The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Colby College invites applications for two visiting assistant professor positions. Colby is a highly selective liberal arts college in central Maine that is recognized for excellence in undergraduate education and close student-faculty interaction. Our department offers a flexible physics and astronomy curriculum that draws creatively on faculty areas of expertise to best engage undergraduates with a wide range of interests and backgrounds. Successful candidates will be expected to be deeply engaged in their teaching and to invite exceptional students to collaborate on research projects. We are especially interested in candidates who, through their teaching, research, and/or service, will promote diversity, inclusion, and equity and contribute to the campus community.

One visiting assistant professor position is open to any applicants who can teach both introductory and advanced undergraduate astronomy and astrophysics courses, including courses with laboratory components that take advantage of our observatory. Expertise teaching core physics classes is welcome but not necessary. This is a one-year position that starts on September 1, 2023. The other visiting assistant professor position is open to all applicants who are able to teach a wide range of physics courses at all levels of the curriculum. Expertise teaching astronomy and astrophysics courses is welcome but not necessary. This is a two-year position that starts on September 1, 2023; the second year is contingent on adequate achievement during the first year. The teaching load for each of these positions is a total of five courses per year.

Completion (preferred) or near completion of a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a closely related field is required; prior teaching experience is preferred. Candidates with any field of expertise will be considered, but preference will be given to candidates whose scholarship can include advanced undergraduates and/or candidates who best meet the curricular needs of the department. Visiting faculty members from past years have routinely gone on to tenure-track physics and astronomy positions at comparable schools. More information about the department can be found on our website: http://www.colby.edu/physicsastronomy/

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three confidential letters of recommendation, a summary of teaching evaluations, and statements of teaching philosophy and research interests that demonstrate commitment to the value of diversity and to inclusive teaching. All candidates should clearly address in their cover letter which position(s) they are applying for (one-year, two-year, or both). To apply, please submit application materials electronically through Interfolio at: http://apply.interfolio.com/119520. Review of applications will begin January 30, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes personnel decisions on the basis of the individual’s qualifications to contribute to Colby’s educational objectives and institutional needs. The principle of not discriminating on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, caste, national or ethnic origin, marital status, genetic information, political beliefs, veteran or military status, parental status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability unrelated to the job or course of study requirements is consistent with the mission of a liberal arts college and the law.