Assistant Professor of Physics

Colorado Mesa University; United States; On-site; USD 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent health benefits

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Colorado Mesa University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Physics in the Physics Program. The full-time, tenure-track role will begin in Fall 2027, with a 12-credit-hour teaching load per semester.

The candidate will develop an undergraduate research program, advise students, and contribute to program assessment and service. The position emphasizes scholarship, advising, and service, with responsibilities spanning teaching across levels and engagement with the

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics or closely related discipline by summer 2027.
• Effectiveness in teaching and creating a positive learning environment.
• Enthusiasm for working with and inspiring undergraduate students.
• Ability and enthusiasm for supervising undergraduate physics and/or astronomy research.
• Ability to communicate and work collaboratively and collegially with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Teach physics courses and labs across introductory through upper-division levels for liberal arts and science majors.
• Establish a research program in area of expertise with meaningful opportunities for undergraduate physics majors.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students.
• Participate in the ongoing assessment and improvement of the physics program and curriculum.
• Engage in service to the university, department, and profession.

Skills

Teaching

Mentoring undergrads

Research program development

Advising

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in physics or related

Job description

ANNOUNCMENT OF POSITION VACANCY ABOUT THIS POSITION Summary: Colorado Mesa University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Physics in the Physics Program. This is a full-time, tenure-track position starting the Fall 2027 semester. The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester. Scholarship in the discipline, involvement with advising, and service to the university, department, and profession are expected.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach physics courses and labs across introductory through upper-division levels for liberal arts and science majors.
• Establish a research program in area of expertise with meaningful opportunities for undergraduate physics majors.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students.
• Participate in the ongoing assessment and improvement of the physics program and curriculum.
• Engage in service to the university, department, and profession.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: $63,000-$68,000 Commensurate with education and experience.
• Excellent health and retirement benefits package:

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Ph.D. in physics or a closely related discipline by summer 2027.
• Effectiveness in teaching and creating a positive learning environment.
• Enthusiasm for working with and inspiring undergraduate students.
• Ability and enthusiasm for supervising undergraduate physics and/or astronomy research.
• Ability to communicate and work collaboratively and collegially with colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for teaching all introductory physics and astronomy classes.
• Enthusiasm for teaching Electronics for Scientists, Intermediate Laboratory, and/or Advanced Laboratory.
• Enthusiasm for teaching current upper-division courses and/or developing new courses related to the candidate’s area of expertise.
• Research interests that diversify the research of current CMU physics faculty.
• Postdoctoral teaching and/or research experience.

Application Information

Application Deadline: The search closes December 14, 2026. To ensure consideration, complete applications must be received by December 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM Mountain Standard Time.

Contact

Direct Inquiries Contact: Brian Hosterman, [e-mail]

Additional Information

Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.

Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility.

Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.

A comprehensive university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado's largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and via online offerings. Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling 10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels. At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands. The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that is less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado’s best kept secrets.