Physics Faculty

The University of Saint Mary is a Roman Catholic, liberal arts university located in Leavenworth, Kansas, just 25 minutes away from Kansas City. For over 90 years, the University of Saint Mary has helped students find their way to meaningful lives and careers through an education that blends the liberal arts and a focus on critical thinking with the development of key professional skills. USM serves about 1,400 students at its main campus in Leavenworth, its satellite location in Overland Park, as well as online.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a 9-month faculty position within the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics to teach. Teaching responsibilities would include physics courses including but not limited to general physics, engineering physics as well as the occasional engineering and physical chemistry courses as needed. A strong background in teaching and experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and abilities is highly desired.

The faculty member is responsible for teaching, advising, service and scholarship in compliance with the Faculty Handbook. USM and the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics have a close, collegial faculty dedicated to the teaching-learning relationship.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan, create, and deliver educational content for each course assigned for lecture and laboratory components. Courses may include, but not limited to General Physics, Engineering Physics, and occasionally other chemistry (ie. physical chemistry) or general education physical science courses as the need arises.
• Ability to teach pre-engineering courses, such as, Strengths of Materials and Thermodynamics is desired but not required.
• Evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and teaching methods, as required in the maintenance of high-quality and relevant programs of study in chemistry and mathematics.
• Provide attendance, grade and assessment data in a timely fashion to students and to the University.
• Maintain records as required for student attendance, advising, and grading.
• Be available to students through regularly scheduled office hours, participate in Wednesday Aspire Days and career readiness events, attend undergraduate research forums and other events as needed.
• Advise and mentor students on their selection of major and career guidance. Assist students with progression through degree plans and registering for courses.
• Work cooperatively with multiple stakeholders within the USM campus community including students, staff, fellow faculty, and athletics program.
• Attend scheduled Division meetings, Faculty Senate meetings, committee meetings, University Assembly meetings as well as university ceremonies and events.
• Advise and/or work with student organizations, clubs or related activities as needed.
• Participate in student recruitment, registration, campus visits, retention, and placement activities as appropriate.
• In order to provide an excellent educational program to students, faculty are involved in both Scholarly Learning and Scholarly Contributions. Scholarly Learning allows the faculty member to maintain and grow in knowledge of their academic discipline, teaching pedagogy, and other aspects of their faculty position. Scholarly Contributions continue to advance the field’s knowledge.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned.
• Communicate to program faculty regarding academic and university issues, announcements, or policies.
• Collect data for the program (PLO, ULO, Assessment data for accreditation).
• Collaborate with strategic planning.
• Monitor weekly reports.
• Review course syllabi.
• Assist with developing faculty workload assignments and course schedules as forecasted and budgeted.
• Manage the disciplines’ budget per university procedures.
• Hire, orientate, and train adjunct faculty.
• Supervise program courses in Engage.
• Supervise faculty in the program, including mentoring, conducting classroom observations, and writing periodic evaluations in collaboration with the Division Chair.
• Conduct program review and submit those materials to immediate supervisor.
• Submit requests for curricular changes to immediate supervisor.
• Advise and mentor students and assign advisors for new students.
• Participate in student recruitment and retention.
• Review student evaluations and address issues as necessary.
• Submit recommendations to immediate supervisor regarding faculty overload.
• Coordinate with faculty the adoption of course textbooks in accordance with pre-determined deadlines.
• Attend all required USM meetings and events.
• Compliance with HLC and specialized accreditation as applicable.
• Maintain knowledge and relevancy regarding program policies and procedures, the university academic catalog, and the faculty handbook.
• Serves as division liaison with third party textbook vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Preference will be given to those who are have earned a Ph.D. in physics, physical chemistry or closely related fields that prepare the candidate for the subject matter to be taught. Candidates that are all but dissertation or graduates of a Master of Science degree within the discipline or 18 graduate level credits in the discipline will also be considered.
• Candidates must be able to teach in person at the main campus of the University of Saint Mary.
• At least 2 years of prior teaching at the college level is preferred.
• Competency using Microsoft Office products.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact and effectively work and teach in a diverse environment.
• Must successfully clear the required background screen.
• Affinity with the overall mission and core values of the University of Saint Mary and Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

TO APPLY:
Submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for at least three current professional references.

Saint Mary is an Equal Opportunity Employer.