The Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Western Ontario invites applications for a Teaching Scholar (TS) position. This probationary appointment will be made at the rank of Assistant Professor with a workload of 60% teaching, 20% scholarship and 20% service. It will lead to consideration of continuing status (CTS) and promotion to Associate Professor at the end of the probationary period. The starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2024.
Requirements:
• Either (1) a PhD in Physics or related field; or (2) a PhD in Education with MSc in Physics or related field. PhD must be completed by the start date;
• evidence of scholarship in teaching and learning such as innovative teaching approaches, curriculum development, and/or publications in the area of educational research;
• previous experience teaching physics, astronomy, and/or mathematics at the university undergraduate level, including preparation and delivery of lectures and design of assessments;
• a record of effective teaching practice.
The successful candidate will be an emerging or established teaching scholar who has a demonstrated, outstanding track record in teaching innovation and classroom teaching. The candidate is expected to contribute to the teaching mission of the Department of Physics & Astronomy: teaching duties will include up to 6 one-semester courses per year at the undergraduate level. The candidate is also expected to engage in the scholarship of teaching and learning, which could include curriculum development, educational research supported by external funding and disseminated through publications and conferences, and training faculty and/or teaching assistants.
Western recognizes that our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is central to the University’s mandate as a research-intensive institution of higher learning. We understand that a pursuit of research excellence and a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization are mutually supporting goals. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities (“visible minorities”), persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. Candidates are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment demonstrated through the application materials.
Assets include demonstrated interest and/or experience in:
• teaching in more than one of physics, astronomy, and mathematics
• educational activities within and beyond the university;
• equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization initiatives related to teaching and learning;
• providing high-impact learning experiences for undergraduates;
• teaching undergraduate courses with large (> 250 student) enrolments;
• course administration, or training and management of teaching assistants.
The successful candidate will be expected to engage in service to the University and the profession. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, as well as evidence of leadership potential, will be considered assets.
With annual research funding exceeding $270 million, and an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world applications. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses.
Physics & Astronomy is a research-intensive Department in Western’s Faculty of Science with both undergraduate and graduate programs. It also has a substantial service-teaching commitment, including physics for medical sciences, general science and engineering, mathematics for engineering, and astronomy for non-scientists. We seek colleagues who share our commitment to teaching excellence who will join us in contributing to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.
Candidates should submit:
1. The Application for Full-time Faculty Position Form, available at
https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/full-time-application-form.pdf
2. A cover letter addressing how your expertise/experience and proposed activities fit this position (maximum 2 pages);
3. An up-to-date curriculum vitae including a complete publication list;
4. A statement of teaching philosophy and future plans for activities in the scholarship of teaching and learning, which could include educational research, curriculum design and innovation, pedagogical training, or other related activities (maximum 3 pages);
5. A summary of past achievements in classroom teaching and scholarship of teaching and learning (maximum 4 pages);
6. A statement of contributions to equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization which might cover topics such as: teaching that supports the success of students from underrepresented groups in the sciences and engineering, development of inclusive pedagogy, or mentoring of students from underrepresented groups (maximum 2 pages).
7. Contact details for at least three academic professionals who can provide letters of reference, at least two of whom can speak to the candidate’s teaching. Letter-writers will not be contacted until the shortlist stage of the search.
Western recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement and potential candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact that career interruptions have had and to submit a full career or extended CV.
The application package can be submitted via email in a single PDF file to:
Dr. Pauline Barmby, Department and Search Committee Chair
Department of Physics & Astronomy, Western University
London Ontario, Canada
E-mail: p-a.search@uwo.ca
Consideration of applications will begin on December 20, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.
Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals.
In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Emily Adams at eadams29@uwo.ca