Assistant Professor (Physics)

LOCATION:

United States Naval Academy, Physics Department

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.  

ABOUT THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY:

The United States Naval Academy is a unique institution of higher learning located in Annapolis, Maryland.  As a service academy and premier undergraduate college, the United States Naval Academy has its own distinctive niche amongst American higher education institutions. Our talented faculty and staff are united by a common purpose--to develop the next generation of officers to be exceptional leaders in our naval service.

The United States Naval Academy is committed to building a diverse workforce of faculty and staff who provide a multi-disciplinary and hands-on approach to student learning and leadership development.  We believe that individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives strengthen our programs and positively impact student success. We encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for consideration.

Every year more than one million people tour "the Yard" to experience what our employees already know — the United States Naval Academy is a special place, with a special purpose. Employees will find challenging and rewarding work; state-of-the-art facilities which inspire academic and athletic excellence; the benefits of Federal employment; and exceptional quality-of-life.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Naval Academy’s Physics Department invites applications for at least one tenure-track faculty position in physics. Candidates with a research specialty in theoretical physics are a higher priority in this year’s search, nevertheless we encourage all interested candidates in physics and astronomy to apply.  Candidates of all academic ranks will be considered but by policy will be hired at the rank of Assistant Professor. This position may begin as early as the Summer of 2023.

Our highest priority is to find a candidate who is committed to teaching in a highly interactive environment while establishing and maintaining a thriving research program here at USNA.

Teaching occurs in a small class setting (class sizes of 24 students or fewer), with a typical course load of two classes per semester. USNA does not have a graduate program (and hence no TA’s), so faculty members are fully responsible for their classes.  We are committed to hiring faculty who embrace the diverse nature of our student body, comprising exceptional women and men from every congressional district in the United States.

In addition to demonstrating the ability to establish and grow a research program resulting in regular peer-reviewed publications, it is particularly attractive if a candidate’s research program provides opportunities for meaningful involvement by upper-class undergraduate physics majors.  Feel free to explore our department webpages for further information, www.usna.edu/PhysicsDepartment.

This is a 10-month federal excepted service position.  Salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum:

• A Ph.D. in physics or a related discipline is required (anticipated completion of Ph.D. no later than June 2023 is acceptable).

Preferred:  Preference will be given to candidates who exhibit a number of the following at a level that is appropriate for their present career stage.

• Commitment to teaching a very diverse student body in a range of undergraduate courses including introductory calculus-based physics
• Experience teaching at the undergraduate level
• Knowledge and interest in employing active learning in the classroom environment
• Demonstration of superior teaching ability during an onsite interview
• A superior record of research and scholarship in peer-reviewed journals
• Plans to conduct research at USNA that is suitable for student participation
• Research experience in theoretical physics or astrophysics
• Ability to collaborate with our current faculty or researchers at local institutions and/or a strong record of independent research
• A demonstrated mastery of their subject during a research talk and in faculty discussions during the onsite interview
• Shows promise as a teacher, coordinator and/or developer of a variety of physics courses, including required courses for physics majors at the upper-class level.
• Superior performance in a postdoctoral appointment
• A demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative, collegial environment.

HOW TO APPLY FOR POSITION:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, teaching and research statements, curriculum vitae, and arrange for three references that address both teaching and research abilities to be sent to Professor Chris Morgan, Chair of the Physics Search Committee, at physics-positions2023-group@usna.edu.  

Please note: Applications will be reviewed beginning 15 October 2022, but the position will remain open until filled. 

IMPORTANT APPLICANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT:

• To comply with the applicable nationwide preliminary injunction on Executive Order 14043, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Department of the Navy is not taking any action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.  Newly hired employees will need to provide their vaccination status as well as comply with workplace safety protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• All Civilian Excepted Service/Faculty Positions at USNA are subject to a background investigation. The selected candidate will be subject to a security investigation leading to successful completion of a background investigation with a favorable adjudication.  Background investigations for non-US Citizens often require up to two years to complete. The selectee's failure to meet this requirement will be grounds for termination.  More information about the background investigation process can be found at the Academic Dean and Provost’s website here http://www.usna.edu/Academics/Faculty-Information/Background-Investigation-Info.php.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The U.S. Naval Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer