Lecturer III - Lead Instructor for Physics Introductory Labs

The Department of Physics at the University of Michigan invites applications for a new Lecturer III position to begin August 25, 2025. This is a new, non-tenure track, renewable three-year appointment.

The Physics Department offers three sequences of introductory Physics for students with different learning goals and career paths. The two largest sequences, which enroll over 4,000 students each academic year, are the Physics 140/141, 240/241 (calculus-based courses for scientists and engineers) and the 150/151, 250/251 tracks (physics for life-sciences). These students go on to pursue graduate studies or careers in a wide variety of fields and these Physics courses are an essential part of their programs. The lab courses in these sequences are designed to teach students not only about Physics concepts, but about data analysis, problem solving, programming, and critical thinking within a hands-on learning environment. 

Working with the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Programs, this individual will be responsible for both the ongoing management of the curriculum and the day-to-day administration of this critical group of lab courses. They will coordinate an instructional team consisting of tenure-track faculty, Lecturer I/IIs, and GSIs to ensure students receive a consistent, high quality liberal arts education. 

This is a long-term instructional role; the lab coordinator will also teach sections of these courses each term. We expect our instructors to take a scholarly approach to their teaching, using evidence-based methods and responsibly assessing the impact of innovations introduced to their classes. 

The position includes teaching responsibilities in the Fall and Winter terms as well as the Spring half-term (approximately late August through late June). Salary will be commensurate with experience. Compensation for the Spring half-term is in addition to the base salary. 

Qualifications Qualified candidates will have a Ph.D. in Physics prior to the start date of the position. Two or more years of experience leading large introductory physics laboratory courses at a major research university preferred. Demonstrated experience working with instructional teams which include faculty, graduate students, undergraduates, and staff. Demonstrated experience with and commitment to equitable, inclusive teaching of students who are diverse in background, interests, identity, and goals. Experience designing, developing, delivering physics for the life sciences courses is especially desirable. Experience with scholarship of teaching and learning and/or physics education research would also be highly valued.

How to Apply All application materials should be submitted online at https://myumi.ch/qVMy3. Required materials include 1) a cover letter, 2) your curriculum vitae, 3) DEI statement (an appraisal of your goals and plans around diversity, equity, and inclusion including: the strategies you use in your teaching; how you engage in DEI efforts beyond the classroom; and how your experiences align with the DEI mission of the University of Michigan), 4) a teaching statement, 5) copies of all transcripts, and 6) student course evaluations, if available. You will also be asked to provide contact information for up to three references. 

Union Affiliation This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline The application deadline is November 3, 2024. Reference letters are due by November 15, 2024. Please direct questions about the application process to  physics-lecturer-hiring@umich.edu. We anticipate extending an offer on or around March 14, 2025.

Selection Process Decisions will be made based on the strength of the required and desired qualifications, with a particular focus on strength of past teaching experience and breadth of exposure to the subject matter.