Cornell University, Research Division

Position ID:

Cornell-Research&Innovation-PHYPD [#31884, WDR-00057800]

Position Title:

Physics Teaching Postdoctoral Fellow

Position Type:

Postdoctoral

Position Location:

Ithaca, New York 14850, United States of America

Subject Area:

Physics / Any

Appl Deadline:

2026/05/01 23:59:59 (posted 2026/03/30, listed until 2026/07/01)

Position Description:

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 liaison 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

How to Apply:

For best consideration, complete applications should be submitted by May 1, 2026. 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)

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

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 (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.

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 (VEVRRA) 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.

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 (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
Unique applicable skills.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

Cover letter
Curriculum Vitae
Course Proposal with Sample Syllabus
Article-length Writing Sample
Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site )

And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:

https://physics.cornell.edu/