Visiting Assistant Professor/Instructor of Physics
University of Arkansas
USD 48k-53k / year
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Closing Date:
Type of Position:
Faculty - Non-Tenure
Workstudy Position:
Job Type:
Regular
Work Shift:
Sponsorship Available:
Institution Name:
University of Arkansas at Fort SmithUniversity of Arkansas – Fort Smith
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that’s redefining higher education. We’re on a mission to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi-faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. We’re committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas’s rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state’s varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution.
As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities.
Thank you for your interest in joining our university. Below you will find details for the position including any supplementary documentation and/or questions you should review before submitting your application. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at (479) 788-7080.
If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 479-788-7080. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied.
Department:
Physical Sciences
Department's Website:
Summary of Job Duties:
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith invites applications for a broadly trained physicist, atmospheric scientist, geophysicist, or astrophysicist. This one-academic year Visiting Instructor or Assistant Professor position will begin August 2026 and will be responsible for teaching a 15-hour load per semester. The successful candidate is expected to: teach undergraduate level lecture and lab courses in calculus- and non-calculus based classical physics, physical sciences, and offer courses in any area of physics related to their graduate expertise; and to be a mentor to undergraduate students.The Department of Physical Science is an interdisciplinary department that offers undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Geoscience, and a minor in physics. The BS Geoscience program is a young program that is gaining national recognition through its culture of student involvement and undergraduate research. The chemistry program offers bachelor’s degrees following a traditional chemistry concentration and a biochemistry concentration. The physics program offers a minor in physics and plays a crucial support role for a number of majors both within the department and across the university, including advanced manufacturing engineering, electrical engineering, biology, and mathematics.
Primary responsibilities will be teaching calculus and non-calculus-based physics courses and associated labs. Additional teaching responsibilities may include physical science, other physics courses, and/or environmental or atmospheric courses related to the applicant’s area of interest and graduate experience. Other duties will include supporting the physics minor, and/or the Geoscience and Chemistry degree programs, limited service to the department, college, and university including committee work, student recruitment, and other related duties as required. The position reports to the Department Head of Physical Sciences.
Qualifications:
Required Education and/or Work Experience:
Minimum qualifications include a Masters (Instructor) or PhD (Assistant Professor) in any field of physics, atmospheric science, or geophysics with a minimum attainment of 18 graduate-level credit hours in physics. Candidates with teaching experience in physics and/or closely related subjects and evidence of undergraduate research interests are favored. Demands of the position require excellent oral and written communication skills; superior people skills; and the ability to utilize instructional technology in the classroom. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for part of these requirements.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Strong undergraduate classroom instruction.
Assessment and evaluation of instruction.
Service to the department, college, and university, including committees and curriculum assessments.
Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and by providing leadership to subordinates. Requires consistent on-time attendance.
Other Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Attendance and participation in all faculty and administrative meetings, Student Research Symposium, commencement ceremonies, and other meetings/events as required.
Required employee professional development assignments.
Other duties as assigned.
Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to effectively teach a variety of undergraduate calculus- and non-calculus-based physics courses.
Ability to appropriately incorporate technology into classroom instruction to enhance student learning
Ability to communicate with students and co-workers effectively and professionally
Ability to interact with diverse groups of people in individual and team settings
Ability to promote success in student learning with instructional methods that address a variety of learning styles
Additional Information:
Working Relationships:
Must collaborate closely with coworkers in the Department of Physical Sciences to ensure the success of all departmental courses and programs. Will work daily with faculty, students, and staff in the College of Arts and Sciences and regularly with personnel across the campus. Interactions with students, teachers, staff, and administrators from Graduate Schools, K-12 schools and community groups will be required as needed for scheduled events.
List Employees Supervised: Not applicable.
Special Job Dimensions:
Work performed primarily in an office/classroom setting. Occasional travel and extended hours required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly exhibits digital dexterity when entering data into computer. Required abilities include walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods. Visual demands include close, detailed vision when focusing on a computer screen. Employee regularly talks and hears. Employee occasionally lifts items up to twenty pounds.
Background Check Requirements.
Criminal Background Check and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and/or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time without notice.
Salary Information:
Visiting Assistant Professor - Minimum $53,000 commensurate with education and experience
Required Documents to Apply:
Optional Documents:
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Recruitment Contact Information:
479-788-7080
All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS
Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.
Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
