Lecturer, Astronomy and Physics

The Opportunity

The Department of Physics (https://sciences.ucf.edu/physics/) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a 9-month, non-tenure earning lecturer position, anticipated to start in August 2025. This position is renewable annually, with the possibility of summer teaching assignments. We seek candidates to teach upper-division undergraduate courses in astronomy and physics, focusing on courses for our astronomy-track majors and minors, as well as large-enrollment sections of introductory astronomy, physics, and physical science courses for a variety of majors. The successful applicant is expected to demonstrate potential for excellence in teaching. Lecturers in the department typically have instructional duties and some service assignments in accordance with the department’s current equitable workload policy. Lecturers are encouraged to pursue independent research. Research, curriculum development, and other activities can reduce the teaching assignment. There is a career path for lecturers with the possibility of promotion based on years of service and performance.

The Department of Physics has 59 full-time faculty members, offers B.S., B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees, and is housed in a state-of-the-art research building. UCF is a leading metropolitan university designated as a highest research activity institution and a minority serving institution, with a diverse student body of over 60,000 students. We offer paid parental leave for both parents, and professional development and leadership training for faculty at all career stages.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

Experience teaching astronomy courses at the undergraduate level.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be give to applicants who are able to teach introductory astronomy, introductory physics, and upper-division astrophysics courses in support of the astronomy minor and specialization of physics major, and should have demonstrated effectiveness in science education at the undergraduate level.

Candidates with expertise in astrophysics or astrophysics instruction are of particular interest, but exceptional candidates with expertise in any area of physics may be considered. Ideal candidates would be familiar with recent advances in physics and astronomy education. Experience with online and blended instructional methods, asynchronous online courses, digital teaching and learning tools, and active learning techniques is preferable.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, candidates should upload (a) a cover letter, (b) a current curriculum vitae, (c) a statement of teaching philosophy, training, and experience, and (d) a list with contact information for three (3) professional references.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Adrienne Dove, adove@ucf.edu, Interim Chair, Department of Physics.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

N/A

Job Close Date:

01/09/2025

Note to applicants: We encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program. 
• Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings options. 
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions. 
• Education assistance.
• Flexible work environment. 
• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer including Disabled/Vets.  Click on UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement to view the President’s Statement.

The UCF affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., upon request.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request. 

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.