Florida Polytechnic University invites applications for tenure-equivalent faculty positions in Physics at the rank of instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor, to begin January 2025 or August 2025.
Position responsibilities include: • developing and teaching high quality undergraduate courses and laboratories, • engaging in theoretical or experimental research, • providing quality mentoring of undergraduates, and • actively participating in departmental and university service.
The Department of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics, which began in the fall of 2019. In the spring of 2024, we graduated our first full cohort of 10 majors. The degree program consists of required core physics and core engineering courses, a sequence of design courses, electives in both engineering and physics, and supplemental coursework in mathematics and computer science. The department plans for an ABET-EAC evaluation in approximately one year.
This position is part of a strategic expansion of the university that will add to the current eight full-time faculty members within the department. Our current faculty specialize in astrophysics, computational physics, condensed matter, nuclear physics, and optics. As a part of this faculty expansion, the department will be placing special emphasis on Physics 1 & 2 instruction, improving the department’s core degree offerings and extending the department’s research presence.
JOB DESCRIPTION
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Evidence of effective university-level teaching
For the rank of Instructor:
Master’s degree from an accredited institution
18 credit hours in the discipline
For the rank of Assistant Professor:
Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field earned before the start date
For the rank of Associate Professor:
Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field earned before the start date
Currently hold rank of Associate Professor or eligible to apply for Associate Professor at current institution.
For the rank of Full Professor:
Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field earned before the start date
6 years of experience at the rank of Associate Professor or equivalent
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Successful candidates should possess:
knowledge and experience regarding using effective teaching pedagogies in physics courses,
relevant research or industry experience,
a demonstrated ability to conduct funded research,
active participation in professional activities and organizations,
experience with academic advising and undergraduate mentoring, and
a demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with a broad campus community.
COMPENSATION: Starting salary will be commensurate with experience and rank.
APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE:
Positions are open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply, submit PDFs of the following documents through the Florida Polytechnic Careers Website:
Cover letter that:
specifies the position and rank you’re interested in applying for, and
addresses how your qualifications align with the mission of Florida Polytechnic University
Curriculum Vitae
Two-page research statement
Names and contact information of 3 professional references
Unofficial copy of undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Official transcripts will be required upon hire. Transcripts issued outside of the United States require an equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be submitted with the application.
ABOUT FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
Florida Polytechnic University, opened in 2014 as the state’s STEM-focused public university, offers high-value undergraduate and graduate degrees with intentional industry connections. Dedicated to preparing students to make significant contributions and become leaders in STEM fields, Florida Poly integrates foundational STEM knowledge and skills with applied, project-based learning. The University prioritizes applied, hands-on learning in small classes guided by world class faculty who serve as instructors, mentors, and researchers. Florida Poly partners closely with industry-leading firms, and faculty members are rewarded for more than just publishing. Industry involvement, problem solving, and the commercialization of technology and research through start-ups and small businesses are encouraged.
Florida Poly’s ultra-modern campus is located in Lakeland, along the I-4 High Tech Corridor between Tampa and Orlando. With no state income tax and a high standard of living, Lakeland and Central Florida continue to rise among the best places to live and work. Click here to explore Lakeland, Florida.
TENURE-EQUIVALENT SYSTEM
Faculty at Florida Poly are employed via renewable, multi-year appointments codified in a collective bargaining agreement. This tenure-equivalent system substantially mirrors tenure systems at other schools, with reappointment and progression in rank based on a comprehensive review of accomplishments. Initial contract durations are as follows:
Assistant Professor: 3 years
Associate Professor: 3-5 years
Professor: 6 years
Applicants with post-PhD experience may be offered an accelerated timeline to apply for promotion to the next academic rank. Under this tenure-equivalent system, faculty are eligible to compete for NSF and NIH grants, including career grants.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information. Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.
FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS INFORMATION
Florida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of health benefits (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker's compensation.
Health benefits are administered through People First, on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.
RETIREMENT
Florida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future. Click here for more information.
To help promote work-life balance, Florida Poly provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off and paid holidays. Qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave. In addition, the University observes the holidays listed in our University Holidays policy FPU-1.008.
Conveniently located along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to Florida Polytechnic University and many other businesses and attractions. Click here to explore Lakeland, Florida.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS:
Required attachments are listed on each posting. Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered.
An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire.
Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.
All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.
This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute §435.04.
Florida Polytechnic University, opened in 2014 as the state’s STEM-focused public university, offers high-value undergraduate and graduate degrees with intentional industry connections. Dedicated to preparing students to make significant contributions and become leaders in STEM fields, Florida Poly integrates foundational STEM knowledge and skills with applied, project-based learning. The University prioritizes applied, hands-on learning in small classes guided by world class faculty who serve as instructors, mentors, and researchers. Florida Poly partners closely with industry-leading firms, and faculty members are rewarded for more than just publishing. Industry involvement, problem solving, and the commercialization of technology and research through start-ups and small businesses are encouraged.
Florida Poly’s ultra-modern campus is located in Lakeland, along the I-4 High Tech Corridor between Tampa and Orlando. With no state income tax and a high standard of living, Lakeland and Central Florida continue to rise among the best places to live and work.
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