Assistant Professor, Physics (TENURE TRACK)
- Full-time
Position Title Assistant Professor, Physics (TENURE TRACK) Special Instructions to Applicants The Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science (APECS) Department at Contra Costa Community College is accepting applications for a Tenure-Track Faculty (full time and in-person). This assignment begins August 2027.
Initial salary placement for full-time, tenure track positions is based on academic degree(s), upper/graduate level units earned, teaching experience and/or qualifying related professional occupation experience which ranges from $68,136 to $119,640 per year (Up to $132k). Description of Position The Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science (APECS) Department at Contra Costa Community College is accepting applications for a Tenure-Track Faculty (full time and in-person). This assignment begins August 2027.Contra Costa College is seeking a full-time tenure track assistant professor in physics to begin in August 2027. The successful applicant will be well qualified to teach all lower division physics courses, including lectures and labs. Most of the courses are taught in-person. The range of classes the applicant may be required to teach include General Education (GE) physics, as well as the introductory Physics series for STEM majors. The ability to teach courses in astronomy, engineering, and/or computer science would be desirable, but not required.The student population of Contra Costa College (CCC) reflects its surrounding diverse communities. CCC is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and serves predominantly historically disadvantaged and under-represented student groups including African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Latinx students. CCC is situated in a socioeconomically diverse, resilient, and culturally vibrant community. We seek candidates who embrace our community, our student population, and our central work: strengthening West County by meeting our students where they are and helping them get to where they want to be.We seek candidates who operate with a growth mindset, a strength-based approach centered on students, and a commitment to equity, especially concerning the elimination of barriers to college access, success, and completion. The ideal candidate will be eager to help construct and maintain a culture of continuous improvement in instructional effectiveness. Inquiries Amber Tu, Sr. Administrative Assistant, to VP of Equity and Instruction Recruitment Type Faculty Location Contra Costa College Posting Number F01382 # of Openings 1 Salary Initial salary placement for full-time, tenure track positions is based on academic degree(s), upper/graduate level units earned, teaching experience and/or qualifying related professional occupation experience which ranges from $68,136 to $119,640 per year (Up to $132k). Position Status Tenure- Track EEO Job Category Faculty & Other Instructional Staff Employee Group Full-Time Faculty Department C7009-Physical Science Discipline Physics/Astronomy Alternate Discipline Duties and Responsibilities In addition to contractual duties, all full-time faculty are expected to participate actively in their disciplines, department activities, and the general intellectual life and governance of the college. Part of the teaching assignment may be in the evening and/or online. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. advancing equitable student learning through dedicated, exemplary instruction in accordance with established course outlines;
2. participating in the assessment of student learning outcomes for courses and programs; developing and implementing student learning outcomes assessment processes for courses and programs;
3. collaborating in the development and revision of curriculum and in program review;
4. engaging in department program improvement initiatives;
5. participating in department, division, and college committees;
6. participating in professional development activities, both departmental and college-wide;
7. maintaining current knowledge in the subject matter area and effective teaching/ learning strategies;
8. maintaining appropriate standards of professional conduct and ethics;
9. informing students of course requirements, evaluation procedures and attendance requirements;
10. preparing and grading class assignments and examinations and informing students of their academic progress;
11. maintaining attendance, scholastic, and personnel records and submitting them according to published deadlines;
12. posting and holding sufficient and regular office hours in accordance with prevailing policy;
13. participating in College’s shared governance processes. Minimum Qualification-Education/Experience Understanding of and sensitivity to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and faculty.EDUCATIONNote: Degrees must be from an accredited college/university. Transcripts must show degree(s) conferred.
Master’s in physics, astronomy or astrophysics OR
Bachelor’s in physics or astronomy AND Master’s in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics
OR
the equivalentEQUIVALENCYIf you are applying for equivalency, please attach the Master’s Degree Discipline Equivalency form contained in the application packet and explain how your background is the equivalent. License/Certificates/Credentials Desirable Qualifications Ideal candidates will possess extraordinary interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, a passion for teaching, and the ability to effectively communicate with students to help them achieve their educational goals.
The ability to teach courses in astronomy, engineering, and/or computer science would be desirable, but not required.A willingness to participate in student clubs, MESA, star parties, planetarium shows, and outreach events would be desirable.Our department occasionally often seeks out grant opportunities and partnerships. For example, our department has partnered with NASA STEM Education programs involving student and faculty teams. A willingness to take on a leadership role in these efforts would be desirable. Job Open Date: 10/30/2026 Job Close Date: 01/17/2027 Open Until Filled No Employment Begins: August 2027 # of Months 10 Employee Benefits Membership in State Teachers Retirement System (STRS)
District-paid benefits (employee contributes 6%) for employee and dependents/domestic partners include:
- Medical (Anthem Blue Cross or Kaiser) insurance including chiropractic services
- Dental and vision
- Flexible spending (125) plan
- Life and long-term disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Deferred compensation (403b and 457)
- Sabbatical Leave
Additional Benefits: The District also offers eligible faculty employees, travel assistance plan, retiree benefits, and employee discounts on health memberships.
Newly hired employees may notify the respective union (Local 1 or United Faculty) if they opt to join and/or authorize payment to the union. If the newly hired employee authorizes payment to the union then the following fees apply: Local 1 has a one-time initiation fee of $ and monthly contribution of 1% of gross pay +$1. United Faculty has an agency fee of .55% of gross pay plus $