Full-Time Lecturer Position-Physics Department, Cornell University

The Cornell University Department of Physics has 40 active faculty and approximately 170 graduate students and 60 undergraduate majors. We offer a full range of university-level courses in physics, from general education courses for non-scientists to doctoral-level independent research. Approximately 2000 students from across the University take physics courses each semester. 

Inclusive excellence is a core value within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). We expect our faculty and staff to actively contribute to fostering an academic workplace climate that is welcoming and supportive and creates a sense of belonging for all.

The Department is seeking an experienced Lecturer or Senior Lecturer (rank will commensurate with experience) to teach two physics courses per semester, some with lab components. Examples of courses often taught by lecturers include PHYS 1101 - General Physics I, PHYS 1102 - General Physics II, PHYS 1112 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat, PHYS 2207 - Fundamentals of Physics I, PHYS 2208 - Fundamentals of Physics II, PHYS 2213 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, and PHYS 2214 - Physics III: Oscillations, Waves, and Quantum Physics.

All course descriptions may be found here.

Teaching assignments rotate semesterly based on the department’s teaching needs. Often, assignments include one course as the primary instructor and one as a supporting instructor. Courses are often team-taught and a collaborative spirit is essential.  The department is invested in developing and implementing active learning pedagogies and technologies, and candidates should share this commitment. The successful candidate will be knowledgeable in effective classroom pedagogies to foster conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities of students and to encourage them to be independent and efficient learners. The successful candidate will train, support, and mentor undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants (TAs). The successful candidate will be responsive to the ongoing development of alternative teaching techniques that continue to provide support for emerging student needs and will have an interest and drive for classroom and pedagogical innovation.

Responsibilities

Course curriculum development. Writing of lectures, problem sets, and examinations. Presentation of lectures. Organization of problem-solving sessions. Management and direction of teaching assistants. Development of grading rubrics, working individually or with TAs to grade course materials as needed. Development and implementation of laboratory experiments, assignment of course grades. Working with students one-on-one in office hours and problem-solving sessions, working with faculty and teaching instructors in broader curriculum development, working with administrative staff in course management and examination execution.  Providing guidance and academic advising to undergraduate students. 

The successful candidate will have:

• An advanced degree in physics or in physics education; PhD preferred.
• At least two years of experience teaching college-level physics. (This can include time as a graduate student teaching assistant or an instructor of record.)
• Knowledge of effective instructional pedagogies and learning strategies.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting academic achievement of students.
• Excellent planning, organization, and coordination skills.
• Ability and willingness to work and teach collaboratively.
• Initiative and interest in fostering an inclusive work environment.

This is a three-year renewable, 9-month, academic appointment beginning in either spring 2024 or fall 2024, depending on the successful candidate’s availability.

Pay Range:  $49,700 - $164,000
Actual salary offers in the College of Arts and Sciences will be based on education, experience, discipline, and relevant skills.

Please submit the following materials through Academic Jobs Online:

• CV
• General letter of interest.
• Teaching statement.
• Complete teaching evaluations for at least the past 2 years. Additional years are welcomed, if available.
• Three letters of reference that provide information on firsthand experience of the applicant’s teaching and her/his ability to work with diverse students.
  
  Applications received before October 26, 2023, will receive full consideration.
  
  

We ask applicants for all teaching positions to share their experiences and/or approaches (past, current, or future) to fostering learning, research, service, and/or outreach in a diverse community. Applicants may choose to submit a stand-alone statement or embed the information in other parts of their application materials.

About Us

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs, and benefits to help employees advance in their careers and enhance the quality of personal life, including employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, and flexible work options.