Assistant Professor of Physics

Job Description

The Department of  Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy at Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, invites applications for an Assistant Professor tenure-track position in Physics beginning in August of the 2027-2028 academic year. This is an exciting opportunity to join a department with well-established undergraduate programs in Physics, Engineering-Physics, Teaching Physics, and an ABET-accredited B.S. in General Engineering.

Our new colleague will join a growing Physics, Engineering-Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy program. The successful candidate will teach 24 credits per 10-month academic year (standard courses are 4 credits) of introductory and upper-level physics courses and labs. The candidate is encouraged to contribute specialty courses related to their sub-field (particularly those that may be interdisciplinary) as well as contribute to the general education program. Preference will be given to experimentalists. The candidate will be expected to develop a research program appropriate for undergraduate involvement. Additionally, the successful candidate will participate in service to the department and the Augustana College community. Additional information about the department, including offered courses, may be found here.

The candidate will join an active, ten-member department with disciplinary interests in thermal fluids,  environmental fluid dynamics, 3D printing and design, signal processing, quantum photonics, nuclear physics, planetary and stellar magnetic fields, observational astronomy, physics education, and planetarium directing. The department houses research spaces for environmental fluid dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, nuclear physics, and quantum photonics. The department has a newly designed Maker Space with 3D printers, a laser cutter, a scanning electron microscope, a CNC mill, and a welding station. Instructional spaces include a newly renovated electronics lab, design lab, and studio physics teaching spaces. The department is committed to supporting candidates' professional development in research and teaching. Candidates will need to participate in interdisciplinary collaboration in teaching and/or research given the disciplinary diversity of the department.

What we’re looking for

• Potential for teaching excellence
• Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and the value of a broadly educated person
• Ability to recruit, engage, and mentor students of many backgrounds both in and out of the classroom
• Potential to meaningfully engage undergraduate students in an active research agenda 
• Ability to contribute to the operation and development of the department and its programs
• Strengthen relationships across campus and with community partners

Why Augustana?
At Augustana, you'll find a supportive and collegial environment where faculty thrive professionally and personally. Our small class sizes foster deep connections between faculty and students. You'll have access to resources and opportunities to pursue innovative research and impactful teaching.

 Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Engineering Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering, or a comparable field by August 26, 2027. ABD candidates will also be considered
• Ability to teach introductory and advanced classes in physics (including lab and lab courses)
• Ability to teach upper-level electives in physics or engineering, including electronics, advanced lab, and/or experimental design
• Ability to teach introductory courses in physics for non-major students
• Development of a research program that includes undergraduate students
• Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration 
• Application Instructions

A complete application will include:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Statement of research agenda
• Copy of graduate transcripts
• Contact information for three references

Current courses offered by the department are listed in the college catalog; please describe your background in scholarship and/or teaching of any of these classes in your cover letter.

Questions may be directed to the chair of the department, Nathan Frank, at nathanfrank@augustana.edu.  To guarantee full consideration, please submit all application materials by October 23, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Additional Information                

The budgeted compensation for this position ranges from $60,000 to $63,000 per year based upon minimum and preferred qualifications, education, experience, skills, and abilities. Actual placement within the range will depend upon experience, education, research, and other relevant factors.

Augustana College offers a competitive and comprehensive benefit package to its employees to ensure our team is well cared for.  Benefits include:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plan including eligibility to receive up to 7% contribution from the College.
• Company sponsored short-term and long-term disability benefits as use of college facilities including a wellness center, gym and recreation center.
• Tuition benefits for employees and their family members.