Physics Affiliate Instructor

TopSciNet; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 1,240,000 - 2,066,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Free RTD pass

Life and supplemental insurance

Long-term disability (LTD)

Job summary

Metropolitan State University of Denver in Denver, CO invites applications for affiliate faculty to teach part-time courses in Physics and Astronomy, including labs. Appointments are per–credit hour, with openings based on budget and enrollment.

These positions are non-tenure-track and not benefits-eligible, but offer an opportunity to contribute to a diverse student population in a city setting.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field is required.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory university physics courses.
• Teach introductory astronomy courses.
• Teach related lab sections.
• Prepare course materials, lesson plans and assessments.
• Grade work and provide timely feedback.
• Address student questions and offer academic support.
• Align teaching with syllabus, outcomes and dept. policies.
• Comply with evaluations and peer observations.
• Adapt to new teaching technologies and modalities.
• Support a diverse student population.

Skills

Teaching

Course materials prep

Online teaching

Education

Master’s degree in Physics, Astronomy, or related field

Job description

Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, CO — USA

Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, CO USA Posted Dec 09, 2025 Due Dec 02, 2026

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Job Description

Physics Affiliate Instructor

Type: Adjunct / Part-Time**
Posted: 12/02/2025
Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics; +1 (Military)

Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department: Physics

Position Overview

By applying to this posting, candidates enter a pool for temporary, part-time, non-tenure-track affiliate faculty positions. Openings vary each semester based on departmental needs; therefore, not all applicants will be contacted or selected.

About Metropolitan State University of Denver

Founded in 1965 to support students traditionally underrepresented in higher education, MSU Denver now serves more than 16,000 diverse learners. As Colorado’s third-largest public university and the state’s only Seal of Excelencia-certified institution, MSU Denver is proud to:

Serve the most diverse undergraduate population in Colorado

Support the highest number of first-generation students

Provide affordable, flexible, and holistic education grounded in multicultural and global perspectives

The University’s mission remains rooted in empowering students to build meaningful careers and fulfilling lives.

Position Summary

The Department of Physics invites applications for affiliate faculty to teach part-time courses in Physics and Astronomy, including associated laboratory sections.

More information about the department can be found at:
msudenver.edu/physics

Responsibilities

Affiliate faculty may be assigned to teach:

Introductory university physics courses

Introductory astronomy courses

Related lab sections

Duties may include (but are not limited to):

Teaching in person or online

Preparing course materials, lesson plans, and assessments

Grading work and providing timely, constructive feedback

Addressing student questions and offering academic support

Teaching in alignment with syllabus content, program outcomes, and departmental coordination policies

Complying with university-wide policies for student evaluations and peer observations

Adapting to new teaching technologies and modalities

Supporting the needs of a diverse student population

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field

Terms of Employment

Part-time, at-will appointment

Hired on a per–credit hour basis, semester by semester

Teaching assignments depend on budget and enrollment

Affiliate faculty are not eligible for university benefits

Must be able to teach in person/on campus upon hire

Salary Information

Compensation is determined by:

Number of credit hours taught

Level of degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Terminal degree)

University policy

Pay rates can be reviewed here:
CLAS Affiliate Rates (AY 25–26)

While affiliate faculty are not benefits-eligible, MSU Denver offers a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees, including:

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Free RTD pass

Life and supplemental insurance

Long-term disability (LTD) plan access

Background checks are conducted on all finalist candidates to ensure a safe campus environment.

Diversity Statement

MSU Denver is an access-oriented, equity-driven institution serving:

Nearly 58% first-generation students

Over 50% students of color

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution located in downtown Denver, MSU Denver embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational values. The University is committed to fostering a community where all members feel they belong and can thrive.