Non-Tenure Track Visiting Assistant Professor, Physics

University of St Thomas; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Visiting Assistant Professor in Physics for a one-year position. This role focuses on teaching both major and non-major physics courses, providing the opportunity to engage with students in a dynamic and inclusive environment. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Physics or a related field and a passion for teaching. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including tuition remission and retirement contributions, this position offers a supportive atmosphere for professional development. If you are committed to fostering a love for physics among students, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Tuition remission for employees and dependents

Generous employer retirement contribution

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employer-paid disability and life benefits

Parental Leave for eligible faculty

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or related field is required, ABD considered.
• Strong enthusiasm for teaching undergraduate physics courses.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory physics, modern physics, astronomy, and labs.
• Engage students in a student-centered learning environment.

Skills

Teaching Enthusiasm

Physics Knowledge

Laboratory Instruction

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

ABD candidates nearing completion

Job description

OVERVIEW

The Physics Department in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas invites applications for a one-year, non-tenure track Visiting Assistant Professor position for the 2025-2026 academic year. We seek candidates who are committed to teaching excellence for major and non-major physics courses and laboratories. The successful candidate will teach a combination of introductory physics, modern physics, astronomy, and laboratory courses depending on departmental needs and the candidate’s expertise. The teaching load will require approximately 12 contact hours each week in the classroom and lab. While this position is focused on teaching, funding is available to support professional development and short-term research projects involving students.

About the Physics Department

The Physics Department serves undergraduate students across multiple disciplines, offering courses that fulfill:

• Core requirements for all majors
• Allied requirements for science and engineering programs
• Physics minor, B.A., and B.S. degree programs

We are a student-centered department that values excellence in teaching and is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive learning environment. Each year, we graduate approximately 10 majors and 20 minors. Our facilities include well-equipped laboratories, a small machine shop, and an on-campus observatory.

About the University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas is a dynamic, mission-driven, urban university. Located in a residential neighborhood with easy access to two downtown metropolitan areas and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, we are Minnesota’s largest private university with eight schools and colleges, 150+ undergraduate majors/minors, and 55 graduate programs.

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity, and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.

This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees and dependents upon eligibility
• Up to 50% tuition remission for spouses upon eligibility
• A generous employer retirement contribution of 9.4% of annual salary upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits
• All eligible full-time faculty may request Parental Leave for the birth or adoption of a child

Salary range: $62,200 - $80,000

The University of St. Thomas has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

QUALIFICATIONS

We welcome applications from candidates who have:

• A Ph.D. (U.S. or Foreign Equivalent) in Physics or a related field, though ABD candidates nearing completion will also be considered.
• A strong enthusiasm for teaching undergraduate students, including both majors and non-majors.

HOW TO APPLY

All application materials should be submitted online at http://www.stthomas.edu/jobs. After creating and submitting an applicant profile you will be directed to the job-specific application. Please include the following in your application:

• A cover letter that addresses the candidate’s interest in and qualifications for the position.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A written statement that presents the candidate’s philosophy of teaching and commitment to the university’s mission and convictions.
• Complete the reference section of the application by providing contact information for three professional references who can specifically address the candidate’s teaching experience. No references will be contacted without first getting the permission of the candidate.

Please refrain from submitting additional documentation; other documents or information will not be considered.

To receive full consideration, please submit all application materials by April 30, 2025. The position will remain open until filled. For further questions, please contact Dr. Michael Wood, chair of the search committee at [e-mail].

Official job posting is available at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/.