Physics/Astronomy Assistant Professor

Employer: Los Rios Community College District

Location: Sacramento, California, United States

Salary: Competitive Salary

Date posted: Aug 21, 2025

Position Type: Faculty Positions, Science & Mathematics, Geology & Earth Sciences, Other Science & Technology, Physics & Space Sciences

Employment Type: Full Time

Position Summary

The faculty member shall be responsible for the following: teaching assigned classes under the supervision of the area dean; helping students fulfill their maximum potential in mastering course content; assessing student learning outcomes; maintaining a thorough and up-to-date knowledge in their regular teaching field; continuing professional development; utilizing current technology in the performance of job duties; maintaining standards of professional conduct and ethics appropriate to the professional position; assisting with articulation and curriculum development and review; serving on college committees and participating in faculty governance including accreditation and student co-curricular activities; assuming other responsibilities as assigned by the area dean; fulfilling other duties and responsibilities of a full-time faculty member.

The department maintains a focus on:

• Developing effective strategies for communicating astronomy and conceptual physics topics and concepts to our culturally and ethnically diverse non-STEM majors.
• Developing effective strategies to ensure student success for our STEM students in our trigonometry- and calculus-based physics sequences.
• Providing role models for prospective and current students in a diverse community.
• Developing original and effective laboratory activities, lectures, and/or demonstrations.
• Contributing to keeping the Physics and Astronomy equipment and curriculum up to date and modern.
• Utilizing a variety of teaching methods and technologies to keep students motivated and engaged.
• Integrating technology into lab and lecture activities.
• Providing hands-on learning opportunities.
• Maintaining collegiality, professionalism and leadership in the department, division and college.

Position Salary Information:

Initial maximum salary placement is based on academic degree, upper/graduate level units earned, and/or related professional occupational experience per the Los Rios College Federation of Teachers Contract. For more information on the step placement process, please click here.

Typical Duties

The instructional assignment may include, but is not limited to, teaching courses in all levels of Astronomy and Physics offered at the college in addition to:

• Introductory Astronomy
• Conceptual Physics
• Trigonometry and Calculus-based Physics sequences
• Laboratory sections as assigned

To view a complete list of courses for this discipline, please visit the Programs and Majors webpage for the specific campus:

• ARC Programs and Majors
• CRC Programs and Majors
• FLC Programs and Majors
• SCC Programs and Majors

Minimum Qualifications

1. Have a master’s in physics, astronomy or astrophysics; OR bachelor’s in physics or astronomy AND master’s in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics; OR the equivalent. All degrees must be from an accredited institution completed by January 15, 2026.
2. Have an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, including those with physical or learning disabilities as it relates to differences in learning styles; and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

Application Instructions

Applicants applying to this position are REQUIRED to complete and submit: A Los Rios Community College District Application, Letter of Interest, Resume or Curriculum Vitae, Unofficial Transcripts from College/University and/or Foreign Transcript Evaluation.