The Department of Physics at the University of West Florida (UWF) in Pensacola, Florida, invites applications for a Department Chair position (Position # 106000), to begin August 2025. The Chair position is a full-time, 9-month tenured appointment with a summer supplement at the rank of associate professor or full professor, with a teaching load of two courses per semester (fall and spring). The ideal candidate will be an experienced faculty member with demonstrated leadership and administrative skills, an established record of scholarly research, and evidence of commitment to student success. The Department Chair is expected to provide leadership in shaping and growing the Department of Physics, which includes faculty and staff development, faculty mentoring, strategic planning, and student recruitment and success initiatives. The Chair will report to the Dean of the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. The Department offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in Physics, including a specialization in Engineering Physics. The Department also offers a B.A. in Physics Teaching as part of the UWF-TEACH programs.
The successful Chair candidate is expected to provide strong leadership, teach undergraduate physics courses, and maintain a productive research agenda incorporating undergraduate research mentorship and perform service duties that contribute to the success of the department and the mission of the university. Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in Physics or an equivalent degree in a closely related discipline from an accredited institution with a strong commitment to teaching, academic research and service. We encourage applications from all research areas in Physics and Astronomy, with a strong preference to research in photonics.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution and strong commitment to teaching, academic research and service.
Position Qualifications
Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution and strong commitment to teaching, academic research and service.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution,
Evidence of leadership and administrative skills in an academic setting
Evidence of commitment to student success
A strong record of scholarly accomplishments, including publications and external funding
Special Requirements or Considerations of the Job:
This position requires a criminal background screen.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Candidates must apply online through the University of West Florida website: https://careers.uwf.edu. Applicants are required to attach a cv, letter of interest and contact information for three references. References will be contacted upon submission of this application. An opportunity to upload these documents will be provided during the application process. For assistance, please contact Human Resources at 850-474-2694 or email jobs@uwf.edu.
Candidates are required to attach the following:
Letter of application addressing interest in the position and qualifications, including details about leadership philosophy and relevant administrative experience.
Curriculum vitae
Teaching Philosophy
Statement of research interests and plans, including how your research will support undergraduate students.
Three letters of recommendation
Please review job requirements carefully. Failure to submit all pieces of the application may result in disqualification. Applications are accepted on the University of West Florida career site: https://careers.uwf.edu. For assistance contact UWF Human Resources at 850-474-2694 or jobs@uwf.edu.
Employment based visa sponsorship will be considered for this position.
The University of West Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Disabled/Veteran employer. Any individual requiring special accommodation to apply is requested to advise UWF by contacting UWF Human Resources at 1-850-474-2694 (voice) or 1-850-857-6158 (TTY). E-Verify is required for employment. All applications for employment at the University are subject to Florida public records law
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