Assistant Professor of Physics and Engineering

The department of Physics & Astronomy invites applications from individuals who can contribute through their research, teaching, and service to the growth of our department.

Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes Ball State University's ambitious goals for our second century:

* We pledge to provide a premier educational experience for every student.
* We pledge to partner with the community to improve the lives of our neighbors.
* We are dedicated to having a lifelong presence in the lives of our alumni.
And when we complement these promises with our commitment to our enduring values, we define that which makes our University and its culture distinctive.

Our faculty are collegial, collaborative, innovative, inclusive, and adaptive, both within and beyond one's home unit. These attributes include commitments to collaborative discourse, interdisciplinary inquiry, and enterprising learning practices.

Our faculty are expected to be innovative, adaptive, engaging teachers across modalities; producers of impactful creative and/or scholarly work; leaders in meaningful service activities to multiple communities. We seek faculty members who are strategic thinkers, engaging our dynamic communities. We are committed to student and faculty success, impact, and access, within an environment that prioritizes inclusive excellence. We inspire each other to be critical thinkers and responsible citizens, so that we can pursue fulfilling careers and meaningful lives.

Ball State University lives the values of Beneficence. We invite you to be part of our community.

Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Approximately 20,000 graduate and undergraduate students enroll in one of eight academic colleges that offer 270+ undergraduate and graduate programs. Many of our master's, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees rank among the best in the nation. We engage students in educational, research, and creative endeavors that empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives enriched by lifelong learning and service, while we enhance the economic, environmental, and social vitality of our community, our state, and our world.

At Ball State University, inclusiveness is one of the enduring values and informs all of our work. We define 'inclusiveness' as a commitment 'to respect and embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity in people, ideas, and opinions.' As such, this value incorporates a commitment to inclusive excellence and freedom of expression.

Ball State University offers an excellent benefits package for eligible positions. Click here to explore options.

The Department of Physics & Astronomy has a Tenure-track position available beginning August 2025. The successful applicant will be expected to teach undergraduate courses in physics and introductory engineering, as well as graduate courses in physics relevant to the candidate's interest and experience. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to have a background in experimental physics or engineering, and will seek external funding, supervise students on research projects, and participate in service activities appropriate for a tenure-track position.

Earned Ph.D. in Physics or Engineering from an accredited institution, completed by date of appointment. Eight months teaching experience at the college level, gained concurrently, or at any time. Effective communication skills in both the classroom and laboratory setting.

Three or more years of successful post-secondary teaching experience. Record of acquisition of external grants and scholarly publications.

None

Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is housed in the newly renovated Cooper Science building. The $60 million project, completed in the fall of 2024, renovated 167,000 sq. ft. of space. This included the creation of 35 brand new laboratories, 12 new classrooms, and a state-of-the-art observatory. The building is attached to the Charles W. Brown Planetarium, the largest in Indiana and one of the most advanced in the world.

In support of your application for this position, please prepare and submit a cover letter that describes how your qualifications and experiences align with the elements of the position description (or leadership profile). In your cover letter, please also describe how you have demonstrated a commitment to our University's enduring values, including inclusiveness, which we define as a commitment 'to respect and embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity in people, ideas, and opinions.'

John Millis, jpmillis@bsu.edu