Part -Time Faculty (Temporary) in Physics & Astronomy

University of Maine at Augusta; Orono (ME); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Maine at Augusta seeks part-time, temporary faculty members for the Department of Physics and Astronomy for fall 2026 and/or spring 2027. Responsibilities include syllabus development, lesson planning, and teaching various courses such as Technical Physics and Introductory Astronomy. A Master's degree in Physics is required for course instruction, with prior teaching experience preferred. The position requires on-campus teaching and offers an opportunity to contribute to education in a leading university environment.

Qualifications

• At least two years’ college teaching experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe laboratory practices.
• Academic preparation adequate for the courses to be taught.

Responsibilities

• Syllabus development aligned with departmental expectations.
• Lesson planning and assignment design.
• Correspondence with students and use of instructional software.

Skills

Effective oral and communication skills

Demonstrated effective teaching

Experience with online instruction

Education

Master’s degree in Physics or a closely related field

Bachelor’s degree in Physics or a closely related field

Doctoral degree in Physics or a closely related field

Job description

Statement of the Job

In the Department of Physics and Astronomy, one or more courses or laboratory or recitation sections may be offered to part‑time, temporary faculty members in fall 2026 and/or spring 2027. Courses available could include Technical Physics, General Physics, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Introductory Astronomy and/or Special Relativity. Laboratory or recitation sections would be in general education or introductory courses: Technical Physics, General Physics, and/or Physics for Scientists and Engineers. Introductory Astronomy includes in‑person and online sections of both the lecture and lab courses.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: syllabus development aligned with departmental expectations; lesson planning; assignment design; grading; office hours; correspondence with students; use of an online learning management system and/or other instructional software; course coordination meetings with other faculty members; and required orientation and training.

Location and Hours

Positions require teaching in person on campus.

Qualifications

• For course instruction: Master’s degree in Physics or a closely related field.
• For recitation or laboratory instruction: Bachelor’s degree in Physics or a closely related field.
• For laboratory instruction: demonstrated knowledge of safe laboratory practices.
• Academic preparation adequate for the courses to be taught.
• At least two years’ college teaching experience.
• For course instruction: Doctoral degree in Physics or a closely related field.
• For recitation or laboratory instruction: Master’s degree in Physics or a closely related field.
• For online astronomy instruction: experience with online instruction, astronomy strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated effective teaching.
• Effective oral and communication skills.

Other Information

Part‑time temporary faculty members may be rehired in subsequent semesters based on course availability, schedule, funding, and performance. Continuation is subject to the terms of the PATFA bargaining agreement and other applicable university policies.

University Commitment

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state’s public research university and a Carnegie R1 top‑tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world.

Background Screening

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

EEO Statement

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469‑5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469‑5794, or call 207.581.4053.