Physics Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number
FAC948P
Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34254
Classification Title
Instructor (F1)
Working Title
Physics Instructor - #T10146
Department
Chemistry & Physics
About WCU
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
• 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC.
Western Carolina University (WCU), one of the 17 campuses of the University of North Carolina system, invites applications for a one year 9-month fixed-term position at the rank of Instructor in Physics in the Department of Chemistry and Physics, starting August 1, 2026.
The Department of Chemistry and Physics at WCU offers B.S. degrees in Chemistry (including an ACS-certified degree program) and Forensic Science, an M.S. degree in Chemistry (both as a stand-alone program and as part of an accelerated Bachelor's/Master's program), and minors in chemistry and physics. The Department of Chemistry & Physics is located in the new Tom Apodaca Science Building, which provides the department with state-of-the-art laboratory and classroom space and is a 30-minute drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The faculty member will be expected to teach 12 contact hours of introductory and/or general physics lectures and laboratory courses per semester and engage in service activities for the University.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong background in introductory physics, the ability to teach effectively in both lecture and laboratory settings, and a commitment to supporting the department's undergraduate teaching mission
Minimum Qualifications
The minimum educational/professional requirement for the position is an M.S. degree in physics or a closely related field. Candidates must have earned their degree prior to hire date.
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the minimum qualifications listed, candidates with prior teaching experience are preferred.
Position Type
Time-Limited Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
9
Posting Text
Open Date
06/09/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include the following: 1) a letter of intent; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) teaching philosophy; 4) list of three references (including contact information); and 5) unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master's degree level and higher*.
For questions or additional information please contact Channa De Silva at mhdesilva@wcu.edu
*All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master's degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master's degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.