"Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy"

Job Details

Faculty Position on Physics and Astronomy Truman State University: School of Science and Mathematics: Physical Sciences

Location: On-campus

Open Date: Feb 11, 2026

Description

Truman State University has an opening for a temporary, non-tenure-track Physics faculty member, beginning August 2026, for outstanding candidates with expertise in physics and/or astronomy. The position is currently funded for one year as a sabbatical replacement. Renewal is possible if additional sabbatical replacement funds become available.

Successful candidates will provide classroom instruction in introductory physics and/or astronomy courses that support the liberal arts and sciences, as well as other courses compatible with expertise.

Program: The Department of Physical Sciences houses programs including the Physics major (including an Astronomy/Astrophysics track option), Physics and Astronomy minors, and a Dual Degree Engineering program. The Department has 15 faculty members with specialties across chemistry, physics, and astronomy. The Department also offers degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and classes that support more than 600 students with biology, agriculture, and health-related majors. Physical Sciences faculty also offer courses in the Dialogues, Truman’s liberal studies core curriculum. Faculty are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary teaching and research within the School and across the University. For more information about the Physics program, visit http://physics.truman.edu/.

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. Our approximately 3,000 students thrive in a challenging, yet supportive, academic environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half go on to graduate or professional school.

Founded in 1867, Truman focuses on student learning outcomes and emphasizes high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public four-year colleges and universities. For nearly three decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master’s universities in the nation. For more information about our mission and values and to see additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school, and community college. The Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival, the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival, and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, local shops, and restaurants, and it is the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers’ markets and summer concerts on the courthouse lawn. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O’Hare provide quick access to one of the country’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field. ABD candidates will be considered if their expected degree completion is within one year of the starting date;
• Demonstrated potential for success in teaching introductory physics and/or astronomy courses;
• Support for the liberal arts and sciences mission of the University;
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Teaching experience as an instructor of record;
• Ability to teach advanced courses in one or more areas of physics and/or astronomy.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted electronically at https://apply.interfolio.com/181520.

For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu. Completed applications must include: a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above, a current curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy that reflects on our liberal arts and sciences mission, contact information for at least three references, and official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate college transcripts.

Review of applications will begin March 13, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates are required to successfully pass a background check. Questions about this position may be directed to the chair of the Department of Physical Sciences, Tim Wiser, at tdwiser@truman.edu.