Instructor, Department of Physics, Astronomy

Unit: College of Humanities & Sciences

Department: Physics

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Department of Physics at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) invites applications for a renewable, non-tenure-track position at the Instructor level, beginning in August 2026.

We seek candidates who are enthusiastic about teaching astrophysics and introductory physics to undergraduate students and who are eager to contribute to curriculum development centered on student-focused learning. This position offers numerous opportunities to engage students in VCU’s new, state-of-the-art STEM building, designed to foster collaboration and community during their foundational coursework. Additional opportunities for outreach with the community are also available, including possible collaboration with the Science Museum of Virginia which is located a short distance from our department.

Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to supporting students from a variety of backgrounds and fostering an inclusive learning environment. This position is at the Instructor level, and university-wide procedures are in place for promotion to Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor.

Candidates should submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a teaching statement that includes mentoring experience and approaches to student engagement, and (3) a complete curriculum vitae that emphasizes teaching experience, including details on courses taught and class sizes to

https://vcujobs.com

In addition, the names of three references must be entered; these individuals will be asked to provide recommendation letters. Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Please contact the search committee chair, Carissa Capuano, at clcapuano@vcu.edu with any questions.

Located in downtown Richmond, the state capital of Virginia, VCU enrolls more than 28,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate programs across its urban campuses: the downtown Monroe Park and MCV campuses in Richmond; the Rice Rivers Center in Charles City, Virginia; satellite locations in Fairfax, Virginia, and Abingdon, Virginia; and a campus in Doha, Qatar, for the School of the Arts.  The Department of Physics has 12 tenured and tenure-track faculty members, 8 instructional term faculty appointments and approximately 100 undergraduate majors. Further information can be found at the department website: https://physics.vcu.edu/.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Physics or Astrophysics and have experience teaching large introductory sections (typically with enrollments exceeding 100 students). We are particularly interested in candidates who can teach our “Foundations of  Physics” and “Elementary Astronomy” courses (PHYS 101 and PHYS 103, respectively), as well as more specialized courses being developed for a new minor in astronomy.

Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred candidates will possess a strong understanding of pedagogical best practices and show a sustained commitment to developing and maintaining this expertise.

Salary Range: 

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: Instructor, Astronomy

Rank: Instructor

Tenure: Ineligible

Months: 9 Months

Contact Information: 
Contact Name: Carissa Capuano
Contact Email: clcapuano@vcu.edu