The Department of Physics at Lebanon Valley College invites applications for a full-time (9-month), tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Engineering Physics,starting in August 2025. A Ph.D. in physics or engineering, with expertise in applied physics, engineering physics, mechanical engineering, or a related field, is required. The successful candidate will have demonstrated effective teaching at the undergraduate level, the ability to establish a high-level research program that substantively includes undergraduates and has the potential to be awarded external funding, and has a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. Postdoctoral research or industry experience is preferred. The assistant professor will oversee the Engineering Physics major and 3+2 Engineering program, develop and teach sophomore- and senior/capstone-level courses in engineering design and process, and an upper-level course in engineering mechanics, as well as contribute to introductory physics courses and the college’s general education program. Candidates with experience in innovative teaching pedagogies and learning technologies are encouraged to apply. The standard teaching load is 4 courses (12 credit hours) per semester. The successful candidate will also be expected to advise students and perform departmental and college-wide service.
The department has two endowed professorships, the Dr. Elizabeth M. Bains ‘64 Professorship in Physics and the Dr. James A. Bains Jr. Professorship in Physics, that rotate between faculty members on a three-year basis. Each provides $5,000 per year in discretionary funds to the recipients to be used for research-related activities like equipment purchases and conference travel (in addition to the start-up funds provided to the new hire and the yearly department budget accessible to all faculty members). The new hire will begin their appointment receiving the Dr. James A. Bains Jr. Professorship in Physics.
The department offers majors in Physics (with an optional concentration in Computational Physics), Engineering Physics, and has a 3+2 Engineering program with a cooperative agreement with Case Western Reserve University. The Engineering Physics major at LVC launched in fall 2024, supported by an over $6 million bequest from alumna Dr. Elizabeth M. Bains ’64 and her husband, Dr. James A. Bains Jr. The gift will support the construction of a new Engineering Physics lab and research space, the purchase of teaching and research lab equipment, and increased stipends and travel funds for student-faculty research.
Applicants are requested to submit (1) a cover letter detailing qualifications related to the position description, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) statement of teaching philosophy (three pages maximum), (4) statement of research plans that include the meaningful participation of undergraduates (three pages maximum), (5) a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement addressing current experience and future plans with teaching, advising, other work or service intended to reduce barriers and contribute to the development of a community that fosters inclusivity and belonging (two pages maximum), (6) three professional (confidential) letters of recommendation, and (7) unofficial graduate transcripts (official transcripts will be required if hired). Please submit all materials through Recruitment. Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Please direct any inquiries to Dr. Dan Pitonyak, Associate Professor and Chair of Physics, at pitonyak@lvc.edu. Visit https://www.lvc.edu/programs/physics/ to find more information about the department.
Lebanon Valley College is committed to excellence through its employment practices and welcomes applicants with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. The College is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and staff and strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication, and understanding. The College strongly encourages applications from historically underrepresented populations. Visit hereto learn more about our commitment to Inclusive Excellence.
Lebanon Valley College, founded in 1866, offers 50 majors in the health professions, sciences, business and digital media, arts and humanities, and education. Hands-on learning, internships, and research are emphasized. LVC offers five direct-entry (bachelor’s to master’s) programs in Accounting/MBA 3+1, Athletic Training 3+2, Clinical Mental Health Counseling 3+2, Engineering 3+2, and Speech-Language Pathology 3+2, and a nationally recognized six-year Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. There are over a dozen graduate degrees, including an MBA and master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Education, Exercise Science, and Intelligence and Security Studies.
Close faculty-student relationships and mentoring are hallmarks of the LVC experience on its beautiful 370-acre campus. The College encourages student participation in athletics—with 40% competing as NCAA Division III student-athletes in the Middle Atlantic Conference—and student leadership and involvement in over 90 clubs and organizations, many of which are community-service focused. LVC offers generous financial aid and guaranteed merit scholarships that exceeded $52 million in 2023-24. Career success is integrated in...to the curriculum through the Edward and Lynn Breen Center for Career and Professional Development starting during the first year on campus.
Located eight miles from Hershey, Pennsylvania, this college of 1,600 undergraduate and 400+ graduate students produces alumni who attend prestigious graduate and professional schools and are employed by top companies and school districts.
