Physics Adjunct- Spring Quarter 2024

Apply now Job no:497005
Work type:Adjunct Faculty
Location:Denver, CO
Categories:Faculty
Division: Natural Sciences and Math

About the University of Denver

Located where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, the University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines our region and our history. DU is a private institution built on exploration through research and collaboration among educators, students, and local and global communities. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education, and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower them to make a difference around the world. Through learning, scholarship and practice, students gain the experience, knowledge and courage they need to tackle big challenges in the real world and guide diverse communities and organizations.

About the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The college is home to five academic departments: Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geography and the Environment, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy. The college offers over 30 degrees ranging from Bachelor of Arts to Doctor of Philosophy as well as having many active research labs funded through extramural sources. DU and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics are strongly committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment of belonging for all. In alignment with this commitment and regardless of specialization, successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to integrate content, programming, processes, communication, and sentiments to build a welcoming community of learning for all, being conscious of individuals with historically minoritized identities. You can read more about DU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on the University’s website.

About the Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy underwent a strong expansion with nine tenure-track and two teaching professor positions filled since 2006. Our diverse and dynamic faculty of 12 includes four women and come from seven different countries. Out of 10 research faculty, there are five NSF CAREER award winners, two Cottrell and Scialog Scholars, and one W.M. Keck Foundation award recipient. Additionally, faculty are supported by DOE, traditional (three-year) funding from NSF and grant awards (R15, RO1) from NIH. We provide an attentive, hands-on research and learning community for undergraduate and graduate students up through the PhD level. The program is recognized by the APS among US PhD-granting departments for our high percentage of female graduates: placing second nationally at the undergraduate level and third at the graduate level (APS data for the period 2011-2013).

Position Summary

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is accepting applications for an adjunct professor to teach a new advanced astrophysics course in Spring 2024. The course is PHYS 3255/4255, Black Holes and Cosmology, aimed at upper-division physics majors (including those pursuing the astrophysics minor) and early-stage physics graduate students. The successful candidate will have experience teaching astronomy courses to students at these levels. For questions about the courses, please contact Faun Lee, Assistant to the Chair at [email protected] . 

Some courses or sections may not be offered, depending on the student interest. Adjunct faculty positions are non-benefitted positions.

Essential Functions

• Teach courses as scheduled
• Create and maintain course Canvas container
• Assign papers, exams, and other assignments
• Grade in a timely manner
• Hold office hours and meet with students over Zoom or in person

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of special and general relativity topics
• Knowledge of current topics and advances in modern cosmology
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively to a variety of audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively with diverse internal and external constituencies

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or Astrophysics
• Experience teaching astronomy at an upper-division undergraduate level

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in a related field

Work Schedule

While the University's administrative offices are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, faculty schedules vary from term to term and are based on courses taught, service commitments, and research agendas. The University's academic calendars are posted on the registrar's website (the law school is on a semester system and has a different academic calendar ).

Application Deadline

For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MDT) on January 7, 2024. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Course Rate

The course rate for this position ranges from $4,772 (Master's degree) -$5,725 (PhD degree).

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers some benefits for non-benefited employees. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver .

Please include the following documents with your application:

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Equal Pay Act; Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers' Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement .

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.