Job ID

FU9793-0304-1666

Position Classification

FT Faculty UDMPU (9 month)

Position Summary

The Physics Program in the College of Engineering & Science at the University of Detroit Mercy invites candidates to apply for a full-time tenure track faculty position at the assistant or associate level starting August 16, 2024. University of Detroit Mercy is dedicated to the goal of building a supportive, diverse and inclusive academic community, with a commitment to experiential and community engaged learning. Our excellent student outcomes led to recognition by the Wall Street Journal Best Colleges report, ranking UDM 2nd in Michigan and 52nd nationally. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to the Mission of the University and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through their teaching, research, experience, and service.

As a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI), Detroit Mercy offers small classes and close collegial relationships. Faculty in the College of Engineering & Science form a dynamic community of teaching scholars, with a strong focus on student-centered teaching, and academic mentorship of students. We are particularly interested in candidates who will contribute to our efforts to provide support and opportunities for historically minoritized students majoring in science and engineering disciplines. The Physics program is an integral part of the College’s National Institutes of Health’s BUILD & U-RISE grants that support these efforts. 

The Physics program at Detroit Mercy is a vibrant program whose faculty teach courses required for students majoring in science and engineering disciplines, as well as for the university core curriculum; engage in interdisciplinary and collaborative teaching and research; and mentor students within the College of Engineering and Science. Physics faculty have opportunities to collaborate with faculty in other disciplines and at partner institutions through the BUILD and U-RISE grants, and other exciting initiatives.
 

A successful candidate would be one that has a strong interest in implementing best practices in teaching pedagogy including evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies. In addition, we seek an educator who is an enthusiastic teacher-scholar committed to supporting a diverse population of students and who can inspire and educate future scientists and engineers”.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Teaching responsibilities will include introductory physics lectures and laboratory courses, as well as other courses, based on the faculty member’s area of expertise and on the need to complement or expand current offerings in the program.
 

The candidate should have a proposed research agenda appropriate for a primarily undergraduate institution. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability and interest to pursue external funding and to disseminate results in peer-reviewed publications and conferences. Commitment to pedagogical research is encouraged.

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned doctorate or terminal degree in Physics or closely related discipline.
• Experience teaching courses at college level or other relevant instructional experience.
• A commitment to innovative, evidenced-based, student-focused education practices.
• Evidence indicating potential for scholarly publications and research.
• Evidence of commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.

Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience working collaboratively across disciplines.
• Commitment to student-centered mentoring and advising.
• Commitment to students’ holistic development, including encouraging students to reflect and engage with physics in a broader social context.
• Commitment to service of the department, college, university, or community in alignment with the mission of the university.

Physical Requirements

Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).

Work Environment

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

Salary/Pay Information

Commensurate with experience

Instructions to Applicants

Candidates must apply by completing an application and uploading materials. Materials must include: 

1. A detailed cover letter describing the ways your background  addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications.

2. A complete curriculum vitae.

3. A statement of your teaching philosophy and experience (maximum of two pages) that specifically addresses student-focused evidence-based teaching practices.

4. A statement of your research plans (maximum of two pages) that specifically addresses the inclusion of undergraduate students in research.

5. A statement of your commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) (maximum of two pages) that specifically includes your knowledge, experience, and plans for addressing DEIJ issues in your teaching, research, and service.

6. The names and contact information of three professional references. Please do not include any letters of recommendation—they will be requested for all semifinalists.

To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by February, 19, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed after the full consideration date until the position is filled. For any questions or clarifications about the application qualifications, materials, other requirements, or general inquiries, please contact the Chair of the search committee,  Dr. Prasad Venugopal, at venugoep@udmercy.edu.

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. 

As Michigan’s largest, most comprehensive private University, the University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University’s mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. The University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.