Visiting Assistant Professor in Applied Physics

Job Details

The Department of Physics at Texas Lutheran University invites applications for a visiting professorship in applied physics. We seek a passionate educator who is committed to excellence in teaching, undergraduate research and has a strong background in applied physics in areas such as computational, experimental physics and laboratory instruction. This is a one-year position to begin in August 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related field. ABD candidates will be considered if their degree will be completed by August 2026.
• Ability to teach a range of undergraduate courses and labs (12 credit hours per semester) including introductory level physics and pre-engineering courses, Optics, Computational Physics and Quantum Mechanics.
• Demonstrated programming proficiency in Python, with the ability to integrate computational methods into undergraduate physics and engineering instruction.
• A demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, undergraduate research, student mentoring, and hands-on laboratory instruction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching upper-level undergraduate physics courses such as optics, computational physics or quantum mechanics.
• Experience with laboratory design and instruction involving instrumentation, experimental methods, or data acquisition.
• Interest in contributing to the continued development of applied physics and engineering-oriented curricular initiatives within the department.
• Interest or experience in mentoring undergraduate research.

Department Overview

The Department of Physics at Texas Lutheran University offers bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Applied Physics within a student-centered undergraduate program that emphasizes excellence in teaching, hands-on laboratory experiences, and close faculty mentorship. The department has a strong applied focus, with the Applied Physics program supporting students pursuing engineering-related pathways through experiential, laboratory, and computational learning.

Application Process

To be fully considered for this position, each candidate should submit the following materials as a single electronic file (PDF preferred) via email to stek@tlu.edu

• Letter of application addressing the above criteria
• Current curriculum vitae
• Statement explaining your teaching philosophy and practice, especially as those relate to inclusive service of TLU’s diverse student body.
• Contact information for three professional references (names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers).

Position Overview

This is a one-year visiting position with primary responsibilities including teaching a combination of upper- and lower-level physics and applied physics courses and laboratories totaling 12 credit hours per semester.

University Overview

Texas Lutheran University is rigorously committed to inclusion. A Hispanic-Serving Institution with a student body almost 50% Latinx/Hispanic, TLU celebrates a community diverse in many ways. One of the 26 colleges and universities affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, TLU celebrates its strong religious diversity and its deep commitment to academic freedom.