Lecturer - PHYS 203: Modern Physics - Lab (Fall 2026)

The California State University; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 61,458 - 78,175; Part time

Job summary

The California State University in San Marcos is seeking a part-time lecturer for Fall 2026 to teach PHYS 203: Modern Physics. This position involves conducting lab sessions on Fridays and requires a master's degree in physics or equivalent experience.

Successful candidates should have teaching experience and demonstrate intercultural competence. Salary is commensurate with education and experience, offering ranges based on classification.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in physics and related fields required.
• Teaching experience at 4-year universities is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach PHYS 203: Modern Physics during Fall 2026.
• Conduct in-person lab sessions on Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.

Skills

Teaching experience

Intercultural competence

Education

Master's degree in physics or equivalent

Doctorate in physics or related fields

Job description

Lecturer – PHYS 203: Modern Physics – Lab (Fall 2026)

Job no: 558898
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Temporary/Lecturer
Location: San Marcos
Categories: Unit 3 – CFA – California Faculty Association, Temporary, Part Time, Faculty – Natural Sciences

• Semester: Fall 2026
• Day/Time: Fridays, 12:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.
• Modality: In‑Person
• College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
• Department: Physics

The Department of Physics at California State University San Marcos seeks a part‑time lecturer for Fall 2026 to teach PHYS 203: Modern Physics.

Course Description

An overview of the fundamental ideas of modern physics and coverage of the principles of fluids and thermodynamics. The areas covered include fluids, temperature, heat, the kinetic theory of gases, entropy, and the laws of thermodynamics, along with the theory of special relativity, wave‑particle duality, an introduction to quantum mechanics and atomic physics, electronic properties of solids, nuclear physics, and a descriptive introduction to the standard model and cosmology.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in physics and related fields.
• Per the California State University’s Out‑of‑State Employment Policy, the CSU is prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU‑related work outside California. Working in the State of California is a condition of employment.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctorate or equivalent in physics and related fields.
• Experience teaching similar courses at 4‑year universities.
• Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate intercultural competence and a commitment to serving our campus community in teaching and, as applicable, service.

Salary commensurate with degree level and experience

• Anticipated Hiring Salary Range – Lecturer A: $5,507 – $6,008 per full‑time month
• Anticipated Hiring Salary Range – Lecturer B: $6,221 – $7,045 per full‑time month

Salary Schedule

• CSU Classification Salary Range – Lecturer A – AY: $5,507 – $6,677 per full‑time month
• CSU Classification Salary Range – Lecturer B – AY: $6,221 – $13,224 per full‑time month

The anticipated hiring range is generally at or near the minimum of the appropriate range, commensurate with education and experience.

Application Package

• Your completed faculty application.
• Curriculum Vitae (uploaded).
• Contact information for three current references.
• Letter of interest (uploaded).

Timeline: A review of applications will begin on June 19, 2026; however, the position will remain open until filled.

California State University San Marcos is an Equal Opportunity Employer strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of the campus community. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, and veteran or military status.

Per the California State University’s Out‑of‑State Employment Policy, the CSU is prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU‑related work outside California. Working in the State of California is a condition of employment.

The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position is subject to employment verification, education verification, reference checks, and criminal record checks. An offer of appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including a criminal records check, and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act Notification can be found at Clery Act Notification.

Advertised: Jun 04 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Dec 18 2026 Pacific Standard Time

CSUSM has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and was recently named one of the top 32 Colleges most friendly to junior faculty by the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education. Visit Faculty Opportunities for more information.