Physics Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Before applying, be sure to read the "Application Procedure" section below.
Posting Summary
Job Title
Physics Associate (Part-time) Instructor Pool 2026 - 2027
Type of Assignment
Part-Time Faculty
Assignment Category
Temporary Assignment
Position Details
MiraCosta College is accepting applications to build a pool of instructors for possible future part-time assignments at all locations. The department chairperson or designee will review applications only if vacancies become available.
Instructors may be assigned to any campus or authorized facility. Assignments may include days, evenings, or weekends.
Applications are valid through June 30, 2027, at which time they will expire. A new posting for this pool will be posted on July 1, 2027, and those still interested will need to reapply at that time.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:
MiraCosta College Board Policy 7800: Employee Residency requires all associate faculty employees to maintain and permanently reside in a principal place of residence in the state of California that is within two-hundred (200) road miles from the employee's regularly assigned district worksite. The purpose of the policy is to promote efficiency and continuity throughout all campus administrative functions, provide students with high quality assistance and accessibility to all academic and campus services, ensure that students receive an engaging education, and respond to emerging student needs.
Associate faculty who have a fully online assignment with the District must reside within the state of California, but may live beyond two-hundred (200) road miles from their designated District worksite without requiring the exception detailed below.
The District may consider an individual request to temporarily reside outside of the State of California or outside the 200-mile limit on a case-by-case basis, not to exceed twelve consecutive months.
Location City
Oceanside, Cardiff, and/or Carlsbad
Location State
California
Student Demographics
MiraCosta College serves a diverse student population.
The credit student population in Fall 2025 is as follows: by ethnicity, 44% Latinx, 8% Asian, 3% Black/African American, 1% Middle Eastern or North African, 1% Pacific Islander, 0% American Indian/Alaska Native, 32% White, 9% two or more races, and 2% unknown; by gender, 57% female, 40% male, 0% nonbinary, and 3% unknown; and by age category (average age 25.1), 66% ages under 17-24, 23% ages 25-39, and 10% age 40 and over.
Diversity is also evidenced by student-veterans, re-entry students, students with disabilities, international students, and students who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA)
MiraCosta College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an educational environment that affirms and supports diversity in its faculty, staff, and administration, and promoting an environment of inclusion. The college's commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility is expressed in board policy 3400 found on the MiraCosta College Board of Trustees webpage: https://www.miracosta.edu/office-of-the-president/board-of-trustees/board-policies-and-administrative-procedures.html.
MiraCosta College is committed to creating a racially just campus climate. Individuals and their diverse cultures and identities are welcomed, nurtured, and validated. MiraCosta College takes institutional responsibility for closing the equity gap for disproportionately impacted populations including Latinx and Chicanx communities, Black and African American communities, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, Native American communities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities, veteran communities, former foster youth, adult students, and students from low socioeconomic statuses. MiraCosta will continue to serve all constituents with values rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion, and community. MiraCosta College's Mission, Vision, Commitment, and Institutional Values & Goals can be viewed at https://pa-hrsuite-production.s3.amazonaws.com/3050/docs/105281.pdf.
The college was designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in 2013. This designation reflects the great responsibility that MiraCosta has to the educational attainment and economic well-being of the surrounding community. We are a veteran and military supportive institution and an Achieving the Dream Leader College. New associate faculty will join a campus that exhibits its dedication to all students and faculty through offering robust, culturally-responsive events, including speaker series dedicated to heritage month events through the Social Justice and Equity Center.
About the Department
MiraCosta College believes that cultural competency with regard to ethnic, cultural, social, and economic backgrounds is an essential skill for success in today's workplace. Our faculty often collaborate on ways to integrate this competency requirement into their department's program through equity-minded teaching strategies both in and out of the classroom.
In many MiraCosta departments, desirable qualifications for their faculty include relevant work, community service, advising, extracurricular experience and/or academic preparation that demonstrates an understanding of minoritized and underrepresented students such as African American, Latinx, Pacific Islander, undocumented/mixed status, LGBTQIA+, first generation, or formerly incarcerated individuals.
Compensation
$93.42 to $113.65 per hour. Initial class placement is based on education. All new associate faculty start at step 1.
To calculate pay for classroom assignments use the following formula:
For Fall or Spring Semesters:
Hourly Pay Rate x # of LHE* assigned x 18.5 hours per LHE = Total Pay for the Semester
For Summer Sessions:
Hourly Pay Rate x # of LHE* assigned x 16.5 hours per LHE = Total Pay for the Session
*LHE - Lecture Hour Equivalent (an LHE value is assigned to each course).
Benefits
• Sick leave
• Retirement benefits under the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS)
• Health insurance option for qualifying associate faculty assignments
• Free and confidential employee assistance program
• Wellness Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
Application Procedure
In order to be considered for this position, you must submit the following:
1. An application.
2. A cover letter discussing methods, theories, or technologies especially relevant to your teaching style and describing any qualifications not evident in your resume or curriculum vitae.
3. A resume/CV summarizing your educational background and experience.
4. Transcripts
a. Transcripts of ALL college degrees/coursework needed to qualify for this position; unofficial or legible copies are acceptable but must indicate that the degree(s) has been conferred, if applicable.
If you do not possess the EXACT degree major(s) listed in the Minimum Qualifications section, you will need to submit an equivalency narrative and supporting documentation if and when the department decides to hire you. At that point, Human Resources will work with you to submit the request. If you would like to submit a brief statement outlining how you are equivalent at the time of application, please feel free to do so, but the full request and supporting documents are not required for application purposes. View the instructions for equivalency requests on the Equivalency Committee webpage: https://www.miracosta.edu/governance/equivalency-committee/instructions-and-forms.html
All degrees and units used to satisfy the minimum qualifications must be from postsecondary institutions accredited by an accreditation agency recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation. If your degree/coursework is from a college or university anywhere outside of the United States, you must submit a detailed evaluation from a professional evaluation agency. A partial list of agencies can be found at https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/foreign-transcript-evaluation-(cl-635). Transcripts or translations in English still require the evaluation to show the U.S. equivalence of your degree.
b. If needed to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy (front and back) of your fully satisfied, lifetime California Community College credential authorizing service in the appropriate discipline.
Applicants will not be contacted unless selected for interview. Offer of employment to the persons selected for these positions is contingent upon: 1) submission of a current TB test clearance; 2) proof of eligibility to work in the United States; 3) fingerprint clearance; and 4) submission of official transcripts indicating appropriate degree(s) awarded or submission of a valid appropriate California Community College credential.
Minimum Qualifications
The transcripts you are attaching to provide evidence that you meet the minimum qualifications below must state the degree title, major, and date awarded.
Master's degree in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics.
OR bachelor's degree in physics or astronomy AND master's degree in engineering, mathematics, meteorology, or geophysics.
OR a valid appropriate California Community College Credential in the discipline area.
OR the equivalent*.
AND have sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.
*Applicants wishing to claim equivalence to the minimum qualifications should follow the instructions and guidelines on the Equivalency Committee webpage: https://www.miracosta.edu/governance/equivalency-committee/instructions-and-forms.html
Desirable Qualifications
Basic Function
Under direction, plan, organize and teach assigned courses in an instructional field or discipline in accordance with approved course outlines, education code requirements and faculty contract provisions; provide feedback and guidance to students and evaluate student performance; and perform related duties as assigned.
California Driver's License Requirement Check
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
1. Plan, organize and develop instructional materials including presentations, lectures, demonstrations, homework assignments, laboratory exercises and project assignments consistent with approved course outlines; teach courses utilizing sound pedagogical methods and instructional strategies most appropriate to communicating subject matter to students to meet learning objectives; modify, as necessary, instructional methods to meet diverse student needs; participate in the development, assessment, and evaluation of student learning outcomes (SLOs); use available instructional technologies such as the internet, online learning and interactive technologies to enrich and facilitate student learning; participate in the review and selection of textbooks and other student materials for assigned courses.
2. Provide prompt feedback on student assignments; evaluate student performance fairly and consistently; assign grades and maintain course/student records in accordance with district standards, policies and procedures; submit and post grades and submit other records following appropriate procedures by established deadlines.
3. Be available to students by telephone, email, course learning management system, or personal conference to answer questions and provide encouragement and assistance in completing course assignments and projects; meet scheduled meeting and office hours as established for assigned courses; maintain a flexible schedule to meet student needs; refer students to other faculty or campus resources to resolve problems/issues beyond the purview of faculty.
4. Maintain accurate and complete course records as required by law, regulations and district policies and procedures; record student attendance and other data using course management software; submit attendance and other records by required deadlines.
5. Maintain the confidentiality of student information.
6. Contribute to maintaining a collegial environment and collaborate with department chairs and other faculty to participate in developing policies, standards, curricula changes and other matters; demonstrate willingness to substitute for other faculty when needed to meet college or student needs.
7. Play an active role in campus life; attend faculty and staff meetings; participate in activities that contribute to the educational goals of the college and its constituents; serve on campus committees or task forces.
8. Meet professional responsibilities in accordance with contractual obligations.
Other Duties
1. Stay current in academic or program discipline, including maintaining licensure, certification or continuing education requirements where appropriate.
2. May make arrangements for and lead field trips and attendance at other events associated with course of study.
3. Perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of
1. Theory, concepts, principles, techniques and conventions applicable to assigned academic disciplines and courses at an advanced level.
2. Teaching and instructional techniques and strategies applicable to student learning at varying levels of subje