"Assistant Professor of Physics"

Job Details

Position Summary:

The position is a tenure-track Assistant Professor level faculty position in Physics in the Fort Lewis College Department of Physics and Engineering.

Job Description:

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Teach any physics course offerings in the FLC catalog along with Engineering courses related to the candidate’s expertise as needed by the department
• Guide and mentor students in the classroom, laboratory, and research
• Build and maintain an active scholarship program that is compatible with undergraduate research opportunities for our students
• Interact professionally and collegially with Fort Lewis faculty, staff, and students, being a “team player” contributing to the growth and success of our students, the department, and the college
• Perform any assigned duties related to departmental assessment and ABET accreditation
• Act as a student recruiting and retention agent
• Perform other service-related departmental and college duties as assigned

Required Education, Specialized Skills and Experience:

• Ph.D. degree in physics or an applied physics field from an accredited college or university by August 15, 2026
• Proven commitment to undergraduate teaching across the full range of undergraduate physics courses
• Interest and demonstrated ability to develop an active role in extra-curricular, student-centered activities that broaden the undergraduate academic experience
• Research area or interests compatible with undergraduate research

Preferred Education, Specialized Skills and Experience:

• Proven successful college teaching experience and well versed in modern pedagogical techniques
• Demonstrated ability to supervise undergraduate research projects in experimental physics
• Proven willingness to collaborate and contribute outside of your area of academic expertise
• Ability to build a research program that leverages existing FLC infrastructure including: Optics laboratory, FLC observatory, Fluids laboratory

Reports To / Supervisory Responsibility:

This position reports to the Department Chair.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee can expect while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to work with students in groups or individually in the classroom and laboratory, and to mentor students individually or in small groups outside of class or laboratory.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands; and reach with hands and arms.

Travel:

Less than 5% travel time is expected for this position.

FLSA Status/ Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Tenure-Track Faculty
• Exempt
• Full Time, FTE 1.0.
• Permanent
• 9 Month Position (During academic year). Work hours are dependent on the needs of the position.

Salary

The salary is $63,500, plus a comprehensive benefits package

Application Process

A complete application packet includes:

• Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for the position
• Curriculum Vitae
• Names and contact information for three current, professional references

Application Deadline

Application materials received by 11:59 p.m. on January 4, 2026, will receive full consideration.

The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts and pass a background check.

About Fort Lewis College:

On a sage-brushed mesa overlooking downtown Durango and the La Plata Mountains, Fort Lewis College is Southwest Colorado’s premier public undergraduate research institution. With more than half of the 3,300 students identifying as people of color, FLC’s academic programming and campus life thrive on nurturing safe, diverse spaces for intellectual exploration and helping people achieve their career goals. A Native American-serving, Non-Tribal Institution, FLC is committed to promoting economic development in neighboring tribal communities and connecting students with the education they need to be the change in the world they want to see. Degree programs span the arts, business, education, health sciences, humanities, and social and natural sciences. Coursework builds on the natural, cultural, and historical resources found around the Four Corners region. Students work closely with faculty on research projects with real-world implications. Like the mountain town it resides in, FLC promotes a culture of work-life balance for students, faculty, and staff. Skyhawks enjoy unparalleled access to a healthy outdoor lifestyle thanks to 300 days of sunshine a year and more than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails in and around Durango