Physics/Astronomy: Contract Instructor-College Credit

Sdccdjobs; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Sick leave

Professional development

Job summary

San Diego Mesa College invites applications for an Assistant Professor, Physics. The position is part of the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and supports teaching in lower division physics for both non-science and STEM majors, with potential for algebra- or calculus-based courses. Begin date January 2027.

The role emphasizes equity, curriculum development, student advisement, and service on committees, with a 1.0 FTE, 10-month contract and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Recent college-level physics lecture and laboratory teaching
• Instructional methods that support diverse student populations
• Curriculum development and implementation in physics courses

Responsibilities

• Teach lower division physics lecture and laboratory courses for non-science and STEM majors
• Teach algebra- or calculus-based physics for life-science and engineering majors
• Supervise and advise students; maintain office hours for advisement
• Participate on academic committees and assist with outreach
• Develop and review physics curricula and related program activities

Skills

Teaching experience

Curriculum development

Inclusive pedagogy

Education

Master’s in physics, astronomy or astrophysics

Bachelor’s in physics or astronomy AND Master’s in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics

the equivalent

Job description

Physics/Astronomy: Contract Instructor-College Credit

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Closing Date: 10/18/2026

Open Until Filled No

Classification Title

Classification Title Physics/Astronomy: Contract Instructor-College Credit

SDCCD offers a comprehensive fringe benefit package including employer-paid medical, dental, vision plans, sick leave, and opportunities for professional development. This position is FLSA Exempt and may not accrue overtime. Benefits will be provided under the terms of the AFT -Guild, Local 1931 – Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement. Annual Salaries will be recalculated for service less than a full academic year based on Education Code §87815, any required adjustment will be made within the first pay period. Travel reimbursement for interviewees traveling more than 200 miles, one-way, may be paid according to geographic location (see SDCCD Travel Stipend Policy, Rev 7/14/2011). The SDCCD Employment Web Page provides a link to employee collective bargaining agreements and handbooks, and more information about terms and condition (s) of employment to include salary and benefits.

Position Equivalent FTE:

1.0 FTE

Job Duration

Job Duration 10 Months

Position Number:

Position Number: 006969

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt (does not accrue overtime)

Bargaining Unit

Bargaining Unit AFT/College Faculty

Range

Range (na)

Department

Department School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Thank you for your interest in San Diego Mesa College. At Mesa College, we believe higher education transforms lives, advances equity, strengthens communities, expands economic mobility, and creates opportunity for generations to come. We seek outstanding educators who are passionate about expanding access, advancing academic excellence and equity, and preparing students for meaningful careers, transfer, and lifelong success alongside colleagues who care deeply about students and one another.

As the largest college in the San Diego Community College District, Mesa College enjoys a strong financial foundation, state of the art facilities, and exceptional faculty, classified professionals, and administrators. Guided by our vision of becoming the Leading College of Equity and Excellence, Mesa College has advanced opportunity since 1964 through innovation, nationally recognized transfer and workforce pathways, two bachelor’s degree programs, and a steadfast commitment to student access, completion, and post college success.

Our greatest strength is our people. Every day, our faculty, classified professionals, and administrators work together to ensure students experience belonging, excellence, and transformational opportunity. We foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, continuous improvement, and leadership where every member of our college community is empowered to contribute.

If you are looking for more than your next position, but for a place where your calling can find its fullest expression, where you can lead authentically and courageously, and where your work expands opportunity and helps students achieve their educational and career goals, I invite you to consider joining Mesa College.

Applications are now being accepted for the position of Assistant Professor, Physics, beginning January 2027. San Diego Mesa College is located in the Kearny Mesa community of San Diego and is one of three colleges within the San Diego Community College District. Teaching assignments may include day, evening, Saturday, and or off campus classes.

We look forward to learning how your experiences, talents, and aspirations can contribute to our students, our college, and the communities we are privileged to serve.

While the current vacancy exists at San Diego Mesa College, applicants should understand that they are subject to assignment at any District facility at the option of the Chancellor.

Major Responsibilities

The position is a part of the Physical Sciences Department, which reports to the Dean of the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The department offers courses in the disciplines of Astronomy, Engineering, Geology, Oceanography, Physical Science, and Physics. Teaching duties include lower division lecture/ laboratory courses in physics for both non-science and STEM majors. Teaching may include lower division algebra- and/or calculus-based physics courses for life-science, physical science, and engineering majors. Ongoing responsibilities include supervising and instructing students, maintaining office hours for student advisement and counseling, participation with other college faculty on academic committees, and assisting with department outreach activities. Additional responsibilities include curriculum development and administrative duties related to program review and student success.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s in physics, astronomy or astrophysics OR
• Bachelor’s in physics or astronomy AND Master’s in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics OR
• the equivalent

Desired Qualifications

• Recent, demonstrated experience teaching college-level physics lecture and laboratory courses, including non-majors physical science and/or algebra- or calculus-based physics sequences for STEM majors.
• Demonstrated activity in the development of effective instructional methods to teach and support students from diverse and historically underrepresented groups, with clear evidence of cultural competency and inclusive pedagogical practice, including the use of learning theory, active-learning strategies, and effective presentation techniques in physics.
• Experience developing, revising, or implementing physics curriculum, especially materials and labs appropriate for general education or non-majors courses.
• Evidence of collaborative engagement with colleagues, lab technicians, administrators, or campus partners in support of student learning, curriculum processes, or departmental initiatives.
• Documented commitment to professional growth in physics and physics education, such as participation in conferences, workshops, disciplinary associations, or instructional improvement activities.
• Demonstrated cultural competency, sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and classified professionals.

Equivalency

If you do not possess the exact degrees, or higher, listed above or if you anticipate receiving the required degree prior to the start of teaching classes, please complete a Request for Equivalency Form and attach it during the application process.

Applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) or Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, INC .( ACEI ) . A copy of the evaluation must be submitted with your online application.

Licenses/Certificates/Credentials:

Commitment to Diversity:

All applicants must have demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and classified professionals.

EEO / Diversity / Nondiscrimination – Policies and Procedures Link: https://www.sdccd.edu/departments/human-resources/eeo-diversity/policies-and-procedures.aspx

Conditions of Employment:

SELECTED CANDIDATE IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PRIOR TO EMPLOYMENT:

• Submit “official” transcripts as stated on application (From all institutions listed in the online application);
• Provide a Tuberculosis Clearance Certificate for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment);
• Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the District’s expense (Clearance must be received prior to first day of employment);
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States as required by the I9 Employment Eligibility Verification form; AND ,
• Attend a new hire processing appointment in People, Culture, and Technology Services located at the District Administrative Offices; AND ,
• Employed on an initial contract of one (1) year that is eligible for renewal annually for up to a subsequent one-year period.

EMPLOYMENT AFTER RETIREMENT

If you accept a contract (permanent) position with SDCCD and are a retired annuitant with CalPERS or CalSTRS, you must reinstate from your retirement system. Please reference the CalPERS or CalSTRS website for further information.

Additional Information:

Please note that an employee may be transferred to any site at the option of the Chancellor.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

SDCCD provides a comprehensive fringe benefit package for its full-time academic employees. The District contributes toward the cost of the premium (including dependent coverage) for the medical insurance plan options. Additional benefits include dental, vision, sick leave, vacation and opportunities for professional development. Contract employees become members of the State Teachers’ Retirement System ( STRS ) upon appointment.

Posting Number

Posting Number AC01185

Required & Optional Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae or Résumé
• Unofficial Transcript(s) (Graduate) from every institution listed in the online application

Optional Documents

• Unofficial Transcript (Undergraduate)
• Equivalency Request (required if applicable)
• Foreign Degree Evaluation (required if applicable)