Tenure Track Physicist

Augustana College; Rock Island (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Retirement plan

Disability benefits

Wellness facilities

Job summary

Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, invites applications for an Assistant Professor tenure-track position in Physics beginning in August 2027. The department offers undergraduate programs in Physics, Engineering-Physics, Teaching Physics, and ABET-accredited General Engineering.

The successful candidate will teach courses, develop undergraduate research, and contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration, service, and the college community. A Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. by August 26, 2027 or ABD considered.
• Ability to teach introductory and advanced classes in physics (including labs).
• Ability to teach upper-level electives in physics or engineering (electronics, advanced lab, experimental design).
• Ability to teach introductory physics for non-majors.
• Development of a research program including undergraduate students.
• Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses and labs in physics and related fields.
• Develop an undergraduate research program involving students.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and department service.
• Contribute to the college community and program development.

Education

Ph.D. in Engineering Physics/Physics/Applied Physics/Engineering

ABD considered

Job description

Join Our Mission at Augustana College

At Augustana College, we don't just educate students - we empower them. As a nationally recognized college of the liberal arts and sciences, we invest in engaged learning, maximizing student potential, and building strong community partnerships—the driving forces of our Bold & Boundless Strategic Plan (2024-29).

For our 2,500 students, Augustana offers a collaborative and student-focused environment, in which faculty and staff play an active role in shaping futures through hands-on learning, mentorship and leadership development. Located on a scenic, wooded campus in Rock Island, Illinois, Augustana is part of the vibrant Quad-Cities metropolitan area (pop. 470,000), about a 3-hour drive from Chicago.

We seek mission-driven professionals who are passionate about student success, innovation and making an impact. If you thrive in an environment that values curiosity, collaboration and the power of transformative education, we invite you to bring your talents to Augustana.

Employees at Augustana enjoy an excellent benefit package including medical, retirement, generous paid time off, tuition benefits for employees and their family members, and much more.

Job Description

The Department of Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy at Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, invites applications for an Assistant Professor tenure-track position in Physics beginning in August of the 2027-2028 academic year. This is an exciting opportunity to join a department with well-established undergraduate programs in Physics, Engineering-Physics, Teaching Physics, and an ABET-accredited B.S. in General Engineering.

Our new colleague will join a growing Physics, Engineering-Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy program. The successful candidate will teach 24 credits per 10-month academic year (standard courses are 4 credits) of introductory and upper-level physics courses and labs. The candidate is encouraged to contribute specialty courses related to their sub-field (particularly those that may be interdisciplinary) as well as contribute to the general education program. Preference will be given to experimentalists. The candidate will be expected to develop a research program appropriate for undergraduate involvement. Additionally, the successful candidate will participate in service to the department and the Augustana College community. Additional information about the department, including offered courses, may be found here.

The candidate will join an active, ten-member department with disciplinary interests in thermal fluids, environmental fluid dynamics, 3D printing and design, signal processing, quantum photonics, nuclear physics, planetary and stellar magnetic fields, observational astronomy, physics education, and planetarium directing. The department houses research spaces for environmental fluid dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, nuclear physics, and quantum photonics. The department has a newly designed Maker Space with 3D printers, a laser cutter, a scanning electron microscope, a CNC mill, and a welding station. Instructional spaces include a newly renovated electronics lab, design lab, and studio physics teaching spaces. The department is committed to supporting candidates' professional development in research and teaching. Candidates will need to participate in interdisciplinary collaboration in teaching and/or research given the disciplinary diversity of the department.

What we’re looking for

• Potential for teaching excellence
• Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and the value of a broadly educated person
• Ability to recruit, engage, and mentor students of many backgrounds both in and out of the classroom
• Potential to meaningfully engage undergraduate students in an active research agenda
• Ability to contribute to the operation and development of the department and its programs
• Strengthen relationships across campus and with community partners

Why Augustana?

At Augustana, you'll find a supportive and collegial environment where faculty thrive professionally and personally. Our small class sizes foster deep connections between faculty and students. You'll have access to resources and opportunities to pursue innovative research and impactful teaching.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Engineering Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering, or a comparable field by August 26, 2027. ABD candidates will also be considered
• Ability to teach introductory and advanced classes in physics (including lab and lab courses)
• Ability to teach upper-level electives in physics or engineering, including electronics, advanced lab, and/or experimental design
• Ability to teach introductory courses in physics for non-major students
• Development of a research program that includes undergraduate students
• Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration

Current courses offered by the department are listed in the college catalog; please describe your background in scholarship and/or teaching of any of these classes in your cover letter.

Questions may be directed to the chair of the department, Nathan Frank, at [e-mail]. To guarantee full consideration, please submit all application materials by October 23, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Additional Information

The budgeted compensation for this position ranges from $60,000 to $63,000 per year based upon minimum and preferred qualifications, education, experience, skills, and abilities. Actual placement within the range will depend upon experience, education, research, and other relevant factors.

Augustana College offers a competitive and comprehensive benefit package to its employees to ensure our team is well cared for. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plan including eligibility to receive up to 7% contribution from the College.
• Company sponsored short-term and long-term disability benefits as use of college facilities including a wellness center, gym and recreation center.
• Tuition benefits for employees and their family members.