Visiting Assistant Professor - Engineering or Physics

Adams State University; Alamosa (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional comprehensive university in Colorado seeks a visiting faculty member for a one-semester position in engineering or physics. The role emphasizes teaching and collaboration with diverse students and faculty. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and a commitment to student-centered learning. Salary is competitive within the range of $34,152 to $36,288 for the spring semester.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plans

Flexible spending accounts

Qualifications

• Demonstrates knowledge of educational needs of diverse individuals
• Evidence of understanding of the racial and socioeconomic diversity of students
• Experience with diverse teaching methods

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory engineering and/or physics courses
• Collaborate with faculty and staff
• Engage in student-centered instruction

Skills

Commitment to undergraduate teaching

Excellent communication skills

Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds

Education

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or physics

Job description

Overview

Adams State University is a state-supported, regional comprehensive university located in the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado and the city of Alamosa. As the state’s premier Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), over 50 percent of its undergraduate students represent racially diverse backgrounds. A high percentage of undergraduate students are first-generation and Pell eligible. The university offers undergraduate programs across arts and humanities, physical and natural sciences, social sciences, kinesiology, fine arts, business, and nursing, and specializes in educator preparation in several disciplines. Adams State also offers graduate degrees in cultural resource management, public administration, music education, kinesiology, higher education administration and leadership, history, business (MBA), and educator programs including counselor education; the university also has a doctoral (PhD) program in counselor education. The university has an active athletic program with Adams State Grizzlies competing in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).

Adams State University is committed to building and expanding the talent of its professional staff and actively seeks qualified applicants who bring unique perspectives, experiences, skills, and attributes that can augment the perspectives of our current faculty and staff and contribute to serving and preparing our students to engage and thrive in their learning, leadership, and service.

We strive to create a more representative workforce that mirrors the people who study, work, and lead our institution and welcome applications from candidates from all walks of life, especially from communities that fall within state and federally protected classes such as women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities. We value qualified candidates with varied language skills who have a record of successful experience with varied communities and student populations, and who have a deep understanding of and commitment to the unique geographical and historical characteristics of the place we are situated in and the intersecting perspectives that define our university as a low-income, first-generation, Hispanic-serving, rural anchor university. Therefore, we seek individuals committed to intentionally supporting students and colleagues who possess these characteristics through teaching, service, and scholarship.

The successful candidate will join a campus dedicated to inclusive excellence and whose purpose is to foster the educational goals of its students and the well-being of the surrounding community.

Position Summary

The Department of Engineering and Computer Science invites applications for a one-semester visiting faculty position in engineering or physics. We seek energetic and enthusiastic individuals who love teaching and share our dedication to excellence in undergraduate education. The successful applicant will join a close-knit program and school that offers bachelor’s degrees across a broad spectrum of disciplines in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Responsibilities include teaching introductory engineering and/or physics courses and other duties as assigned by the department chair or school director. The teaching load for this position is 12 credit-hours for the spring semester. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with diverse faculty, staff, and students within the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and across campus. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to student-centered instruction and maintain currency in engineering. Start Date: January 12, 2026.

Mission of the Department

The School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) prepares students to be scholars and professionals by fostering scientific inquiry and critical thinking that promotes lifelong learning and problem-solving skills.

The department recognizes that women and people of color are often less likely to apply to a position if they don’t match 100% of the job qualifications. We encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate many of these skills and competencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, physics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrates commitment to undergraduate teaching and student-centered learning
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates knowledge of, sensitivity to, and ability to work effectively with, the educational needs of individuals and groups with a diverse range of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities
• Evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, socioeconomic, academic, and cultural diversity of Adams State University’s student population, including students with different abilities, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded, inclusive practices within the classroom

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical engineering or closely related field
• Substantial and relevant industry experience
• Experience teaching at the undergraduate level
• Experience using a variety of delivery methods for teaching

• Ability and interest in teaching introductory physics courses
• Ability or experience working with historically under-served and/or underrepresented populations, and first-generation college students
• Demonstrated self-awareness of one\'s own cultural beliefs, perspectives, and privileges as a part of one\'s orientation towards teaching
• Demonstrated decision-making that is informed by research, data, and theory and that leverages students\' unique cultures, experiences, and background as strengths

Salary and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $34,152 to $36,288 (Spring Semester) commensurate with experience and education. In addition to salary, Adams State University offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For detailed benefits information, please visit the university benefits page. Opportunities for supplemental contracts may be available.

Required Documents

Cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, graduate transcripts (copies accepted; official transcripts required upon hire), and three references.

Completed Applications

Completed applications should include the following:

• A detailed cover letter addressing teaching interest/experience and how professional interests and goals align with Adams State values.
• Teaching Statement: include sample course syllabi and address questions on strategies for supporting historically marginalized students in engineering and the role of faculty in student success.
• Unofficial photocopies of graduate transcripts (official transcripts required at hire).
• References: name, job title, and contact information (email, phone).

All interested candidates must submit application materials electronically through Adams State University’s Workday application portal. Questions about the position may be directed to Matt Nehring at [e-mail] or 719-587-7504. Review of completed applications will begin on October 10, 2025 and continue until closed.

Disclosures

Adams State University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors, and to protecting its funds, property and other assets. Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of an acceptable background check. Title IX and related policies prohibit discrimination and provide resources for reporting. Adams State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applications are sought from all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, disability, veteran status, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation including transgender status and gender expression, marital status, and parental status. For more information about policies and resources, please visit the university\'s equal opportunity and Title IX resources page.