Assistant Professor– Physics

Job Description Summary

The Department of Physics at the Florida Polytechnic University is seeking applicants for the rank of Assistant Professor. Assistant Professor candidates should possess:

• a commitment to teaching that supports undergraduates at all levels in the curriculum,
• the ability to mentor engineering physics majors and
• theoretical or experimental expertise in physics that complements our current faculty research interests (in astrophysics, computational physics, condensed matter, nuclear physics, and optics).
  
  

The appointment will begin on August 15, 2024; appointments as early as January of 2024 will be considered where appropriate.

The Department of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University offers a program in Engineering Physics that began in the fall of 2019. We anticipate graduating our first full cohort of approximately 10 majors this spring. The degree program consists of required core physics and core engineering courses, a sequence of design courses, electives in both engineering and physics and supplemental coursework in mathematics and computer science. The department plans for an ABET-EAC evaluation in approximately two years.

This position is part of a strategic expansion of the university that will add at least two faculty to the current six full-time faculty members within the department. As a part of this faculty expansion, the department will be placing special emphasis on Physics 1 & 2 instruction, improving the department’s core degree offerings, and extending the department’s research presence.

Applicants must demonstrate commitment to teaching and teaching excellence in support of the department’s degree program as well as entry-level courses such as Physics 1 & 2. Individuals must be prepared to establish a personal research presence based upon participation in extramural funding efforts, publication of research results in leading scientific journals of their discipline, and supervision of undergraduate students. Candidates are expected to assist in the broader educational mission of the university.

Job Description

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION:

• Ph.D. in Physics, or a closely related field, where the degree must be complete before a candidate’s starting date.
  
  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior teaching and relevant research or industry experience.
• Capacity to teach successfully, particularly at the undergraduate level.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research that can be externally funded.
• Participation in professional activities and organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with broad campus community.
  
  

EXPECTED STARTING SALARY: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE:

• Positions are open until filled (or recruitment canceled). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.
  
  

APPLICATION PROCESS: All Applicants are required to submit the following in PDF format to the Florida Polytechnic Careers Website:

• Cover letter and Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Research Interests
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• List of at least 3 professional references (names and contact information)
• Unofficial copy of the Ph.D./M.Sc. transcript
  
  

ABOUT FLORIDA POLY:

Florida Polytechnic University opened for classes in 2014-15 and is the twelfth university in the Florida State University System. The University was created as an exclusively STEM-focused public university that offers high-value undergraduate and graduate degrees and that has intentional industry connections with a focus on economic development of the high-tech I-4 corridor. Dedicated to preparing students for the competitive STEM workforce, Florida Polytechnic University blends traditional subject matter mastery with problem solving and laboratory experiences to provide students with learning opportunities applicable to both the workplace and a career of lifelong learning. The University delivers its courses in small class sizes, emphasizes a positive student to faculty experience, and is dedicated to both its teaching and research mission.

Florida Poly does not have a traditional tenure system. Faculty are employed via renewable, term defined appointments, codified in a collective bargaining agreement, that substantially mirrors tenure systems with reappointment and progression in rank upon completion of a significant review of accomplishments.

Lakeland, home to Florida Polytechnic University’s ultra-modern campus, is located along the I-4 High Tech Corridor halfway between Tampa and Orlando. Our central Florida community combines small town comfort with big-city culture. Florida’s High-Tech Corridor is home to 11,000 high-tech businesses, and Polk County alone has more than 600,000 residents, four universities and one state college. Lakeland is just a 45-minute drive from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, professional sports teams, and thriving performing art centers. With no income tax in Florida, and a high standard of living, Lakeland and Central Florida continue to rise among the best places to live and work.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information. Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.

Florida Poly Benefits Information

Florida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of health benefits (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker's compensation.

Health benefits are administered through People First, on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.

RETIREMENT

Florida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future. Click here for more information.

Florida Poly Benefits

• Perks and Discounts
• Annual Leave
• To help promote work-life balance, Florida Poly provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off and paid holidays. Qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave. In addition, the University observes the holidays listed in our University Holidays policy FPU-1.008.
• Sick Leave
• Qualified employees may also accrue 12 days of annual sick leave and participate in our Sick Pool Program.
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
  
  

EXPLORE LAKELAND FLORIDA

Conveniently located along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to Florida Polytechnic University and many other businesses and attractions. Click here to explore Lakeland, Florida.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS:

Required attachments are listed on each posting. Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered.

An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire.

Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.

This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute

• 435.04.