What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor, Physics position at Inside Higher Ed?
Posting Number
20260014FAC
Job Title
Assistant Professor, Physics
Number Of Vacancies
1
About Murray State
Murray State blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty and staff found at smaller universities. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff as the University offers a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Murray State University places our highest priority on student learning and excellent teaching, blending the range of educational opportunities often experienced at research institutions with the nurturing student-teacher interactions usually found at smaller universities.
Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.
About Murray State Benefits
Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Type Of Employment
Regular Full-Time
Work Location:
Murray, KY
Employment Term
9 Months
Position Type
Faculty (Tenure-Track)
Department
School of Engineering
Anticipated Start Date
August 2026
Summary Of Job Duties And Responsibilities
This faculty would be required to teach introductory Physics courses, which would include both algebra- and calculus-based courses, and other courses as needed. Preference will be given to faculty who have the ability to teach upper-level Physics courses such as quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, or other courses within the candidate’s field of expertise.
Responsibilities commensurate with an assistant professor, including research and creative activities, are required. Other responsibilities include student academic and career advising, helping with SPS (Society of Physics Students) student organization, and developing graduate school pathways. Development and participation in student recruiting and retention activities will be important for program growth. This faculty will be involved in classes that support the EAC/ABET Engineering Physics program.
Minimum Education Requirements
Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or closely related field. ABDs with a documented completion by appointment date will be considered.
Pay Plan
Faculty III
Posting Date
09/02/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions To Applicants
Along with the application, the following items must be included:
20260014FAC
Job Title
Assistant Professor, Physics
Number Of Vacancies
1
About Murray State
Murray State blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty and staff found at smaller universities. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff as the University offers a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Murray State University places our highest priority on student learning and excellent teaching, blending the range of educational opportunities often experienced at research institutions with the nurturing student-teacher interactions usually found at smaller universities.
Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.
About Murray State Benefits
Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Type Of Employment
Regular Full-Time
Work Location:
Murray, KY
Employment Term
9 Months
Position Type
Faculty (Tenure-Track)
Department
School of Engineering
Anticipated Start Date
August 2026
Summary Of Job Duties And Responsibilities
This faculty would be required to teach introductory Physics courses, which would include both algebra- and calculus-based courses, and other courses as needed. Preference will be given to faculty who have the ability to teach upper-level Physics courses such as quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, or other courses within the candidate’s field of expertise.
Responsibilities commensurate with an assistant professor, including research and creative activities, are required. Other responsibilities include student academic and career advising, helping with SPS (Society of Physics Students) student organization, and developing graduate school pathways. Development and participation in student recruiting and retention activities will be important for program growth. This faculty will be involved in classes that support the EAC/ABET Engineering Physics program.
Minimum Education Requirements
Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or closely related field. ABDs with a documented completion by appointment date will be considered.
Pay Plan
Faculty III
Posting Date
09/02/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions To Applicants
Along with the application, the following items must be included:
- Letter of Application
- Curriculum Vita
- Copied of academic transcripts
- Teaching statement that describes the candidate’s teaching background and interests is required
- Research statement that describes the candidate’s previous research activities and future research plans is required