"Preceptor in Physics"

School:

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area:

Physics

Position Description

The Department of Physics at Harvard University seeks applications for a Preceptor in Physics. The appointment is expected to begin on July 1, 2026.

Working closely with faculty and staff in the Department of Physics, the preceptor will oversee all aspects of small-group instruction in the laboratory component of essential introductory and advanced physics courses, targeted to a wide range of students.

Science preceptors supervise and train teaching fellows and play a leading role in the laboratory support team. They collaborate with faculty to develop innovative course materials including hands-on learning activities and independent student projects.

The position is for an initial appointment of one year. Reappointment may be possible on a yearly basis for up to eight years (within the eligibility guidelines of the FAS), contingent on performance, enrollments, curricular need, position availability, and divisional dean authorization.

Basic Qualifications

The successful candidate should have an advanced degree in physics or a closely allied field or should be on track to complete the degree by the start of the appointment. Candidates are required to have teaching experience in physics or a closely allied field.

Additional Qualifications

Candidates should have excellent organizational, written, and interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated ability to lead and train teaching assistants. Experience setting up, managing, and directing student laboratory sessions is strongly preferred. A strong doctoral record is preferred.

Special Instructions

Please submit the following materials through the ARIeS portal (https://academicpositions.harvard.edu).

1. Cover letter, including a description of the candidate's teaching/advising philosophy and practices as well as their approach to creating a learning environment in which every student is encouraged to ask questions and share their ideas.
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Names and contact information of three to five referees, who will be asked by a system-generated email to upload a letter of recommendation once the candidate's application has been submitted. Three letters of recommendation are required, and the application is considered complete only when at least three letters have been received.

Review of applications will be on a rolling basis, ending April 30, 2026.

This position may be represented by the Harvard Academic Workers (HAW) - UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.

Contact Information

Jolanta Davis
Academic Programs Specialist
jmdavis@fas.harvard.edu

Kathryn Ledbetter
Associate Director of Instructional Physics Labs, Lecturer on Physics
kledbetter@fas.harvard.edu

Contact Email: jmdavis@fas.harvard.edu

Salary Range

$70,300 - $78,300

Minimum Number of References Required: 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed: 5