Lecturer or Associate Lecturer, Physics

University of Central Florida • Orlando, FL

19h

About The Position

The Department of Physics at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for two full-time, nine-month, benefits-eligible, non-tenure earning lecturer positions, anticipated to start in August 2026. We anticipate that one will be a Lecturer, and one available at the Lecturer or Associate Lecturer level, based on experience. Each position is renewable annually, with the possibility of summer teaching assignments. We seek candidates to teach large-enrollment sections of introductory physics courses, introductory physical science and astronomy courses for a variety of majors, as well as upper-division undergraduate courses in physics and astronomy. The successful applicant is expected to demonstrate potential for excellence in teaching and knowledge in curriculum and course design. Lecturers in the department typically have instructional duties and service assignments in accordance with the department’s current equitable workload policy. Lecturers are encouraged to pursue independent research, including student research mentoring. Research, curriculum development, and other activities can reduce teaching assignments. There is a career path for lecturers with the possibility of promotion based on years of service and performance.
The UCF Department of Physics ( https://sciences.ucf.edu/physics/ ) is at the heart of our nation’s SpaceU, offering a broad range of courses in physics, as well as in physics-related areas such as astronomy and planetary science, from general education physical sciences to advanced graduate-level topics. The department has ~60 full-time faculty members, and offers B.S., B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees, including a master’s to Ph.D. bridge program, preparing students for a range of careers. The Physics department centers teaching and learning, and pedagogy-informed practices across lower and upper division courses. The department also has a strong STEM mission, engaging in outreach with the Central Florida community to increase scientific literacy and to attract K-12 students to careers in science.
The UCF College of Sciences (COS) is the largest college at UCF and a powerhouse for the regional and national STEM workforce, spanning the natural, computational, physical, and social sciences and housing centers, institutes and initiatives that serve as hubs for research and innovation. Through sharing and applying knowledge, COS is cultivating pathways for students to solve our world’s most pressing and complex problems. With a mission to provide a world-class education in an environment where faculty, staff, and students thrive, research flourishes, and our community prospers; a number of COS academic programs are among those nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report , Princeton Review , and others.
UCF, named one of the most innovative public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report , is located in Orlando, Florida and is classified as a Very High Research Activity university by the Carnegie Foundation. With more than 70,000 students, UCF is one of the largest universities in the country, offering more than 240 degree programs. UCF is an economic engine, attracting and supporting industries vital to the region's future while providing students with real-world experiences that help them succeed after graduation.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution at the time of application, and previous teaching experience at the college or university level.
• For the associate lecturer position, candidates must also have demonstrated depth and breadth of teaching physics and/or astronomy courses, and at least five years of full-time teaching experience in a higher education institution.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Cover letter of interest.
• Statement of teaching philosophy, training, and experience (≤2 pages).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with large enrollment (100 – 300) courses.
• Experience with or demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate physics and/or astronomy courses.
• Experience with online and blended instructional methods, digital teaching and learning tools.
• Experience with undergraduate laboratory instruction.
• Involvement with pedagogy-based and active learning techniques.
• Experience mentoring students.

Responsibilities

• Teach large-enrollment sections of introductory physics courses, introductory physical science and astronomy courses for a variety of majors, as well as upper-division undergraduate courses in physics and astronomy.
• Demonstrate potential for excellence in teaching and knowledge in curriculum and course design.
• Instructional duties and service assignments in accordance with the department’s current equitable workload policy.
• Pursue independent research, including student research mentoring.

Benefits

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program.
• Possible relocation expenses
• Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions.
• Education assistance.
• Flexible work environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree