F. Douglas and Cora Beal Shields Chair in Physics Education

Department:

Physics & Astronomy

Job Summary:

The F. Douglas and Cora Beal Shields Chair in Physics Education Research is a tenure-track, endowed position in UM’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. The role involves teaching (undergraduate and graduate courses), research (including supervision of students, especially in projects leading to master’s and doctoral degrees), and service (to the department, university, community, profession), with a special focus in the field of Physics Education Research.

Job Description:

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Mississippi (UM) invites applications for the inaugural F. Douglas and Cora Beal Shields Chair in Physics Education Research, an endowed tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. As the first endowed chair in the department's history, this position represents a significant institutional investment in establishing Physics Education Research as a strategic area of excellence.

The purpose of this faculty chair endowment is to recruit and retain outstanding faculty for the Department of Physics and Astronomy; to advance the understanding of physics pedagogy and contribute to the field of Physics Education Research (PER); to raise the quality of instruction across the department; and to seed a new research area with meaningful doctoral production.

This position offers a unique opportunity to establish a nationally visible PER group at a flagship R1 university with strong undergraduate and graduate physics programs. The inaugural holder of the Chair will help define the future direction of PER at the University of Mississippi.

The position includes a competitive salary and a startup package. Income from the endowment will be used to provide funds for research and creative activity, including but not limited to support for personnel (graduate teaching and research assistants, undergraduate learning assistants), operational support for scientific studies, travel to conferences, and hosting visitors and workshops. There are also opportunities for collaboration and support in connection with UM’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Center for Math and Science Education, Center for STEM Learning, and Institute for Data Science.

The Physics and Astronomy faculty are eager to attract a driven, energetic colleague who can help to craft a long-term vision for growing out PER in the department. Ideally, the new faculty member will be a proselytizer for active learning and a catalyst for extending modern, evidence-based practices. Like all our tenure-track faculty, this person must also excel at mentoring graduate students and providing them with research opportunities that lead to the Ph.D. degree.

The search committee’s aperture for evaluating the candidates is quite wide. Applications are encouraged from researchers working in all areas of PER and at all career stages. The department is open to recruiting an emerging scholar or an established researcher who could be hired with an accelerated tenure clock.

A Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field is required. Candidates should have relevant experience beyond the doctoral degree, a strong record of publication or impact in the field, demonstrated potential for establishing and sustaining a nationally recognized research program, and well-conceived plans to pursue external funding opportunities. The successful candidate is expected to establish an active and independent research program, teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute to the service missions of the department and university.

Applications should be submitted online via the Faculty Career Site portal, which is accessible from https://olemiss.edu/hr/um-careers/ by clicking through to External Applicants > Faculty Openings. Typing JR102924, the job requisition number, into the search bar will bring up the page for this position. A complete application comprises a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement (up to 2 pages), research statement (up to 5 pages), and three (3) confidential letters of recommendation. Evaluation of applicants will begin on Friday, November 6 and continue until the position is filled. Questions should be directed to persearch@phy.olemiss.edu. Applicants’ recommenders can be directed to submit their letters to that same email address.

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Job Responsibilities:

Teach a standard load of undergraduate and graduate physics courses. Build and sustain an active, high-impact research program in Physics Education Research that publishes regularly in relevant scientific journals, involves undergraduate and graduate students, and leads to significant graduate degree production. Contribute to departmental and university committees, engage in public outreach activities, and/or provide service to the profession.

Education Qualifications:

PhD: Physics (Required)

Experience:

Relevant experience

Interview Requirement:

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement:

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.