What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor, Physics & Astronomy position at Western Kentucky University?
The Physics and Astronomy Department invites applications for a nine-month temporary instructor beginning August 17, 2026. This is a one-year appointment with a possibility of renewal contingent upon performance and availability of funding. We seek a person with a strong commitment to teaching undergraduate courses and laboratories in physics and/or astronomy. The successful candidate will teach up to 15 contact hours per semester in a mixture of introductory lecture and laboratory courses in physics and/or astronomy, in accordance with their preparation and experience and will assist the department in various outreach activities throughout the course of the year.
Job Requirements:
The minimum qualifications for the position are holding an MS degree in physics, astronomy or a related field and teaching experience at least at the level of a graduate teaching assistant.
Additional Information:
Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.
Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, may contact the Office of Institutional Equity at 270-745-5121 for assistance. To report concerns related to WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy, No. 0.2040 and/or WKU's Sex and Gender-Based Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy, No. 0.2070, please complete the Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Reporting Form. Additional information regarding Title IX, including contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and reporting options, is available on WKU's Title IX website.
Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: https://www.wku.edu/academics/
For information related to job postings, application status, or the hiring process, please email employment@wku.edu.