Preceptor in Physics

Position Details

Title: Preceptor in Physics Department: Department of Physics Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Sciences Area: Physics

Position Description

The Department of Physics at Harvard University seeks applications for a Preceptor in Physics. The appointment is expected to begin on July 1, 2026. Working closely with faculty and staff in the Department of Physics, the preceptor will oversee all aspects of small-group instruction in the laboratory component of essential introductory and advanced physics courses targeted to a wide range of students.

Science preceptors supervise and train teaching fellows and play a leading role in the laboratory support team. They collaborate with faculty to develop innovative course materials, including hands-on learning activities and independent student projects.

The position is for an initial appointment of one year. Reappointment may be possible on a yearly basis for up to eight years within the eligibility guidelines of the FAS contingent on performance, enrollments, curricular need, position availability, and divisional dean authorization.

Basic Qualifications

The successful candidate should have an advanced degree in physics or a closely allied field or should be on track to complete the degree by the start of the appointment. Candidates are required to have teaching experience in physics or a closely allied field. Additional Qualifications

Candidates should have excellent organizational, written, and interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated ability to lead and train teaching assistants. Experience setting up, managing, and directing student laboratory sessions is strongly preferred. A strong doctoral record is preferred.

Special Instructions

Please submit the following materials through the ARIeS portal https://academicpositions.harvard.edu.

1. Cover letter including a description of the candidates teaching, advising, philosophy, and practices, as well as their approach to creating a learning environment in which every student is encouraged to ask questions and share their ideas.
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Names and contact information of three to five referees who will be asked by a system-generated email to upload a letter of recommendation once the candidates application has been submitted. Three letters of recommendation are required, and the application is considered complete only when at least three letters have been received.

Review of applications will be on a rolling basis ending April 30, 2026.

This position may be represented by the Harvard Academic Workers (HAW - UAW) for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world and strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvards academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the universitys non-discrimination policy. Harvards equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training, or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.

Contact Information

Jolanta Davis Academic Programs Specialist jmdavis@fas.harvard.edu Kathryn Ledbetter Associate Director of Instructional Physics Labs Lecturer on Physics kledbetter@fas.harvard.edu

Contact Email: jmdavis@fas.harvard.edu

Salary Range: $70,300 - $78,300 Minimum Number of References Required: 3 Maximum Number of References Allowed: 5 Keywords: EEONon-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world and strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvards academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the universitys non-discrimination policy. Harvards equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

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