Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy

The faculty member shall be responsible for the following: teaching assigned classes under the supervision of the area dean; helping students fulfill their maximum potential in mastering course content; assessing student learning outcomes; maintaining a thorough and up-to-date knowledge in their regular teaching field; continuing professional development; utilizing current technology in the performance of job duties; maintaining standards of professional conduct and ethics appropriate to the professional position; assisting with articulation and curriculum development and review; serving on college committees and participating in faculty governance including accreditation and student co-curricular activities; assuming other responsibilities as assigned by the area dean; fulfilling other duties and responsibilities of a full-time faculty member.

The department maintains a focus on:

• Developing effective strategies for communicating astronomy and conceptual physics topics and concepts to our culturally and ethnically diverse non-STEM majors.


• Developing effective strategies to ensure student success for our STEM students in our trigonometry- and calculus-based physics sequences.


• Providing role models for prospective and current students in a diverse community.


• Developing original and effective laboratory activities, lectures, and/or demonstrations.


• Contributing to keeping the Physics and Astronomy equipment and curriculum up to date and modern.


• Utilizing a variety of teaching methods and technologies to keep students motivated and engaged.


• Integrating technology into lab and lecture activities.


• Providing hands-on learning opportunities.


• Maintaining collegiality, professionalism and leadership in the department, division and college.

Position Salary Information:

Initial maximum salary placement is based on academic degree, upper/graduate level units earned, and/or related professional occupational experience per the Los Rios College Federation of Teachers Contract (Download PDF reader) (the initial maximum placement is Class V, Step 8). For more information on the step placement process, please click here.

Typical Duties

The instructional assignment may include, but is not limited to, teaching courses in all levels of Astronomy and Physics offered at the college in addition to:

• Introductory Astronomy


• Conceptual Physics


• Trigonometry and Calculus-based Physics sequences


• Laboratory sections as assigned

To view a complete list of courses for this discipline, please visit the Programs and Majors webpage for the specific campus:

• ARC Programs and Majors


• CRC Programs and Majors


• FLC Programs and Majors


• SCC Programs and Majors

Minimum Qualifications

1. Have a master's in physics, astronomy or astrophysics; OR bachelor's in physics or astronomy AND master's in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics; OR the equivalent*. All degrees must be from an accredited institution completed by January 15, 2026.


2. Have an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, including those with physical or learning disabilities as it relates to differences in learning styles; and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

*NOTES:

• Degree titles must match the stated minimum qualifications exactly (word-for-word). Titles with added, missing, or rearranged words will not be accepted. If your degree title does not match the minimum qualifications exactly, you must submit documentation for "equivalency" to be considered for this position (see next bullet). E.g. minimum qualification states Chemistry degree needed, and your degree title states Organic Chemistry. You will need to apply for "equivalency". If you fail to submit this documentation and your degree title does not match, you will be disqualified.


• Applicants applying under the "equivalent" provision must include a letter detailing and explaining how their academic preparation and/or professional experience is the equivalent of the degree(s) listed in the minimum qualifications. Please visit our website for a sample letter and information on the equivalency determination process.


• If you have already been granted equivalency for this discipline, you must attach a copy of your determination form or letter. If you do not attach a copy of your determination form or letter you will be disqualified.

Application Instructions

Applicants applying to this position are REQUIRED to complete and submit:

1. A Los Rios Community College District Application


2. Letter of Interest


3. Resume or Curriculum Vitae


4. Unofficial Transcripts from College/University and/or Foreign Transcript Evaluation (see additional instructions)

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Applications submitted without all required documents listed above will be disqualified.


• Applications submitted with additional materials NOT requested will be disqualified.


• Only information (education, experience, etc.) listed on the application will be considered for minimum qualifications.


• Applicants indicating "see resume" on the application will not have that referenced experience considered for minimum qualifications, which may lead to the application being disqualified.


• Individuals who have completed college/university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees, and other relevant documents, even if the foreign document has been accepted by another college/university in the United States.


• Foreign transcript evaluations are ONLY accepted from AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluations, Inc.) or NACES (The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) agencies or evaluators. For additional information on foreign transcript evaluations click here (Download PDF reader).


• ONLY copies of transcripts from a US College/University or Foreign Transcript Evaluation will be accepted. DO NOT include any foreign transcripts.


• Graduate advising documents, certificate of degrees, diplomas, and grade reports will not be accepted as transcripts.

Do not submit additional materials that are not requested.