Assistant Professor of Physics, Tenure Track

Grand Rapids Community College; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 69,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Grand Rapids Community College seeks an Assistant Professor of Physics for a tenure-track position in the School of STEM. The faculty member will teach introductory physics to freshmen and sophomores, develop instructional plans, and advance inclusive student success through assessment and collaboration.

Start Fall 2027; 32-week schedule; compensation based on a Master's degree: $69,144–$70,872 with benefits and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Physics with at least 18 graduate credits in Physics.
• Experience teaching physics at the college/university level.
• Preferred Ph.D. or related field; interest in science education research is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Teach freshman- and sophomore-level physics courses with emphasis on introductory and algebra-based physics.
• Develop plans for instruction of new and existing physics courses; focus on in-person and hybrid modalities.
• Incorporate instrumentation into the laboratory classroom; setup labs and maintain equipment.
• Coordinate with physics adjunct faculty and lab support staff.
• Develop and implement teaching techniques that employ high impact practices.
• Advise students on academic programs and careers in STEM and mentor projects.
• Participate in course/curriculum development, assessment, and revision.
• Participate in department activities and uphold the Faculty Contract.

Skills

Excellent written and oral comm.

Organizational skills & multitasking

Initiative & problem-solving

Work autonomously

Education

Master’s Degree in Physics w/ 18 grad credits in Physics

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

Job description

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Assistant Professor of Physics, Tenure Track

GRCC is seeking faculty who possess an interest in serving and retaining students from a broad range of ages, cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. We seek applicants who are also committed to closing equity gaps; engage in and develop innovative teaching strategies; effectively assess student learning outcomes; demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development; and provide service to our students, the college, and our community at large.

Faculty members are responsible to GRCC and to each other for the successful completion of departmental work, as well as work associated with the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and GRCC as a whole. In addition to the major position responsibilities, it is expected that faculty demonstrate outstanding communication skills, collaborate effectively, use personal initiative to overcome obstacles and work efficiently to meet deadlines, and be committed to the ongoing systemic changes needed to ensure the increased recruitment, inclusion, retention, and completion of traditional populations, non-traditional populations, and historically underserved populations. In an environment where innovation is valued, each faculty member will take responsibility to perform their work in a manner consistent with both the letter and the spirit of GRCC values.

Requisition ID:
Department: Physical Science
Employee Group: Faculty Association
Schedule: 32 weeks (Fall and Winter Semester)
Start Date: Fall 2027
Compensation: Master's Degree $69,144 - $70,872. Final offers will be based on full-time college-level teaching and/or industry experience.
Benefits: Full-time
Reports to: Associate Dean, School of STEM

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Teach freshman- and sophomore-level physics courses, with an emphasis on introductory and algebra-based physics.
• Develop plans for instruction of new and existing physics courses; courses will focus on in-person modalities, with select courses offered in hybrid modalities.
• Incorporate instrumentation into the laboratory classroom including the setup of physics labs, maintain existing lab equipment and assist in selecting new lab equipment as needed.
• Coordinate with physics adjunct faculty and lab support staff in the department.
• Develop and implement teaching techniques that employ high impact practices.
• Advise students on academic programs and careers related to the STEM fields and mentor science majors through independent study and/or honors projects.
• Participate in course and curriculum development, evaluation, assessment, and revision, including benchmarking efforts for course transferability.
• Participate fully as a member of the Physical Sciences Department in activities such as department meetings, committee membership, cross-campus team membership, textbook selection, assessment projects, and other duties as determined by the College.
• Adhere to the standards and requirements expressed in the Faculty Contract.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Educational Credentials

Required

• Master’s Degree in Physics, or Master’s Degree in a related field with at least 18 graduate credits in Physics.

Preferred

• Ph.D. in Physics, or Ph.D. in a related field.
• Graduate credits and/or research experience in Science Education.

Work Experience

Required

• Experience teaching physics to students at a college or university level.

Preferred

• Experience with introductory level physics labs.
• Experience teaching as the lead instructor of a college course.
• Experience teaching physics at a community college.
• At least two years of full-time teaching experience.

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask, especially in a teaching laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.

Physical Demands

• This position requires long periods of sitting, standing, reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.

Mental Demands

• An understanding of and appreciation for the community college philosophy and student population.
• An interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin and ability.
• Demonstrated initiative and organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.
• High energy level with enthusiasm and interest in helping and supporting students, staff, and the general public.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a pleasant and professional manner.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website .
• Faculty work in a classroom environment in an academic setting.
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership .
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options , including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

HIRING PROCESS

GRCC uses an Evidence Based Selection Process, where we make data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in reference checks and interviews.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.