Lecturer, Physics

Description

Job ID

FU9720-0304-1837

Position Classification  

FT Faculty UDMPU (9 month)

Position Summary

The Physics Program in the College of Engineering & Science at University of Detroit Mercy invites candidates to apply for a full-time lecturer position starting August 16, 2025.
 

University of Detroit Mercy is dedicated to the goal of building a supportive, diverse and inclusive academic community, with a commitment to experiential and community engaged learning. Our excellent student outcomes led to recognition by the Wall Street Journal Best Colleges report, ranking UDM 2nd in Michigan and 43rd nationally. As a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI), Detroit Mercy offers small classes and close collegial relationships. Faculty in the College of Engineering & Science form a dynamic community of teaching scholars with a strong focus on student-centered teaching and academic mentorship of students.

The Physics program at Detroit Mercy is a vibrant program whose faculty teach courses required for students majoring in science and engineering disciplines, as well as the university core curriculum; engage in interdisciplinary and collaborative teaching and research; and mentor students within the College of Engineering and Science. Physics faculty have opportunities to collaborate with faculty in other disciplines and at partner institutions and organizations. We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate through their teaching, experience, and service that they can contribute to the Mission of the University and our commitment to provide support and opportunities for historically minoritized students across all disciplines.  
 

A successful candidate would be one that has a strong interest in implementing best practices in teaching pedagogy, including evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies. In addition, we seek an educator who is an enthusiastic teacher-scholar committed to supporting a diverse population of students and who can inspire and educate future scientists and engineers. Candidates should hold at minimum a Master’s degree in physics or physics specialty. We also welcome applications from individuals with a terminal degree in Science Education with a focus on Physics.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Teaching responsibilities will include introductory physics lectures and laboratory courses, as well as other courses based on the faculty member’s area of expertise and on the need to complement or expand current offerings in the program. Typical teaching loads for the lecturer position are four course sections each semester.
 

A strong candidate demonstrates knowledge and engagement in pedagogical scholarly activities. This may include, but is not limited to, participating in workshops focused on evidence-based physics pedagogy, presenting at local and national conferences on teaching scholarship, or publishing scholarly work on the research or practice of teaching.
 

A candidate must meet all required qualifications to be eligible for hire. A strong candidate would meet one or more of the preferred qualifications.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in physics or physics specialty.
• Experience teaching courses at the college level or other relevant instructional experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based pedagogical practices that support student learning.
• Demonstrated evidence of commitment to inclusive and equitable practices that support the mission and core values (link) of the College of Engineering & Science.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to student mentoring and advising.
• Commitment to students’ holistic development, including encouraging students to reflect and engage with physics in a broader social context.
• Commitment to service to the university and the larger community, in alignment with the university’s mission. 

Physical Requirements

Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).

Work Environment

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

Salary/Pay Information

Commensurate with experience

Anticipated Schedule

TBD

Instructions to Applicants

Candidates must apply by completing an application and uploading all required materials. Materials must include: 

1. A detailed cover letter describing the ways your background addresses the required and preferred qualifications.

2. A complete curriculum vitae, including a complete list of all instructional experiences with title and a brief one-line description for each.

3. A statement of your teaching philosophy and experience (maximum of two pages) that specifically addresses student-focused, evidence-based teaching practices. Connections should be made between these pedagogical practices and how they holistically support a diverse student body.

4. A statement (maximum of two pages) describing your knowledge, experiences, and plans for supporting the University’s mission and its values of mercy, justice, and compassion, including how you plan to contribute, through your teaching, scholarship, and service, to broadening the University’s collegial and academic community.

5. The names and contact information of three professional references. Please do not include any letters of recommendation—they will be requested for all finalists.

To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by 11:59 PM ET on March 30, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed after the full consideration date until the position is filled. For any questions or clarifications about the application qualifications, materials, other requirements or general inquiries, please contact the Chair of the search committee, Dr. Prasad Venugopal, at venugoep@udmercy.edu.
 

Employee Benefits

At the University of Detroit Mercy, we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following benefits: 

• Medical -

o Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network

•Dental -

o UDM’s School of Dentistry FREE to you and your dependents

o Option to purchase additional dental plan through UNUM

•Vision – 

o Under United Healthcare, you are able to get one exam every 24 months

o Under Heritage Vision, an eye exam and lenses (not Frame) are provided every 12 months

        (Plans are available to employees to purchase as an option)

• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts offered

• Employee Assistance Program -

o Provided to everyone in your household

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

• Life and AD&D 

o 1x base salary up to  Dollar One Hundred Thousand. 

• Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance

• Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children. 

• Retirement Plan -

o UDM provides matches up to 8%

As Michigan’s largest, most comprehensive private University, the University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University’s mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. The University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.