Assistant Professor (Physics)

University Of Hawaii, West Oahu; Kapolei (HI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Hawaii - West O’ahu invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Physics to develop and deliver student-centered curricula bridging physical sciences with clinical and biological applications.

The role emphasizes teaching, scholarly activity, and service within a growing Health Science and Biology focus, with a 3-course per semester load and collaboration across divisions.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Physics or closely related field by time of application.
• Demonstrated experience teaching introductory physics at the collegiate level.
• Commitment to serving diverse cultural and linguistic student populations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach lower- and upper-division physics courses (3 courses/semester).
• Design specialized coursework (Biophysics or Physics for Health Professions) to support programs.
• Conduct scholarly research with undergraduate involvement and publications.
• Lead lab space design, equipment maintenance, and safety oversight.
• Provide academic advising and mentorship to students.
• Engage in program assessment and interdisciplinary collaboration across related divisions.

Skills

Teaching experience

Communication skills

Intercultural/Equity-minded

Education

PhD in Physics/Physical Sciences/Biophysics

Job description

Title: Assistant Professor (Physics) Position Number: 0076383

Hiring Unit: UH West Oahu, Academic Affairs, Math, Natural & Health Sciences (MNHS)

Location: Kapolei, HI Date Posted: 11/6/2026

Closing Date: Continuous - application review begins January 1, 2027

Salary Information: F-3, salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Monthly Type: 9-Month

Tenure Track: Tenure

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time

Temporary/Permanent: Permanent

Other Conditions: Appointment to begin on August 1, 2027

The University of Hawai`i - West O`ahu (UHWO) seeks and innovative and collaborative Assistant Professor of Physics to join or vibrant academic community. As a premier indigenous-serving institution, UHWO is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education to a multi-cultural student body. This position offers a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting our rapidly growing Health Science and Biology programs. The successful candidate will design and deliver student-centered physics curricula that explicitly bridge physical sciences with clinical and biological applications, preparing our students for advanced studies and careers in healthcare, STEM, and beyond.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and teach engaging lower and upper-division courses in Physics and Physical Sciences, utilizing inclusive and active learning pedagogies (teaching load is 3 courses per semester).
• Design, implement and teach specialized coursework (such as Biophysics or Physics for Health Professions) to directly support the Native Hawaiian Health Sciences and broader Biology programs.
• Conduct scholarly research leading to peer-reviewed publications, ideally incorporating undergraduate researchers.
• Lead the design, management, and continuous improvement of the physics instructional laboratory space, including the acquisition and maintenance of scientific equipment.
• Provide dedicated academic advising and professional mentorship to students.
• Participate actively in program assessment, curriculum development, and interdisciplinary collaboration across the Biological, Physical, Health Sciences, and Science Education programs.
• Provide service to the division, campus, system, and broader academic community.
• Participate in faculty governance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate degree (PhD) from an accredited college or university in Physics, Physical Sciences, Biophysics, or a closely related field at the time of application.
• Demonstrated experience teaching introductory physics courses at the collegiate level.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving and educating students from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Evidence of high-quality teaching and a commitment to student success.
• Evidence of potential for conducting relevant scholarly research.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both verbally and in writing.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Expertise or research background in biophysics, medical physics, biomechanics, or a related field that aligns with health sciences.
• Demonstrated experience integrating active learning, inquiry-based labs, and culturally responsive teaching methods.
• Experience in laboratory set-up, modernization, and safety management.
• Experience in developing interdisciplinary science curricula.
• Deep commitment to, knowledge of, and/or experience with the mission and purpose of the University of Hawai‘i to position the university as a leading indigenous-serving higher education institution.

Inquiries:

Dr. Esther Widiasih, MNSH Division Chair, [e-mail]

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

Accommodation Request:

The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/

Employer:

University of Hawaii Department: University of Hawai'i - West O'ahu - Academic Affairs Address: 91-1001 Farrington Highway; Kapolei, Hawaii, 96707