"Assistant Professor - Physics, Engineering, & Astronomy"

Job Description

Applications are solicited for the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy at Austin Peay State University (APSU). This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position to begin Fall, 2026. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Applicants with a background in astronomy, astrophysics, space science, or a related field are preferred. Research interests that can involve undergraduate students, are complementary to those in the department and/or have potential for collaborative efforts within the department are preferred.

The Department of Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy is a growing department consisting of ten tenured/tenure-track faculty, two staff, and approximately 70 undergraduate majors in three programs: physics, engineering physics, and astrophysics. We have active experimental and computational research in astronomy, condensed matter physics, materials science, and engineering. For more information about the Department, its research and degree programs, and its physical and computational facilities, please visit http://www.apsu.edu/physics. APSU is a Masters: Larger, Research institution with an enrollment of over 10,000 students located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of approximately 185,000 people located 40 miles northwest of Nashville, Tennessee.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae that includes contact information for three professional references, a statement of teaching philosophy, and a research plan that includes a description of undergraduate involvement at https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Teaching undergraduate physics, engineering, and astronomy classes at both the lower- and upper-level; this may include service courses for students in other science disciplines and/or non-science majors;
• Maintaining an active research program with undergraduate students;
• Participating in professional service;
• Actively supporting the achievement of departmental goals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrate willingness and ability to work effectively with colleagues to support the mission of the institution and related academic units.
• Be willing to teach at times and places necessary to meet student needs.
• Be willing to adopt innovative teaching methods and delivery as appropriate.
• Possess the knowledge, talents and skills in the discipline to promote effective teaching.
• Demonstrate respect for the diverse learning needs of students.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop and implement curriculum objectives and content for courses offered and taught in one's curriculum area.
• Demand and maintain high standards and expectations for all students.
• Implement teaching activities and a diversity of teaching techniques, procedures, and resources including application of technology.
• Develop and implement evaluation and assessment techniques that are appropriate for each course.
• Use multiple measures to assess student learning on a regular basis and provide frequent feedback to students relative to their performance.
• Be available and knowledgeable and demonstrate proficiency in the practice of academic advisement of students.
• Conduct appropriate research and scholarly/creative activity within the discipline.
• Effectively utilize the materials and resources of the Felix G. Woodward Library.
• Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development and growth by being suitably active in professional and community service.
• Exhibit motivation and initiative in keeping up-to-date and current in one's curriculum area by reading/reviewing current scholarly or creative works in their field and by attending conferences, seminars, workshops, courses, and development activities sponsored by the University.
• Serve effectively on committees and other appropriate functions that assist in University governance.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution in astronomy, astrophysics, space science, or a related area.
• Documented evidence of high quality professional productivity consonant with the goals of the University and of the Department of Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy.
• Documented evidence of ability in academic assignment, scholarly and creative achievement, and professional contributions and activities.
• Evidence of good character, mature attitude, and professional integrity.
• Employment is contingent upon a favorable background check.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Each applicant must submit a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae that includes contact information for three professional references, a statement of teaching philosophy, and a research plan that includes a description of undergraduate involvement. You will not be able to modify your application after it has been submitted. Initial review of applications will begin November 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Please refer all questions to facultyapplications@apsu.edu.