Physics, Assistant (Tenure-Track) Professor Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 14603)

Description

Position Summary  

The Science division is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time tenure track faculty member for Fall 2025 in the Physics department. The Physics faculty will perform duties and functions under the general direction of the Provost and shall be responsible primarily to the Dean of the Science division. We seek a collaborative and equity-minded individual committed to teaching effectiveness and closing opportunity gaps. Particularly desired are applicants with interest and experience in some combination of physics education research, connecting theoretical classroom learning with experimental observation, building an inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds, and managing governance responsibilities in an organized and structured manner.

An assistant professor in the Physics Department has duties in both teaching and governance. The candidate should be committed to improving student education both directly (through high-impact and effective instruction) and indirectly (through service to the department, college, and community aimed at improving student success at Bellevue College). A successful candidate will be dedicated to teaching physics at an open-enrollment institution.

The successful candidate must reside in Washington State by the start of the position and demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching in person. This includes teaching on the Bellevue College campus and participating in non-teaching duties such as committee service, advising, and professional development activities. While there may be opportunities to teach online or hybrid courses, faculty are expected to maintain a significant presence on campus to support students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to the college community.

Furthermore, we seek candidates who embrace culturally responsive pedagogy, value diverse perspectives, and demonstrate an ability to create welcoming learning spaces that foster student success. Candidates with experience advancing equity, inclusion, and social justice in their teaching, scholarship, or service are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

Position Salary Range: $81,757.08/year - $114,664.94/year

Annual salary is based on a 176-day contract with a minimum of $81,757.08; beginning salary will be determined by the assessment of the candidate's education and related experience. New hires start no higher than $87,663.74 unless exceptional circumstances prevail. Certain positions may also be eligible for assignment/project-based additional compensation, including a High Demand Stipend up to $8,350 annually, prorated based on the discipline and duration of the assignment. All additional compensations are subject to change depending on funding and negotiated agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid personal leave plan; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

In addition to teaching, full-time faculty maintains office hours and participate in department and college activities. This position is represented by the Bellevue College Association of Higher Education (BCAHE) union.

About The College  

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our mission and goals, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable campus environment where all students, faculty, and staff feel valued, respected, and supported. We recognize that diversity enriches the educational experience and strive to address barriers to access and success for historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.

For more information, visit BC Facts at a Glance @ Bellevue College.

About the Department  

The Physics Department is included in the Physical Sciences Program within the Science Division and currently consists of four full-time faculty and eight quarterly-contracted adjunct faculty. More than seventy sections of physics, including both lecture-based and inquiry-based introductory courses, algebra- and calculus-based college physics sequences, and a modern physics course, are offered annually. Physics instruction is supported by a comprehensive collection of laboratory and demonstration apparatus and laboratory support staff. The members of the Physics Department are an active and eclectic group with a variety of research backgrounds, who share a common commitment to excellence in teaching. Members of the department participate in professional activities at both the regional and national levels.

Essential Functions  

Teaching duties include:              

• Teach seven 6 credit combined lecture/lab classes spread over the fall, winter, and spring quarters; or an equivalent course load. Class sizes are typically 24 students.
• Teach physics courses spanning the physics department offerings as assigned. Current offerings include the two main introductory physics sequences (algebra-based and calculus-based), a modern physics course, an inquiry-based course to prepare students for the introductory sequences, an inquiry-based course in support of information technology, an inquiry-based course in support of the visual and performing arts, and a lecture-based introductory course for arts and humanities majors.
• Teach in face-to-face settings and/or synchronous and/or asynchronous virtual settings.
• Create and revise course materials, including varied assessments of student knowledge.
• Design and facilitate learning experiences centered around student needs and interests by using varied instruction methods and resources.
• Hold at least five weekly office hours and generally assist students in person one-on-one and/or both through electronic media and in-person.
• Use data, self-reflection, and student/colleague feedback to revise your instruction, improve student success and better serve historically underserved, underrepresented, or marginalized student populations (e.g. students with disabilities, black and indigenous students of color, first-generation college students, LGBTQIA+ students, veterans, English language learners, etc.).
• Grade and/or provide useful feedback to students in a way that promotes student understanding and improvement. Assign overall course grades.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to student success through fostering a positive, caring learning environment where diversity and pluralism are valued.

Non-teaching duties include:

Members of the Physics Department collaborate on or distribute the following duties.

• Creating or modifying curriculum including changes in content, courses offered, instructional mode, and textbook selection in response to changing needs.
• Maintaining and/or developing laboratory experiences and documentation (e.g. lab manuals) as needed to support the physics curriculum or accommodate changing technologies or pedagogies.
• Administrative tasks include coordinating the activities of laboratory support staff, screening applicants for teaching positions, monitoring enrollments, planning the annual and quarterly schedules, and consulting with Campus Operations concerning changes to the physics teaching spaces as well as fielding student complaints or requests to clear pre-requisites for course admission.
• Coordinating or participating in outreach activities directed toward the larger community or specifically focused on recruitment and retention;
• Coordinating the departmental assessment activities in accordance with college practice.
• Providing orientation and professional development for adjuncts regarding laboratory and demonstration equipment and inquiry methods used in selected courses.
• Conducting adjunct evaluations as described by the faculty collective bargaining agreement.

Additionally, all members of the physics department take part in the following duties.

• The instructor will advise students in academic and vocational education matters. The instructor is expected to become familiar with the required/recommended courses for the transfer program and advise on an appointment or walk-in basis.
• The instructor may be assigned to divisional committees and they are expected to complete the assigned tasks. Unless otherwise agreed to by the Science Division Dean, the instructor is expected to attend and participate in scheduled division and department meetings.
• The instructor is expected to participate in college governance. Such contribution usually consists of participation in college councils and on BC and/or BCAHE Committees but also includes individual projects and activities.
• The instructor is expected to maintain currency in physics, applications of physics, and teaching physics by, for instance attending professional meetings and seminars, reading journals, and/or taking courses. They are also expected to make professional contributions (e.g. participation in professional organizations or business/industrial exchanges) or engage in scholarly pursuits (e.g. research, professional publications or presentations).

Minimum Qualifications  

• A Master's Degree or higher in physics or a Baccalaureate degree in physics and a Master's in a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated college teaching experience in physics or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to students and colleagues.
• Experience completing tasks independently or as part of a team.
• Experience with and dedication to incorporating educational equity into teaching practices to address the needs of students of varied identities and backgrounds, and closing opportunity gaps for historically marginalized students.
• Demonstrated commitment to physics outside of the classroom as indicated by extracurricular projects or activities, membership in professional associations, publications, or similar activities. 

Preferred Qualifications  

An ideal candidate will present one or more of the following qualifications:

• Experience with community college teaching and commitment to student success in an open enrollment institution.
• Knowledge of and experience with current physics education research and applications of research findings.
• Experience implementing Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) or equivalent.
• Management, planning, and organizational skills as demonstrated by successful projects or work completed in committees or organizations.
• Experience contributing to college-level governance activities and/or departmental initiatives.
• Experience with and current activities in making explicit connections between physical theory and the physical world as experienced by students.
• Experience advocating for academic values (such as academic freedom, institutional autonomy, curation of knowledge, equitable access, accountability, and social responsibility) in institutional debates around resource allocation or institutional reorganization efforts.
• Experience in hands-on experimental aspects of physics.
• Documented experience with successful outreach programs.
• Education or experience that would support the continuing collaboration between the physics and math programs in curriculum and professional development.
• Experience with teaching physics for the biological sciences and current curriculum development for these courses.
• Experience in the preparation of K-12 teachers of physics or physical sciences.
• Experience with and appreciation for a collaborative working environment.

Conditions of Employment  

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

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Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties. 

Other Information  

• This position is eligible for relocation allowance.
• Sponsorship for employment-based visa may be an option for full-time tenure-track faculty position only and depending upon applicants qualification.

How To Apply  

Applications received by 02/22/2025 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. This position will begin Fall Quarter, 2025.

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional documents will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Attach a statement of your Teaching Philosophy (max 2 pages)
• Attach a Diversity Statement  (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Please provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, background or philosophy demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity, and how these prepare you to contribute to Bellevue College. Please note that your Diversity Statement must be a separate response from your Teaching Philosophy
• Attach a copy of academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts may be submitted - official transcripts required upon employment)
• Complete Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact: 

If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to jobs@bellevuecollege.edu. 

EEO Statement  

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu .

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