daddyxThe University of West Florida’s Department of Physics is seeking to fill two full-time, 9-month Instructor of Physics positions starting in August 2025. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Physics or a closely related discipline, with a Ph.D. being preferred. The successful candidates will have a strong passion for teaching and be skilled in implementing innovative instructional methods, including high-impact practices and distance learning.
These instructors will be responsible for teaching four undergraduate courses per semester, including both lectures and lab sections. Additional responsibilities include mentoring students, serving on various committees within the university and participating in community engagement activities, particularly in collaboration with local school districts.
Applicants are expected to possess strong communication skills and recent teaching experience, ideally with familiarity in distance learning and evidence-based teaching practices. Physical demands for the position are minimal, involving occasional lifting and standard classroom activities.
UWF values diversity and encourages candidates from various backgrounds, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. A criminal background check is required and employment visa sponsorship will be considered. Interested candidates must submit their applications, including a resume, cover letter and references, by the preferred response date of January 15, 2025, through the UWF career portal.
Position Numbers: 128780 and 129470
Position Title: Instructor
Working Title: Instructor of Physics
Job Summary
The Department of Physics at the University of West Florida, located in Pensacola, FL, is inviting applications for two full-time, 9-month Instructor positions. These roles are set to commence in August 2025. To be eligible, candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Physics or a closely related field. UWF seeks individuals with a genuine passion for teaching, who are enthusiastic about employing innovative instructional techniques in their courses and laboratory sessions. The successful candidates will be responsible for using high-impact practices, including distance learning methods, in their teaching approach.
The primary responsibilities of the role include teaching undergraduate-level physics courses, consisting of both lectures and laboratory sessions. Specifically, each instructor will teach four course sections per semester (a total of eight per academic year). In addition to lower-division physics lectures and labs, the instructors will be expected to mentor students, serve on various committees within the university, college and department and participate in community outreach activities. These community efforts should align with the department’s goals and maintain a strong partnership with local school districts.
Department Information
Department: Physics
FLSA Status: Exempt
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must hold at least a Master’s degree in Physics or a closely related discipline or possess equivalent qualifications derived from professional experience. Applicants must demonstrate their competence to perform the responsibilities of the position, which may involve teaching, participating in creative projects and service activities. It is important to note that this is a non-tenure track position.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Physics or a related field from an accredited institution. This qualification is fundamental to the role and enables the candidate to engage effectively with the teaching and mentoring responsibilities of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
While the minimum qualification is a Master’s degree, candidates with a Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field from an accredited institution will be preferred. In addition to this advanced degree, the ideal candidates should possess:
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Recent experience teaching physics at the college or university level
- Familiarity with distance learning and online education platforms
- Knowledge of high-impact educational practices and evidence-based teaching methods
- The ability to teach introductory, lower-division physics courses and lab sessions
Physical Requirements and Work Conditions
This role includes various physical demands and exposures. The tasks may require occasional or light lifting and there may be limited exposure to certain environmental elements like noise, dust, chemicals, heat or cold, but none that would be considered unpleasant. Safety hazards are minimal, with potential risks including minor injuries like cuts or bruises. Below is a summary of the job’s physical demands:
- Standing: Required daily
- Walking: Required daily
- Sitting: Occasionally required
- Reaching with hands and arms: Occasionally required
- Climbing or balancing: Occasionally required
- Stooping: Occasionally required
- Using hands to handle objects: Frequently required
- Lifting up to 10 pounds: Occasionally required
- Lifting up to 25 pounds: Occasionally required
- Lifting over 25 pounds: Never required
- Talking (expressing ideas verbally): Required daily
- Hearing (perception of sound): Required daily
- Vision (distinguishing colors and depth): Required daily
Special Job Requirements
This position requires a criminal background screening as part of the hiring process.
Additional Details
- Number of Vacancies: 2 positions available
- Work Hours: Variable, depending on the academic schedule and department needs
- Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0 (Full-time)
- Salary: Salary will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience
- Pay Basis: Annual salary
- Preferred Response Date: January 15, 2025
Instructions for Applicants
To apply for these positions, candidates must submit their applications online through the University of West Florida’s official career portal at APPLY NOW. The application process requires the submission of the following documents:
- Resume: Detailing the candidate’s educational background, professional experience and relevant skills.
- Cover Letter: Highlighting the candidate’s qualifications, teaching philosophy and motivation for applying for the position.
- References: Candidates must provide contact information for three professional references. These individuals will be contacted as part of the application review process.
Candidates will be prompted to upload these documents during the application process and it is essential that all materials are submitted to be considered for the position.
For additional questions or to request more information regarding the application process, applicants can contact UWF Human Resources at 850-474-2694 or via email at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum qualification required for this position?
Applicants must have at least a Master’s degree in Physics or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution. A Ph.D. in Physics is preferred.
What are the primary responsibilities of this role?
The primary responsibilities include teaching four undergraduate courses (lectures and/or labs) per semester, mentoring students, serving on university and department committees and participating in community engagement activities.
Is this a tenure-track position?
No, this is a non-tenure track position. Instructors are hired for 9-month periods and are not eligible for tenure.
Will employment visa sponsorship be offered for this role?
Yes, the University of West Florida will consider visa sponsorship for qualified applicants.
What types of courses will I be expected to teach?
Instructors will primarily teach lower-division undergraduate physics courses and labs, though there may be opportunities to teach across the curriculum as needed.
What is the preferred application deadline?
The preferred response date for submitting applications is January 15, 2025.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for three references. These materials will be uploaded during the online application process.
Is prior teaching experience required?
While recent teaching experience is preferred, applicants must demonstrate strong teaching potential, with an emphasis on innovative teaching methods and distance learning familiarity.
Are there any physical demands associated with this position?
Physical demands are minimal, involving occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), standing, walking and minor classroom activities such as handling lab equipment.
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