Employment Opportunities at USD

5561

The Physics and Biophysics Department at the University of San Diego, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, offers BS and BA degrees in Physics and in Biophysics. The department’s mission is to promote a deep physical understanding and appreciation of nature and to develop our abilities to address fundamental scientific questions, solve challenging problems, and share our research and knowledge. We do this through high-quality classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, individualized mentoring, collaborative research experiences with state-of-the-art tools, and the cultivation of an inclusive scientific community.

The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

The USD Physics and Biophysics Department seeks applications for a part-time instructor for the following courses for Fall 2026 (in-person modality).

• General Physics II. This is our second-semester, algebra-based introductory physics lecture course for life science majors. Course catalog description: A study of the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. Physics principles will be covered using algebra and trigonometry.
• General Physics II Lab. This is the companion lab to General Physics II. Course catalog description: A laboratory course introducing the concepts and techniques of experimental physics.
• General Physics I Lab. This is the companion lab to General Physics I, our first-semester, algebra-based introductory physics course. Course catalog description: A laboratory course introducing the concepts and techniques of experimental physics.
• Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism Lab. This is the companion lab to our second-semester, calculus-based introductory physics course. Course catalog description: A laboratory course introducing the concepts and techniques of experimental physics.

When applying, you may indicate interest in one or more of the courses listed. Please note specific days and meeting times when you are available. Part-time instructors will not teach more than 6 units (faculty load) per semester. Lecture courses carry a 3-unit teaching load and labs carry a 2-unit load. Part-time instructors will hold 1.5 hours of in-person office hours per course taught.

This position is included in the Non-tenure Track Bargaining Unit, and the successful applicant employee, subject to the terms of the College’s Collective Bargaining will be a bargaining unit member and will be subject to the University’s Agreement with SEIU Local 721

This is a part-time temporary, non benefit-based position with an anticipated end date of 12/31/26. The appointment is renewable at the discretion of the University and dependent upon performance and continued funding. 

Minimum qualifications: Candidates must have an MS in Physics (or a closely related field such as Applied Physics) before the starting date (August 2026).

Preferred Qualifications: Qualified candidates will have a PhD in Physics and college-level teaching experience beyond the teaching assistant level.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes

Compensation for this position will be paid on a bi-weekly basis at a per-unit rate of $2,581-$2,659, commensurate with qualifications.

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.