Part-Time Instructor: Optical Engineering and Optical Instrument Design

Position Overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $2600 - $3200 per course and would also be based on the specific number of courses assigned and enrollment numbers.

Open date:
January 15, 2026

Next review date:
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:
Tuesday, Dec 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) is a self-supporting unit within the University of California. Funding is generated through fees collected from a diverse, complex, and ever-changing student population. Part‑time instructor positions are on a course‑by‑course contracted basis. This is NOT a faculty position.

Online teaching positions are now available in both the Optical Engineering and Optical Instrument Design Programs. We are seeking qualified applicants possessing current knowledge and/or teaching experience in Advanced Lens Design, Introduction to Lasers, Vibration Control for Optomechanical Systems, Optical Systems Engineering, Optomechanical Systems Engineering and Geometrical and Physical Optics.

• Develop and/or update course syllabi in consultation with the UCI DCE Engineering, Sciences Programs Director as assigned using approved syllabus template
• Prepare and deliver online course materials and learning assessments in the assigned format
• Utilize the Canvas Learning Management System as the course support platform
• Communicate teaching objectives and specific learning outcomes to students, and clearly outline the grading policies for the course
• Evaluate student achievement of specific learning outcomes, and assign grades
• Post final student grades to the transcript system by set deadlines
• Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner
• Handle student inquiries about final grades and consult with Director as needed
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in the field of practice
• Participate in required orientations and complete mandatory training programs by deadlines established by UC Irvine
• Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including initial training of Canvas learning system; providing bio for website; completing all hiring paperwork; submitting updated quarterly syllabus; and signing quarterly contract.
• Develop and maintain curriculum, syllabus, modules, learning practice questions, exams and grading
• Employ culturally competent teaching methodologies in the classroom inclusive of both domestic and international student populations
• Allow students to review their final exams/papers for up to 13 months following the last class session
• Use subject‑matter expertise and leverage additional resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (e.g., make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.)
• Design interactive and motivational classroom activities to fully engage participants and to reinforce student learning
• Update materials periodically, and regularly monitor course evaluations in order to make adjustments and improvements to the curriculum

Our curriculum is constantly updated and tailored to bring students the background, expertise, and business practices to remain competitive and advance their careers. Taught by qualified practitioners, our courses feature practical applications, underlying rationale, and current issues, all of which can be immediately utilized in and applied to our students’ work environments.

Part‑time, temporary assignments are on an as‑needed basis. This is an ONGOING recruitment. We accept part‑time instructor applications all year long; when the division has a need to fill, we refer to the “pool” of applications on file. We are looking specifically for instructors who are qualified to teach the following course(s) as early as summer quarter (beginning June 2026).

Advanced Lens Design

Understand optical systems with first and third, higher‑order analysis and aberration…