Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics (one-year position)
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Bluffton University seeks candidates for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics. A Ph.D. in physics or a related discipline is preferred; a master’s degree with teaching experience may be considered. The position requires teaching undergraduate courses and associated labs in physics and physical chemistry, a one-credit engineering seminar, and directed studies in analytical mechanics and engineering statics. Faculty typically teach 23-25 credits per academic year and engage in advising, service, and professional activities consistent with Bluffton University expectations. Specific appointment terms, workload expectations, and related policies are defined at the time of appointment. This is a one-year position that will be appointed by the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs in consultation with the Chair of the Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Mathematics department.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The candidate will be expected to attend department meetings and faculty meetings, work as part of a collaborative team, engage with the campus community, and help advise students majoring in pre-engineering or physics.
Faculty Responsibilities:
- Faculty members generally teach 23-25 hours per year and are on nine-month work agreements that run from two weeks before classes begin in August through the day grades are due in May. Occasional meetings may be needed during the summer.
Courses likely to be taught:
Fall:
PHY211 Physics for Science and Engineering 1 (4 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
PHY/CEM326 Physical Chemistry (Thermal/Modern/Nuclear/Quantum) 1 (4 hours lecture,
3 hours lab)
PHY375 Analytical Mechanics (via directed study)
Spring:
PHY150 Engineering Seminar (1 hour per week)
PHY212 Physics for Science and Engineering 2 (4 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
PHY/CEM327 Physical Chemistry (Thermal/Modern/Nuclear/Quantum) 2 (4 hours lecture,
3 hours lab)
PHY340 Engineering Statics (via directed study)
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum:
- A doctorate in physics is preferred; a master’s degree may be accepted. Teaching experience is preferred.
Skill/Abilities:
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office; proficiency in or ability to learn our learning management system software (Moodle).
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The position includes approximately twelve hours of in-person classes and labs per week plus attendance at meetings and other events on campus each week. Lab work includes some physical labor demands. Some occasional travel off campus may be needed for conferences and/or off-campus meetings.
COMPENSATION:
Commensurate with education and experience.
DEADLINE:
Review of applications begins immediately and continues until an appointment is made.
APPLICATION MATERIALS:
Applications are considered complete when the following materials are received at
the office indicated below:
-
- Letter of interest
- Resume
- Completed Faculty supplementary application
- Completed Bluffton employment application
Send application materials to:
Human resources
Bluffton University
1 University Drive
Bluffton, OH 45817-2104
Posted 5/13/26