PTF Assistant Professor of Instruction

The Department of Physics at The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a Professional Track Assistant Professor of Instruction to begin in the 2026–27 academic year. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance, programmatic needs, and funding. This is a nine-month appointment (fall and spring semesters) with the possibility of summer teaching by mutual agreement.

This position is dedicated to advancing excellence and innovation in undergraduate physics education. The successful candidate will contribute to the department's teaching mission through high-quality instruction in lower-division undergraduate physics courses, with a typical load of up to three courses per semester. In addition to teaching, the appointee will have opportunities to engage in curriculum design, course coordination, mentoring of teaching assistants, and development of research-based instructional materials and assessment tools that improve student learning outcomes and equity in physics education.

The Department of Physics educates thousands of students each year, offering courses tailored to physical science majors, engineering and life science students. The department consistently supports efforts to enhance the educational experience and possesses an array of resources to support instruction, including vast offering of lecture demonstrations and an undergraduate learning assistant program to support active learning in the classroom. We are eager to find a colleague to join our team and refine their physics educational abilities and have an impact on students for many years to come.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Physics or a closely related field and have college-level teaching experience.

Required qualifications include:

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience implementing evidence-based teaching practices in physics;
• Effective communication and collaborative skills in an instructional environment.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with course coordination, curriculum reform, or large-enrollment active-learning environments;
• A record of physics education research (PER), or scholarly contributions to the development and evaluation of innovative instructional practices;
• Experience in developing or evaluating assessments aligned with learning goals and physics education research findings.
• A cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position;
• A teaching statement describing the candidate’s teaching philosophy, classroom experience, use of evidence-based practices, and—if applicable—engagement with physics education research or curriculum design.
• Applicants should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted directly through the Interfolio system.

To ensure full consideration, complete applications should be received by December 31, 2025
. Inquiries regarding this position may be directed to: faculty.searchxas.edu.

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.