Assistant Professor of Physics

Located in the vibrant community of Walla Walla, WA, Whitman College is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, and supportive community of staff and faculty serving roughly 1,500 students. The Department of Physics seeks applicants for a tenure-track assistant professor position beginning August 2027.

About the Role

We seek candidates who are motivated to share their passion for physics and work closely with undergraduate students in the classroom and as research mentors. Applicants from all fields of specialization are invited to apply, particularly those prepared to innovate the curriculum in computational methods or data science.

The successful candidate will teach courses in the major track, including General Physics, upper-level courses, and special topics in their areas of interest, as well as courses contributing to the college's general education requirements. The standard annual teaching load is five courses. The department rotates teaching assignments to encourage collaboration and professional growth.

The Physics Department graduates an average of 15 majors per year, many of whom pursue graduate degrees or careers in tech, consulting, teaching, and energy/sustainability. The department values pedagogical innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and consensus-based decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Teach five courses per year, including General Physics, upper-level courses, and special topics in your area of expertise.
• Contribute to the college’s general education curriculum.
• Mentor undergraduate students in research.
• Innovate the curriculum, particularly in computational methods or data science.
• Advance equity and inclusion in classroom and scholarly practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field at the start of the position.
• Demonstrated or potential excellence in undergraduate instruction.
• Commitment to teaching undergraduates, including both majors and non-majors, at all levels of instruction.
• Ability to advance equity and inclusion in the learning environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance with optional additional coverage.
• 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with employer matching after eligibility requirements are met.
• Tuition remission for dependent children after eligibility requirements.
• Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Relocation stipend for moving expenses based on distance.
• Generous pre-tenure sabbatical leave program and professional development support for research and teaching.

Pay

Salary range: $73,700 - $80,500.