Visiting Assistant Professor- Physics

The Department of Physics at Elmhurst University, a primarily undergraduate institution, invites applications for a full-time Visiting Assistant Professor position beginning in the fall of 2022. The initial appointment will be for two years with the possibility of extension for a further two years or conversion to a tenure-track position depending on the success of initiatives led by the applicant, the department, and the availability of funding.

Qualifications required are a Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field that allows the candidate to teach courses across the physics curriculum. Postdoctoral and teaching experience are highly desired, but not required. Excellence in the classroom is a primary requirement – enthusiasm for ‘hands-on’ experimental activities and a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and research are essential.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and teach a two-semester undergraduate course in mechatronics and rapid prototyping. Applicants with considerable experience in these two areas will be strongly preferred. Over the past two years the physics department has been modernizing its facilities and curriculum to prepare our students for innovative careers in research, industry, or entrepreneurship. Two new fabrication labs have been setup with rapid prototyping tools including a CNC mill, a number of 3D printers, and a large-bed laser cutter and engraver. The mechatronics and rapid prototyping course should be designed to take full advantage of the new fabrication labs.

The physics department is strongly committed to undergraduate research and often aims to involve students in research as early as their sophomore year. The department has a robust research effort in biophysics and biologically-inspired robotics with a focus on how animals sense flow in air and water. Research facilities include a dedicated computation lab, a modern optics lab, high-speed cameras, a particle image velocimetry system, and two research lab spaces to setup experiments. In addition to being able to develop a curriculum in mechatronics, candidates with interdisciplinary research experience in robotics or fluid dynamics who can also support our research effort and make the department a strong contender for extramural funding will receive preference. Applicants should describe in their research statement their plans for developing a two-semester mechatronics and rapid prototyping course, and how this course will be integrated into supporting undergraduate research in the department

Please be aware that as a continued emphasis on keeping our community safe and healthy, we will require all faculty, staff, and students to submit verification of full vaccination for COVID-19.

Required Documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
4. Research Statement
5. Three Letters of Recommendation
6. Unofficial Transcripts

Applications and inquiries should be sent via e-mail to Venkatesh Gopal, Chair, Department of Physics, Elmhurst University at vgopal@elmhurst.edu. Letters of recommendation should be sent by the recommender directly to the Chair via e-mail. Applications received by 15 January 2022 will receive full consideration. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.   Elmhurst University is a leading institution of higher education that seamlessly blends liberal learning and professional preparation to help students reach their full potential. Elmhurst University offers more than 70 undergraduate majors, 15 graduate programs, degree-completion programs for busy adults, and the acclaimed Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy for young adults with developmental disabilities. Elmhurst University is one of the Top 10 Colleges in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report; and U.S. News, Money and Forbes magazines consistently rank Elmhurst as one of the Midwest’s best values in higher education.

Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a critical component of the University’s mission, vision and core values. Our commitment stems from the belief that an institution of higher learning is enriched by the presence of diversity. Elmhurst University is an EO Employer. Elmhurst University prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.