DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCE & PHYSICS
Assistant Professor of Physics
Otterbein University, a comprehensive liberal arts institution, invites applicationsfor the position of tenure-track Assistant Professor of Physics. We seek candidates with a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching and research, as well as to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, who will contribute to the department's efforts to enhance diversity and provide an inclusive learning environment for all.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Teach approximately seven courses a year at both the introductory and advanced levels. Additionally, the candidate will participate in student advising, service to the department, and service to the university. Course development for new courses to add to the curriculum will be encouraged. Scholarship expectations for tenure-track faculty include research in Physics, encompassing peer-reviewed publications in established professional journals, peer-reviewed grants from external agencies, and invited/accepted talks at professional conferences. Additionally, the candidate will provide undergraduate research opportunities for students.
QUALIFICATIONS
A Ph.D. in Physics or closely-related field by the time of appointment. Superior communication, leadership, organizational skills, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a demonstrated passion for teaching are required. Preference will be given to applicants with evidence of teaching excellence, demonstrated scholarship, plans for undergraduate research opportunities, and specialization in experimental physics such as condensed matter physics, atomic, molecular and optical physics, nuclear physics, high-energy physics, quantum optics, or biophysics. Applicants with industry experience or experience in interdisciplinary programs and in curriculum development are also encouraged to apply.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
WHEN: This appointment will begin August 2025.
COMPENSATION: For the rank of Assistant Professor - $61,000 (plus full University benefits).
OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY: Historically progressive. That is the hallmark of Otterbein University and those connected to this private university nestled in the picturesque, historic Uptown Westerville district in central Ohio and minutes away from Columbus, Ohio's largest city. Otterbein has set the pace by providing an educational experience that is progressive, innovative, and inclusive. Students come from towns throughout Ohio, as well as many states and multiple countries, enriching the campus through their individual and collective diversity. As a university that educates students of various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, we strive for and value a diverse faculty and staff that reflects our student population and Franklin County. Otterbein has been selected as one of 23 universities across the US and the first in Ohio to host a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center. Otterbein will work with its own campus community as well as the Columbus City and Westerville City school districts to create positive narrative change about race; promote racial healing activities; and erase structural barriers to equity and opportunity. To learn more about Otterbein, visit www.otterbein.edu.
The Department of Engineering, Computer Science & Physics is a recently established department at Otterbein, designed to take advantage of synergies between these academic areas. The Department offers a BA in Physics and a BS in Engineering Physics. Innovative programs in Systems Engineering & Mechanical Engineering were launched in fall 2015 and 2017, respectively. The Department also offers a BS, BA, and minor in Computer Science. The Department is housed at The Point, Otterbein's STEAM Innovation Center, a unique resource that integrates academic programs and industrial and entrepreneurial partners. To learn about all the programs offered in the Department, please visit https://www.otterbein.edu/engineering/.
WHERE: Otterbein University is located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, and has received notable national designations, including two appearances on Money Magazine's Top 100 list of America's “Best Places to Live” and recognized as one of Forbes “America's Friendliest Towns.”
Westerville has a population of approximately 37,000 people and combines the beauty and convenience of a medium-sized community with the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of Columbus, the state capital; a thriving and diverse metropolitan area of 1.4 million people. Central Ohio is the fastest growing area in the state with stability provided by a diversified economy.
APPLICATION:To apply, submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching experience and philosophy, and names and contact information of three references. Additionally, a diversity statement is required, consisting of no more than one single-spaced page, addressing the following two questions: How has a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion informed your teaching, scholarship, and/or professional experience to date? How do you see yourself contributing to Otterbein's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Priority review will be given to applications received by January 5, 2025.
Otterbein considers diversity and inclusion as integral parts of the University's achievement of excellence. Women and candidates of color and/or from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer.
The AVS Career Center has listings for the latest science and engineering jobs in specialized disciplines like applied physics, astrophysics, atomic and molecular physics, mechanical engineering, plasma physics, materials science and engineering, fluid mechanics and dynamics, optics and lasers, and electrical engineering plus teaching jobs for assistant, associate, and full professor roles. Find a job here as a computational or experimental physicist, postdoctoral appointee, fellow, or researcher.