Mountain West HERC

Job Summary

The Physics Department at Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) welcomes applicants for a full-time, one-year Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics position, or Visiting Instructor position, to begin in July 2026. Applicants of all specializations are welcome to apply. The successful candidate will be expected to teach Introductory physics lectures and lab for physics majors, dual-degree engineering students, and pre-health audiences, but will also have the opportunity to teach upper-level courses based on their interest.

The Department has lab space and resources available for new faculty to continue their scholarly activities, and greatly values the inclusion of undergraduate students in the research process. Candidates who are passionate about this should write about it in their cover letter.

The Physics department also has a substantial laboratory curriculum that has recently undergone revision to focus instruction on development of experimental skills using best-practices from pedagogical research. We welcome candidates who can bring their own perspective and experience to these courses, and can adjust their approach based on the backgrounds of the students.

We also value instructor development and the effort required to adapt to a new environment. The College offers mentoring experiences and faculty development resources to support short and long-term career growth of new faculty.

About Department

The Physics Department at W&J offers B.A. and a B.S. degrees in physics that focus on experimental skills. We also offer emphases within the major that allow students to study interdisciplinary topics such as chemical physics, biological physics, mathematical physics, and the intersections of philosophy and physics. Physics faculty also teach courses in support of W&J's chemistry, biology, pre-health, and dual-degree engineering programs. The department is housed in the Swanson Science Center, which offers state-of-the-art educational laboratories and a well-appointed machine shop. We frequently offer interdisciplinary general education courses, consistent with the liberal arts mission of the college.

Qualifications

The department seeks candidates who have a PhD or Masters in physics or related field. ABD candidates will also be considered. Candidates should also demonstrate a dedication to excellence in teaching and a desire to contribute to the campus-wide liberal arts culture.

Disclaimer

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the position.

Job Description Status

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Washington & Jefferson College reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit a cover letter addressing how their experiences/qualifications meet the job description, CV, and a statement of teaching philosophy and approach to https://washjeff.applicantpro.com/jobs/. They may also submit evidence of teaching excellence such as peer or student evaluations, or a sample syllabus, if available. Applicants should be prepared to provide three confidential letters of recommendation on request. It is recommended that all documents be in PDF format and uploaded at one time. To upload more than one document on the application, please choose file then upload files until all documents are showing in the submitted hr@washjeff.edu. Questions regarding the position should be addressed to Professor Cory Christenson (cchristenson@washjeff.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. All applications submitted before May 10, 2026 will be considered.

Employee Benefits

Washington & Jefferson College offers a comprehensive benefit package for benefit eligible employees; including health, vision, and dental coverage, group life insurance, AD&D and LTD coverage, retirement plan, generous leave time, and the tuition benefit programs. These benefits add significantly to the employee's total compensation package.

Getting to Know W&J

Washington & Jefferson College is the best of both worlds: a small-town college setting in historic Washington, Pa., with easy access to the bustling business and cultural districts of nearby Pittsburgh, Pa. just 30 miles to the north. Founded in 1781, W&J College is a private, residential liberal arts college that is focused on student success. Our dedicated, experienced professors are passionate about teaching and work closely with our students to ensure that they receive a quality, comprehensive education. For more than 200 years, our alumni have influenced change in business, politics, medicine, and the arts and sciences as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, researchers, writers, teachers, and in many other equally worthy professions.

Celebrating Community

Washington & Jefferson College welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs who wish to participate in a diverse educational community. The College strives to be a place where all students, faculty, administrators and employees are able to live, study and work in an atmosphere free from bias and harassment. The College encourages civil debate and lively exchange of ideas in the belief that such exchanges promote understanding that will grow beyond simple tolerance of difference to embracing and celebrating the richness of diversity. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help them thrive in a culturally diverse world.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.