Physics Teaching Postdoctoral Fellow

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 62,232 - 88,745; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Research account of $4,000 annually

Job summary

A prestigious university in Ithaca seeks a Postdoctoral Associate for a two-year fellowship in Physics. The role involves leading teaching discussions and seminars while contributing to the intellectual life of the department. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. by August 2026 and demonstrate a passion for teaching. The position offers an annual salary of $75,000, benefits, and a research account of $4,000. Successful candidates will be part of a vibrant academic community emphasizing physics education.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in any area of physics by August 1, 2026.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with teaching strategies and education research.

Responsibilities

• Lead discussion sections for a 'Disagreement' course.
• Offer first-year writing seminars and upper-level seminars.
• Participate in the intellectual life of the department.

Skills

Passion for teaching

Project leadership

Communication skills

Time management

Familiarity with active learning strategies

Education

Ph.D. in any area of physics

Job description

Department of Physics | Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics

The Department of Physics and Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics at Cornell University invite applications for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship (appointment title: Postdoctoral Associate). We will consider outstanding applicants in all areas of Physics. We are particularly interested in applicants committed to enriching the undergraduate teaching mission of the College of Arts & Sciences.

The first year of appointment will run August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027; the second year will run August 1, 2027 – July 31, 2028. The Physics Fellow will join a cohort of teaching postdoctoral fellows from across the College of Arts & Sciences. In the fall semester of each year, Fellows will lead two discussion sections in a 7-weeklong “Disagreement” course with the second half of the fall semester free of teaching duties. In the spring semester of each year, Fellows will offer one first‑year writing seminar and one upper‑level undergraduate seminar to be determined in consultation with the department chair. Fellows will be expected to feature historic or contemporary disagreements, debates, or controversies in their teaching.

Fellows are expected to be in residence on Cornell’s Ithaca campus for the term of the appointment and to take an active role in the intellectual life of the Department of Physics, LASSP, the College of Arts & Sciences, and Cornell University. The Physics Fellow will be mentored by Prof. Natasha Holmes. This mentor, together with the chair and other faculty, will offer feedback on scholarship and provide professional guidance. The Fellow will be provided with a workspace within the Cornell Physics Education Research Lab and will be integrated into this group and the broader discipline‑based education research community, which includes faculty, postdocs, and students across physics, biology, engineering, and other STEM fields.

Fellows will be provided an annual salary of $75,000, full benefits, and a research account of $4,000 per year. Eligibility is limited to candidates whose PhD will be conferred by August 1, 2026.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in any area of physics by the start of the appointment period
• Passion for teaching and a desire to develop skills in teaching and course management
• Enthusiasm for productive debate and discussion about physics and science
• Ability and desire to work both independently and collaboratively, including to liaise with faculty
• Project leadership, time management, communication, and writing skills
• Familiarity with active learning strategies and awareness of physics education research literature is an asset
• Course proposal with sample syllabus for upper-level undergraduate course
• One article-length writing sample
• Three letters of recommendation (please ask referees to upload their letters directly through the link provided by Academic Jobs Online)

Pay Range:

$62,232.00 – $88,745.00

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline
• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the recruiter listed in the job posting or email [e-mail].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice [phone], or email at [e-mail].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [e-mail].

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “… any person … any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

How to Apply:

Complete applications should be submitted through our posting on Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31884. Submit by May 1, 2026 for best consideration.

The application should include:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Course proposal with sample syllabus for upper-level undergraduate course
• One article-length writing sample
• Three letters of recommendation (please ask referees to upload their letters directly through the link provided by Academic Jobs Online)