Assistant Professor of Engineering Physics at Lebanon Valley College

The Department of Physics at Lebanon Valley College (LVC) invites applications for a full-time (9-month), tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Engineering Physics starting in August 2026.  A Ph.D. in engineering or physics, with expertise in mechanical engineering, engineering physics, applied physics, or a related field, is required.  The successful candidate will have demonstrated effective teaching at the undergraduate level, the ability to establish a high-level research program that substantively includes undergraduates and has the potential to be awarded external funding, and a commitment to promoting inclusivity and belonging in education.  Postdoctoral research or industry experience is preferred but not required.

The successful candidate will oversee the Engineering Physics major and 3+2 Engineering program.  They will be responsible for developing and teaching sophomore- and senior/capstone-level courses in engineering design and process and an upper-level course in engineering mechanics, as well as contribute to introductory physics courses.  The candidate must be able to guide students in hands-on projects that involve computer-aided design/manufacturing, fabrication, and circuit design.  In addition, there exist opportunities for engaging in LVC’s vital general education curriculum.  Candidates with experience in innovative teaching pedagogies and learning technologies are encouraged to apply.  The standard teaching load is 4 courses (12 credit hours) per semester. The successful candidate will also be expected to advise students and perform departmental and college-wide service.

The department has two endowed professorships, the Dr. Elizabeth M. Bains ‘64 Professorship in Physics and the Dr. James A. Bains Jr. Professorship in Physics, that rotate between faculty members on a three-year basis.  Each provides $5,000 per year in discretionary funds to the recipients to be used for research-related activities like equipment purchases and conference travel (in addition to the start-up funds provided to the new hire and the yearly department budget accessible to all faculty members).  The new hire will begin their appointment receiving the Dr. James A. Bains Jr. Professorship in Physics.

The department offers majors in Physics (with an optional concentration in Computational Physics), Engineering Physics, and has a 3+2 Engineering program with a cooperative agreement with Case Western Reserve University.  The Engineering Physics major at LVC launched in fall 2024, supported by an over $6 million bequest from alumna Dr. Elizabeth M. Bains ’64 and her husband, Dr. James A. Bains Jr.  The gift will support the construction of a new Engineering Physics lab and research space, the purchase of teaching and research lab equipment, and increased stipends and travel funds for student-faculty research.  

Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter detailing qualifications related to the position description, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) statement of teaching philosophy (three pages maximum), (4) statement of research plans that include the meaningful participation of undergraduates (three pages maximum), (5) three professional (confidential) letters of recommendation sent to Dr. Dan Pitonyak, Associate Professor and Chair of Physics, at [email protected] , and (6) unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts.  All materials (except for letters of recommendation) must be submitted through ADP at [link to ADP website].

Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.  Please direct any inquiries to Dr. Dan Pitonyak, Associate Professor and Chair of Physics, at [email protected]. 

Lebanon Valley College is committed to excellence through its employment practices and welcomes applicants with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. The College is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and staff and promotes a culture of accountability, student centeredness, professionalism, inclusiveness, respect, and empowerment.