Assistant Professor (Experimental Physics)Physics

Prerequisites

Required Qualifications: 

• PhD in an experimental sub-field of physics; we will consider candidates who have achieved ABD status and who will complete their degree by September 30, 2027
• Evidence of effectiveness in teaching and commitment to undergraduate education in support of the mission of Gustavus
• Evidence of commitment to student advising, recruiting, or mentoring students from all backgrounds and identities
• Evidence of broad exposure to and skill with modern research-grade instrumentation
• Ability to develop an independent and sustainable experimental physics research program that is appropriate for the inclusion of undergraduate collaborators

Preferred Qualifications:

• While the experimental sub-field of physics is open, some preference will be given to the candidate who is involved in optics or who can make meaningful use of the existing extensive optical infrastructure available at Gustavus
• Experience teaching undergraduate physics courses.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to pedagogical methods that enable all students to reach their maximum potential.
• Experience teaching or developing innovative instructional upper-level undergraduate labs utilizing modern research-grade instrumentation
• Experience conducting experimental physics research with undergraduate students

Things you will do:

Gustavus faculty teach, advise, conduct research, and serve the college and department.

• Teach a 6-course equivalent each academic year. In their first year, the successful candidate will receive a reduced teaching assignment of five courses, plus one fully-compensated course release. Primary teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate physics at all levels (introductory through upper-level courses) as well as dedicated courses for students from cognate science departments and for those students seeking exposure to physics through a general education experience.
• Work collaboratively with existing faculty to reimagine and redesign the upper-level physics laboratory sequence into a coherent, rigorous, and integrated laboratory experience that utilizes research-grade instrumentation suitable for a twenty-first century education.
• Develop an appropriate and independent experimental undergraduate physics research program (preferably on-campus) that will be sustainable and, in time, be capable of securing external funding and producing results that lead to peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Actively participate in undergraduate student advising and mentoring.
• Help cultivate a welcoming community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We strive to foster an environment where people can be themselves, build community, learn, and grow. 
• Elevate your teaching by joining a teaching circle, participating in workshops, applying for an internal teaching development grant, and engaging in conversations about teaching with colleagues across campus.
• Advance your scholarship by working with undergraduate research assistants, joining a writing retreat, applying for an internal grant, receiving travel funds to present at conferences, receiving help applying for external grants, and making use of our research facilities.
• Develop professional skills by participating in faculty meetings and committees, attending faculty development days, and taking advantage of the College’s membership to the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD).

How to apply: 

Visit https://gustavus.edu/jobs/ and complete the online application. The documents that must be uploaded include the following:

• Letter of application that addresses the required and preferred position qualifications
• Curriculum vitae
• A brief (one to two page) statement of teaching philosophy that also addresses your ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds
• A brief (one to two page) experimental research plan appropriate for an undergraduate institution
• Transcripts (scanned copies acceptable)
• Three professional letters of reference. At least one reference letter should speak about the candidate’s teaching experience or potential, including the application of pedagogical methods that benefit all students and, where applicable, the candidate’s involvement with upper-level undergraduate physics labs. Additionally, at least one letter should address the candidate’s potential to conduct independent experimental physics research and their facility with modern research-grade instrumentation. Please specify which professional reference will speak to teaching potential and which to research potential. Reference letter writers may also be contacted by phone.

For full consideration, applications must be received by October 12, 2026. While applications may be accepted after this date, it is not guaranteed that they will be considered. At this time, please only upload the required documents listed above; finalists will be asked to submit any additional information as needed. Incomplete applications will not be considered by the search committee.

Things you’ll like: 

Based on data from AAUP (American Association of University Professors) and CUPA (College and University Professional Association), we offer a competitive starting salary range of $66,000 to $72,000 for a 9-month academic year. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience, training, certifications/licensure, market factors, departmental budgets, and responsibility. In addition, Gustavus provides comprehensive benefits designed to support your personal and financial well-being, including:

• Medical insurance (which includes access to Nice Healthcare) as well as dental, vision, and life insurance
• Workplace accommodations for physical or mental health concerns
• Access to mental health apps
• Onsite health services
• Free parking, exercise classes, use of library and athletic facilities
• Paid parental leave (after one year of employment)
• Employer contribution to retirement savings plan (after one year of employment)
• Tuition scholarships for dependents
• Tuition benefit plan for employees and spouse

Institution Information: Gustavus Adolphus College is one of the nation’s leading private liberal arts colleges serving 2,000 students, where faculty help equip students to lead purposeful lives and to act on the great challenges of our time. The College aspires to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of all people. Gustavus is located on a scenic 340-acre hill in St. Peter, Minnesota, and within a short drive to the Minneapolis/Saint Paul and Mankato metro areas. Learn more at https://gustavus.edu/provost/newfaculty/. 

Gustavus Adolphus College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.

Department Information: The Department of Physics seeks to provide an intellectual environment by cultivating an engaged community of scholars. We aim to challenge students to pursue an understanding of the natural world through the study of physics to develop scientifically-minded citizens and competent scientists. We aspire for our students to appreciate interdisciplinary perspectives and problem-solving approaches, and to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. Overall, we aim to value and support the development of all members of our community. For more information about the department, its faculty, students, and courses, please see the department website at https://gustavus.edu/physics/.

NOTE: Candidates will not be compensated for materials prepared as part of the interview process, and the College will not retain the materials for its own use.