Assistant/Associate Professor of Physics

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Assistant/Associate Professor of Physics.

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km²) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Department of Natural and Computational Sciences invites applications for a full-time Physics faculty (Assistant / Associate Professor level) dedicated to excellence in teaching, active scholarship, and meaningful service to the institution and broader community. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate education and mentorship while maintaining an active research agenda.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching

• Teach undergraduate physics courses, which may include introductory calculus-based and algebra-based physics, upper-division courses, and laboratory courses in a face-to-face, online, or hybrid format.
• Develop and update course materials to reflect current best practices in physics education.
• Employ inclusive and evidence-based teaching strategies that support diverse learners.
• Maintain regular office hours and provide academic advising and mentorship to undergraduate students.
• Contribute to curriculum review, development and assessment initiatives within the department.

Research and Scholarship

• Maintain an active research agenda in physics or physics education.
• Engage undergraduate students in research activities where appropriate.
• Pursue internal and external funding opportunities to support scholarly work.
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or other scholarly outlets.

Service

• Participate in departmental, college, and/or institutional committees.
• Contribute to program development, accreditation, and assessment processes.
• Engage in professional service activities such as peer review, conference organization, or outreach.
• Support recruitment and retention initiatives within the department.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required Master's degree in Physics or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated ability or strong potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD. In Physics or a closely related discipline (completed by start date).
• Postdoctoral experience
• Experience mentoring undergraduate researchers
• Experience in securing external funding Experiment with innovated and high-impact practices

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position.
• Curriculum vitae
• Undergraduate and Graduate transcripts
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Statement of research plans, including undergraduate involvement.
• Contact information of three professional references. Additional information will be requested upon receipt of the application.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.