Job description

Salary: See Position Description

Location: West Chester University, PA

Job Number: 27-22

Department: College of the Sciences & Mathematics

Division: Physics & Engineering

Opening Date: 09/08/2026

Position Summary

Join a vibrant equity-minded campus whose excellence is reflected in its community, cultural engagement, and student success. The Department of Physics and Engineering invites applicants for a Full-time, Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor of Experimental Physics position. The position begins in August 2027.

West Chester University (WCU), a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

The Department of Physics and Engineering is currently comprised of seven permanent faculty members, offers a B.S. in Physics, and participates in cooperative Physics-Engineering dual-degree programs with other universities. The department maintains a vibrant undergraduate program with strong student enrollment and a longstanding commitment to integrating undergraduate research into faculty scholarship. Over the past 15 years, the Department has made sustained investments in research infrastructure through internal and external funding. Faculty have access to a broad range of shared, state-of-the-art instrumentation supporting research in condensed matter physics, including atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, confocal and TIRF microscopy, a hybrid rheometer, and low-temperature research facilities. The department fosters a collaborative research environment and seeks candidates who will actively use and contribute to these shared resources. Learn more about the Department of Physics and Engineering.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach a standard 4-4 course load, with most of the instruction delivered in person. Teaching responsibilities will span the undergraduate physics curriculum, from introductory service courses through advanced 400-level topics, consistent with the candidate’s expertise and departmental needs and may include courses taught an online, distance education, and/or hybrid modalities.

West Chester University is located in historic West Chester, Pennsylvania, approximately 30 miles from downtown Philadelphia. The greater Philadelphia region offers a rich ecosystem of research universities, research institutes, and internationally recognized engineering, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology companies. Faculty enjoy the advantages of a vibrant college town with easy access to Philadelphia’s cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.

Responsibilities include:

• Teach courses spanning the undergraduate physics curriculum, from introductory service courses through advanced 400-level topics, consistent with the candidate’s expertise and departmental needs, and may include courses taught in a distance education format
• Develop and maintain an active research program that meaningfully involves undergraduate students
• Collaborate with faculty to support curriculum development, experiential learning opportunities, and student success
• Mentor and advise students
• Serve the Department and University community through participation in various committees
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate in Physics or a closely related field/discipline. ABD may be considered; must be completed at the time of appointment
• Expertise in experimental physics
• Record of active research and scholarship

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated research productivity through publications, presentations, or external funding; and/or
• Experience mentoring students in research; and/or
• Experience fostering external research collaborations; and/or
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in writing & verbally, and present to a variety of audiences; and/or
• Professional service involving students, the University, and/or the broader research community; and/or
• Expertise in experimental condensed matter physics – including quantum optics, photonics, atomic & molecular, and semiconductor physics

West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers highly competitive salaries and excellent benefits (Download PDF reader).

WCU GRADUATES WILL:

• Apply scientific reasoning and demonstrate quantitative and qualitative literacy
• Collaborate with others to solve problems and address societal needs
• Communicate effectively and participate in civic discourse
• Engage inclusively in a diverse society
• Understand the ethical implications of decisions and the world in which they live

INSTITUTIONAL GOALS:

To fulfill its mission as a public institution serving the Commonwealth, West Chester University will focus on student success and institutional improvement as measured by the degree to which WCU demonstrates:

• Access to learning
• Community and cultural engagement
• Continuous improvement
• Critical thinking
• Inclusion
• Scholarly and creative activities
• Sustainability

Given this, please select from one of the prompts below to create a service statement (no more than 1 page)

Engagement with the Campus Community

• Describe your efforts to create an inclusive and supportive campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff. How have you contributed to fostering a sense of belonging in your department or institution?

Mentorship and Student Support

• How have you worked to support and mentor students with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives? Share specific examples of how you have helped students navigate challenges in their academic or professional journeys.

Outreach and Community Involvement

• Discuss your experiences working with community organizations, schools, or educational programs that aim to expand access to higher education. How have you helped ensure broader participation in your field?

Pedagogical and Curricular Contributions

• How have you contributed to developing curricula, programs, or initiatives that are accessible and relevant to a broad range of students? Provide examples of how you have designed or implemented courses that engage with multiple perspectives.

Professional Development and Collaboration

• Reflect on your participation in initiatives, committees, or professional development activities that aim to create a welcoming academic environment. How have you collaborated with colleagues to enhance student success and engagement?

Research and Scholarship Impact

• In what ways has your research or scholarly work contributed to increasing opportunities, perspectives, and voices in your field? Describe any projects or initiatives aimed at broadening participation, access or engagement.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act and Act 73 of 1988, West Chester University publishes a combined Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The ASFSR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASFSR is available for review on the Public Safety website.

Application Questions?

Email [email protected] for questions regarding the application process.

West Chester University is an AA/EOE employer. Women, Minorities, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. In accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreement, this advertisement may be closed without notice upon receipt of a sufficient pool of qualified candidates.

Applicants must successfully complete the application, interview process, teaching demonstration, and research presentation to be considered a finalist.

Required Documents for Consideration

To be considered as an applicant for this position, in addition to the application form, please submit the following:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Research Statement
• Unofficial graduate transcripts (official transcripts will be required at a later date)
• List of three (3) references (Include name, email address, and phone number for each reference). Letters will be electronically solicited.
• Service Statement (see below) – Will be requested at a later date:

West Chester University is a community of educators that develops graduates to succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.