Description

The Department of Physics and Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science at St. Olaf College invite applications for a full-time, one-year position in Physics and Computer Science at the Visiting Instructor or Assistant Professor level to begin August 2023.

This position involves teaching undergraduate courses that support our programs in physics, engineering studies, and computer science. The successful candidate will teach Introduction to Data Structures in C++, Introduction to Engineering Design, Modern Physics Laboratory, and an applied elective such as Materials Engineering, Renewable Energy, or Engineering Fluid Dynamics.

About the Departments:

The Physics Department at St. Olaf graduates an average of 22 majors per year and has eight faculty members, a technician, and an administrative assistant. Visiting faculty members teach a full load of six course equivalents. The department promotes an interdisciplinary vision of the natural sciences. We partner with the Engineering Studies program and have two faculty members jointly appointed to other areas such as biology, neuroscience, and environmental studies. We also work closely with the Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science Department (MSCS). Computational approaches to physics are emphasized in our introductory curriculum. To encourage an inclusive and vibrant community, the department and its students organize events whose highlights include Fall and Spring picnics, a speaker series, weekly teas, and workshops developed by our TEAM-UP group. For more information on these programs, visit wp.stolaf.edu/physics, wp.stolaf.edu/newstudents/engineering-studies, and wp.stolaf.edu/mscs. 

Diversity:

At St. Olaf College, we are committed to equity and inclusion. We strive to be a campus of welcome where students, faculty, and staff thrive by bringing their full humanity—gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic class, disability, religion, spirituality, and age—to the Hill each day. Our goal is to generate conversations and processes that over time create greater clarity, transparency, trust, cooperation, consensus, respect, and measurable outcomes. Practices that support this goal include listening, cultivating a growth mindset, respecting those with different views, being informed by data, and understanding that the work is ongoing, collaborative, organic, and ever evolving. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts.

How to Apply:

Apply on the institution’s web site: https://careers.stolaf.edu/jobs/visiting-assistant-professor-of-applied-physics-northfield-minnesota-united-states

A complete application includes:

1. Cover letter (Please include a statement about your approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI))
2. Curriculum vitae
3. A statement on your approach to teaching (Upload as Statement of Teaching Philosophy)
4. The contact information for three professional references who can speak to your abilities in teaching

Review of applications will begin on April 17 and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position, department, or college may be directed to Brian Borovsky, Department Chair, at borovsky@stolaf.edu.

Who We Are:

Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a residential, coeducational liberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students and 800 faculty and staff employees. The college is located on a picturesque 300-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, a vibrant, restored, historic river town of 20,000 located 45 minutes south of culturally rich and diverse Minneapolis and St. Paul. 

The college offers an academically rigorous, nationally ranked liberal arts education that fosters the development of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit and emphasizes learning in an inclusive and globally engaged community. We encourage applications from candidates committed to multicultural understanding and the enrichment of our diverse community.

The college offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 9% company retirement match, company monthly contributions to a retirement healthcare account, company contributions to eligible employee’s health savings account, significant tuition discount (up to 80% off) at ACM and ELCA colleges and universities for employee’s children, and generous paid time off. For a full review of benefit offerings, see the summary of the benefits program here: https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/benefits/

To provide a safe and secure educational environment, St. Olaf College verifies the accuracy of all credentials presented by applicants and conducts a criminal background check on every new hire.

A link to our DEI page: https://wp.stolaf.edu/equity-inclusion/

A virtual campus tour: https://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia/play/?p=483

An overview of Northfield: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/northfield/

An overview of the Twin Cities: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/twincities/

The college strongly recommends that incoming students and new employees complete the primary COVID vaccine series before beginning their studies or work on campus, and that all members of our campus community remain up to date with COVID vaccines, per CDC guidance. 

St. Olaf College is an equal employment opportunity and voluntary affirmative action employer.  The College is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community.  With regard to its hiring and employment practices, the College prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment based upon an individual’s legally protected status including race, color, creed, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance.

Requirements

Qualified candidates will have a Ph.D. in physics, an engineering discipline, materials science, or closely related field and demonstrated potential for excellent teaching at the undergraduate level. Candidates nearing completion of their Ph.D. (ABD) will also be considered for appointment at the rank of visiting instructor. We seek candidates with enthusiasm for teaching in an environment where close collaboration with students is the norm and where inclusive teaching practices are encouraged and supported.