physics and minors in Physics and Astrophysics.

The successful candidate will be able to teach a combination of undergraduate and graduate physics classes via traditional and online delivery. The ideal candidate will be willing and able to a) use technology to enhance the learning experience of students b) explore and adopt novel pedagogical approaches, and c) develop new courses.

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota. It is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having high research activity. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, UND has grown into a prominent scientific research university and was recently ranked among the top 100 public and top 25 most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report and is widely regarded as among the top universities in the American Northern Plains region. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study with nearly 14,000 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law. The School of Medicine has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.

UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public school system, high quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top five Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

Position Benefits

Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), employee assistance program, retirement plans with generous employer contributions.

Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.

Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks here!

Duties & Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will receive a contract with 100% effort dedicated to teaching-related duties. They will be expected to a) teach physics courses across the undergraduate curriculum and b) in collaboration with other Physics and Astrophysics faculty, develop and teach new courses intended for professional development of high-school physics teachers. 
• UND and the College of Arts & Sciences value diverse perspectives and seek applicants who are committed to helping students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed.

Required Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students
• Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students
• Ability to work with and engage diverse students and colleagues within and outside the Department of Physics and Astrophysics
• Ability to adapt to current methods of teaching, including online delivery

Minimum Requirements

• Earned PhD in Physics
• Successful completion of criminal history records check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level via face-to-face
• Experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate-level courses via online delivery
• Experience developing new undergraduate and/or graduate courses

Minimum Hiring Salary

Competitive salary

Contract Period/Start Date

Position is full-time, benefited and exempt. Dates of initial academic year contract are August 16, 2023 to May 15, 2024.

To Apply

For full consideration, applications must be received by Monday, May 1^st and include the following materials:

• Cover letter
• Professional vita or resumé
• Copies of unofficial transcripts for all colleges/universities attended. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts upon hire.
• A 1-2 page statement outlining teaching experience, teaching philosophy, and student outreach and mentoring activities
• Contact information for three references who can attest to candidate’s qualifications for this position.

Position is open until filled.

Questions can be directed to the Department Chair, Dr. Kanishka Marasinghe at  kanishka.marasinghe@und.edu.