Physics & Astronomy, Instructor/Assistant Professor (Aa25133)

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Working Title Physics & Astronomy, Instructor/Assistant Professor (AA25133) Hire Types Faculty Division Academic Affairs Department Science, Engineering & Tech., College of Unit Physics & Astronomy Location Mankato, MN FLSA Exempt Full/Part Time Full Time FTE 1.0 Employment Condition Fixed Term Work Shift Work Schedule/Hours/Days Posting Details

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on May 15, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

POSITION: Nine Month Fixed Term Appointment*

Salary Minimum Salary Maximum Salary Type Depends on qualifications Bargaining Unit/Plan 209, IFO Job Description

The successful candidate will teach astronomy courses from the introductory level to the advanced undergraduate level. This will include night-time observing at one of the campus observatories. The candidate will also be expected to participate in the functioning of the department, and to serve as a mentor to students outside the classroom.

• A typical faculty workload responsibility may include up to twenty four (24) credits of instruction per academic year.

• The successful candidate may need to teach in other areas as assigned and qualified.

• May be expected to develop and deliver face-to-face, hybrid, and on-line instruction at the Mankato campus, online, and/or at the university's additional locations, as assigned.

• The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues in curriculum design, instruction and evaluation, conduct research productively and mentor students in research, help create innovative strategies for student recruitment, retention, and completion, and may be expected to develop external grant funding opportunities.

• All faculty members are expected to engage in scholarly or creative activity or research, in continuing preparation and study, in contributing to student growth and development, and in providing service to the university and community (See Article 22 and Appendix G of the IFO Master Agreement).

• The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching undergraduate courses in Astronomy.

• The succesful candidate will be expected to participate in the public outreach mission of the Astronomy program at Observatory Public Nights.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree and/or relevant tested experience in Astronomy/Astrophysics. (conferred on an official transcript by the date of hire.)

• Interest and ability to teach Astronomy/Astrophysics at all undergraduate levels.

• Demonstrated ability to serve a diverse population and apply an equity lens to this position including social justice and/or anti-racism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.

• Demonstrated effective written, oral communication and/or presentation skills.

• PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics, or a related discipline, with a clear emphasis in astronomy/astrophysics

• Demonstrated excellence in teaching college or university-level classes.

• Demonstrated ability to teach the courses listed below, along with additional courses depending on the department's needs. Introductory Astronomy, Calculus-based introductory Astrophysics, Observational Techniques

• University teaching experience in a large enrollment general education course.

• Demonstrated ability to work with faculty and staff in a collegial and cooperative manner.

• Demonstrate potential for research, creativity or scholarly activity.

• Have or potential to involve undergraduate and/or graduate students in research or creative activity.

Other Requirements

Work safely at all times, which includes but is not limited to, participating and completing all required safety trainings, as well as performing all job tasks in accordance with Minnesota State University, Mankato policies and procedures utilizing appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment.

About

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The Department of Physics & Astronomy serves the broad needs of the College and University at the introductory level, provides advanced education for students in our programs, and emphasises opportunities for student research.

• Please note that this is a fixed-term (non-tenure track) appointment. A fixed-term appointment is an appointment for a limited period of time and is to be used only when the position to be filled is clearly of a temporary nature or when a permanent position needs to be filled for a temporary period. Fixed-term employment terminates at the end of the appointment period and carries no implication for future employment.

University Demographics

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of the Minnesota State system. Minnesota State has established a strategic vision, Equity 2030, which aims to close the educational equity gaps across race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, and geographic location by the end of the decade at every Minnesota State college and university and to provide an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. The focus of the work includes:

• Enhancing access and student success.

• Providing Minnesota with the talent it needs.

• Anchoring the communities and regions we serve.

Equity 2030 seeks to bridge efforts occurring within divisions and institutions, creating an intentional statewide culture of equity-minded collaboration and resulting in equitable practice embedded throughout our institutions. The full Equity 2030 plan is linked here. https://www.minnstate.edu/Equity2030/index.html

Minnesota State University, Mankato has identified five broad themes as our basis for discussion in developing our next comprehensive strategic plan. The themes are Serving Students and Managing Enrollment, Focusing our Resources, Offering an Exceptional Student Experience, Caring for Health and Well-Being, and Ensuring a Welcoming, Equitable, and Inclusive University. We seek to attract teacher-scholars who will be culturally and academically diverse faculty members, and staff with a demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. Minnesota State University, Mankato, is student-centered and focuses on applied research that expands knowledge; improves learning; and serves the region, state, and nation.

Founded as a Normal School in 1868, Minnesota State University, Mankato is now the second largest university in Minnesota with a tradition of combining big-ideas with real-world thinking to find solutions for pressing problems in the state, region, and global society. Mankato, Minnesota, is a community of nearly 44,500 people, about 85 miles southwest of the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The University acknowledges the land and the tribal nations upon this land whose work is being accomplished. We acknowledge that we are on Dakota land. We also take the opportunity to recognize that we live, work, and learn in the homeland of the Dakota people, whose language frames our name-Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Serving approximately 17,900 students annually, the University is an applied research institution, with more than 200 academic programs, from bachelor's through doctoral degrees. The University is a diverse and global campus with 18% students of color and 1,175 + international students from 95 countries, cutting-edge information technology solutions and extensive partnerships. With 1,600 faculty and staff, including 700 teaching faculty. The University has additional locations and a growing number of on-line programs to accelerate educational access and opportunity. These locations include partnerships in northern Minnesota's the iron range region. Fast facts about the university can be found here: https://mankato.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/fast-facts/

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

To apply for this position, please continue the process via this website: https://minnesotastate.peopleadmin.com/

A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the search committee.

• Cover Letter

• Non-Photo Resume/Curriculum Vitae

• Contact Information for three (3) references

• Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree

• A brief (no more than one-page) diversity statement defining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and describing your views and actions toward advancing DEI including dimensions of social justice and racial equity related to race, gender, ability and culture. How would your views and prior actions regarding diversity, equity and inclusion align with Minnesota State University, Mankato's goals?

• A one (1) page statement of your teaching philosophy

• A one (1) page statement of your research/scholarly interests

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Dr. Paul B Eskridge

Physics & Astronomy

Phone: 507-389-1840

TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711

Email: paul.eskridge@mnsu.edu

• Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Inter Faculty Organization which can be found at: https://admin.mnsu.edu/human-resources/our-benefits/bargaining-units-and-personnel-plans/

NOTICE: In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to MN State's vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at: http://www.mnsu.edu/safety/ You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111, or by emailing security@mnsu.edu

Benefits Info

The following link provides a brief overview of benefits available to eligible employees of Minnesota State University.

Select the IFO Summary (Faculty) link from the list for specifics of that plan.

Benefits Overview

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number M424M Re-posting Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 08/19/2024 Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date 04/11/2024 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary Accept Applications Yes Posting Contact Lacie Mitchell-Garza Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Minnesota State University, Mankato has a long-standing commitment to diversity and is actively seeking to nurture and enrich its underrepresented communities. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in