Director of Physics Research Labs

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Time Type:

The Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University invites applications for a term faculty appointment for Academic Year 2025-26, starting on August 1, 2025. Rank will be dependent on experience and stature in the field. The appointment is a 9-month academic year term position, with the potential for renewal contingent on department needs, budgets, and incumbent performance. Applicants should preferably hold a Ph.D. or other terminal degree in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Applicants with a Master’s degree and highly qualified applicants with significant experience and expertise in conducting or supporting experimental physics research will also be considered. 

Responsibilities include teaching three undergraduate courses per year. Courses taught may include, but are not necessarily limited to, electronics, experimental physics, and physics laboratories. All faculty are expected to hold office hours and participate in School and University activities and service. In addition to teaching three courses per year, responsibilities include managing the department's machine shop and electronics laboratories, providing support to the department’s Design and Build Lab (DaBL), mentoring student research and projects, supporting experimental research activities in the Department, and supporting other department initiatives. Candidates who have experience in fabrication, machining, and electronics, and experience obtaining or supporting externally funded research, is also preferred.

Salary, like rank, will depend on experience and stature in the field. The Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences has the following salary ranges for this term faculty position:

Professorial Lecturer: $75,000-$80,000

Senior Professorial Lecturer: $80,000-$90,000

Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer: $85,000-$95,000

Review of applications will begin December 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled, subject to ongoing budgetary approval. Please submit applications via Workday. Include (1) a cover letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) recent teaching evaluations (when possible). The cover letter should address your experience and qualifications as relevant to the position, why you are interested in the position, and how the position fits with your career goals. Contact information for three letters of reference will be solicited by Workday after applications are submitted and the review process has begun. We welcome questions about the position, directed to physicssearch@american.edu. 

American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation’s capital. For more information about American University, visit www.american.edu. The Department of Physics offers only undergraduate programs. Learn more about The College of Arts & Services at www.american.edu/cas/ and about the Department of Physics at www.american.edu/cas/physics/.

Candidates from under-represented communities are strongly encouraged to apply. American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation’s capital. For more information about American University, visit www.american.edu. American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.

American University is a tobacco and smoke free campus. Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Salary : $75,000 - $80,000