Physics - Assistant Teaching Professor

Sacred Heart University (SHU), located in Fairfield, Connecticut, houses its School of Computing & Engineering (SCE) within the College of Arts & Sciences. To support the continued growth of its physics programs, the School of Computing and Engineering invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor of Physics. The successful candidate will be an innovative and student-centered educator with a strong background in physics and demonstrated expertise in undergraduate physics teaching and pedagogy.

This is a teaching-focused faculty position emphasizing excellence and innovation in undergraduate education. The successful candidate will contribute to introductory and advanced physics instruction, laboratory education, curriculum development, and student mentoring. We particularly seek candidates who are committed to evidence-based teaching practices.

The anticipated start date for this position is August 2027 (Fall semester).

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate physics courses across the curriculum, including introductory physics courses and associated laboratories for physics, engineering, health sciences, and other STEM disciplines.
• Design and deliver engaging, rigorous physics instruction using evidence-based pedagogical approaches, including active learning, inquiry-based instruction, problem-based learning, and hands-on experimentation.
• Participate in curriculum development and contribute to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of physics courses and laboratory offerings.
• Collaborate with faculty in physics, engineering, computing, mathematics, and other disciplines to strengthen interdisciplinary STEM education.
• Participate in departmental, school, college, and university service appropriate to a teaching-focused faculty appointment.

Minimum Qualifications

• An M.Sc. in Physics, Physics Education, or a closely related discipline, completed by the start date of the appointment.
• Demonstrated experience teaching university level physics.
• Knowledge of, or demonstrated engagement with, evidence-based pedagogical practices in STEM education.
• Ability to communicate complex physics concepts clearly and effectively to students with a range of backgrounds and levels of preparation.

Preferred Qualifications 

• A Ph.D. in Physics, Physics Education or a closely related discipline.
• Substantial experience teaching introductory, calculus-based and/or algebra-based physics.
• Experience teaching and developing undergraduate physics laboratories.
• Demonstrated expertise in physics pedagogy or physics education, including active learning, inquiry-based learning, collaborative problem-solving, flipped or blended instruction, or other evidence-based approaches.

Application Materials 

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• A cover letter describing your interest in the position and how your background in physics teaching and education aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications of the position.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A statement of teaching philosophy.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness, where available, such as sample course materials, teaching evaluations, peer observations, or examples of curriculum or laboratory development.
• Contact information for three professional references.
• Finalists will be required to provide three letters of recommendation and an official transcript reflecting their highest earned degree.

Review of applications will begin November 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The anticipated start date is August 2027 (Fall semester).

Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Samah Senbel at senbels@sacredheart.edu.