Temporary Optical Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Rowan University is seeking to hire a Temporary Assistant Teaching Professor in Photonics with an appointment to begin September 1, 2026.  

The Department of Physics & Astronomy is specifically interested in candidates who are passionate about teaching and mentoring students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to teaching responsibilities, successful candidates are expected to make meaningful and substantive service contributions to undergraduate and graduate programs and the department. Successful candidates are also expected to participate in professional development to stay current in their content area and evidence-based instructional approaches. 

The Department of Physics & Astronomy has been recognized as a Department of Distinction by the American Physical Society. The successful candidate will be expected to teach courses in the B.S. in Physics and M.S. in Photonics programs, particularly laser physics. While this role is predominantly teaching-focused, the department fosters a scholarly environment and welcomes the successful candidate to engage in independent or collaborative research during their appointment. We are particularly interested in candidates with a research background in optical information processing, optical computing, and quantum sensing. Both experimentalists and theorists will be considered. The department also houses Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Materials Science & Engineering which are collaborative efforts between the College of Science & Mathematics and the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. Candidates possessing an interest in providing informal guidance and mentoring to graduate students within our programs will be viewed highly favorably.

Teaching Professors are expected to hold a Ph.D. in Optics, Physics, Applied Engineering, or an equivalent field is strongly preferred; however, candidates holding a Master's degree in these disciplines may also be considered. The teaching positions are 10-month, full-time, non-tenure track appointments. Successful candidates will teach 24 credits over two semesters, with an option to teach overload and summer classes for additional compensation.

Complete applications will include:

1. Cover letter
2. Current detailed CV
3. Statement of teaching philosophy that includes the candidate's commitment to teaching and mentoring
4. Names and contact information for at least three references; confidential letters will be requested if an application is moved forward

Review of applications will commence on June 1, 2026, and continue until suitable candidates have been identified. Applicants will need to submit the above materials via our online application system at https://jobs.rowan.edu/en-us/listing/.

BENEFIT INFORMATION 

For eligible employees, benefits include: comprehensive NJ State health, dental and retirement benefits, extensive accrued time off/paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement for employee, spouse, and dependents to attend Rowan University, Glassboro. (Tuition reimbursement will apply to undergraduate degrees only for spouse and dependents). 

For more detailed information, please visit:  https://sites.rowan.edu/hr/benefits/ 

SALARY 

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US, and the university will not sponsor an applicant for a work visa for this position.  All positions are contingent upon budget appropriations.  Questions regarding the position should be directed to Department Head Dr. Sam Lofland, lofland@rowan.edu.   

A top 100 national public research institution, Rowan University offers bachelor's through doctoral and professional programs in person and online to nearly 25,000 students. The fastest-growing public research institution in the Northeast and among the country's top 10 fastest-growing, Rowan offers a thriving multidisciplinary environment with a strong emphasis on practical research in health care, engineering, science and business, while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. Nationally recognized for innovation, high-quality, affordable education and public-private partnerships, Rowan is one of two universities in the U.S. to offer M.D., D.O. and D.V.M. degree programs.

For more information on Rowan University, click here.