Assistant Professor of Physical Sciences, Physics, Tenure Track

Skip to jobs Back to Job Openings Assistant Professor of Physicals Sciences, Physics, Tenure Track Department Physical Science Job Location Grand Rapids, MI Date Posted Posted less than a day ago APPLY SHARE Grand Rapids Community College is seeking candidates to teach courses within the discipline of Physics. Candidates should possess an interest in serving a comprehensive community college that enrolls a diverse student body ranging from dual enrolled (Early/Middle College) high school students to traditional certificate, degree, and bachelor’s pathway transfer students and offers courses in multiple locations. GRCC faculty instruct and support students from a broad range of ages, cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. We seek applicants who are also committed to and effective in closing equity gaps; engaging in and developing innovative teaching strategies; assessing student learning outcomes; demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development; and providing service to our students, the college, and our community at large.

Faculty members are responsible to GRCC and to each other for the successful completion of departmental work as well as associated with the School of STEM and GRCC as a whole. In addition to the major position responsibilities, it is expected that faculty demonstrate outstanding communication skills, collaborate effectively, use personal initiative to overcome obstacles and work efficiently to meet deadlines. GRCC faculty members share the College's commitment to the ongoing systemic changes needed to ensure the increased recruitment, inclusion, retention, completion, and post-completion (transfer and career) outcomes of the GRCC student body’s traditional, non-traditional, and historically underserved populations. In an environment where innovation is valued, each faculty member will take responsibility to perform their work in a manner consistent with GRCC’s mission, vision, and values.

About Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) was established in 1914 as Michigan’s first community college, providing affordable, accessible education to learners of all ages. GRCC offers academic pathways leading to degrees, certificates, transfer opportunities, and in-demand career skills through courses delivered across multiple campuses — downtown Grand Rapids and Holland — as well as online, hybrid, and weekend formats. GRCC provides more than 180 degree and certificate programs, complemented by robust non-credit job training programs in healthcare, manufacturing, public sector, and IT industries. These short-term programs, developed with local employers, prepare students for high-demand fields with credentials and certifications that meet workforce needs.

Recognized nationally for excellence in transfer education and workforce development, GRCC supports thousands of students each year in achieving their goals. The college participates in Achieving the Dream and is recognized as an Achieving the Dream Leader College, reinforcing its commitment to equity-centered teaching and student success. GRCC maintains accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and holds specialized accreditations across several programs. Locations and Facilities Main Campus (Downtown Grand Rapids) and DeVos Campus (Heritage Hill).

Tassell MTEC (Michigan Technical Education Center) for workforce training. Lakeshore Campus, a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2021 in Holland, MI (Ottawa County). Early/Middle College Program sites that offer dual enrollment courses at area high schools. Position Responsibilities: Teach introductory-level course offerings in physics.

Additional classes that may be available to teach include: sophomore-level physics courses. The primary focus for community college faculty is teaching. Faculty are required to teach 15 credit hours per semester. Develop and implement teaching methods that employ interactive learning and integrate current instructional technology.

Provide leadership and mentoring for adjuncts as needed or requested by the department. Participate fully as a member of the Physicals Sciences Department in activities such as department meetings, curriculum development, learning outcomes assessment, evaluation and revision of existing courses, student advising, committee membership, textbook selection, community outreach, and other duties as determined by the college. Engage in professional development activities and maintain expertise in the field of Physics. Complete yearly Faculty Performance Evaluations and meet all responsibilities of the Faculty Evaluation System as detailed in the Faculty Contract.

Requisition ID: 1176 Department: Physical Science Employee Group: Faculty Association Schedule: 32 weeks (Fall and Winter Semester) Start Date: Fall 2027 Compensation: Master's Degree $70,872 - $78,739. Final offers will be based on full-time college-level teaching and/or industry experience.

Benefits

Full-time Reports to: Associate Dean, School of STEM Posting Opens: 11/06/2026 Posting Closes: 12/06/2026 Job Specification Educational Credentials Master’s Degree in Physics, or Master’s Degree in a related field with at least 18 graduate credits in Physics required. Ph.D. in Physics, or Ph.D. in a related field preferred. Graduate credits and/or research experience in Science Education preferred. Work Experience Experience teaching physics to students at a college or university level required.

Experience incorporating instrumentation into the laboratory classroom and setting up physics labs required. Experience with introductory level physics labs preferred. Experience teaching as the lead instructor of a college course preferred. Experience teaching physics at a community college preferred At least two (2) years of full-time teaching experience preferred Experience maintaining existing lab equipment and assist in selecting new lab equipment preferred Skills Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask, especially in a teaching laboratory setting. Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving abilities. Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.

Physical Demands

This position requires long periods of sitting, standing, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds. Mental Demands An understanding of and appreciation for the community college philosophy and student population. An interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin and ability.

Demonstrated initiative and organizational and problem-solving abilities. Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision. High energy level with enthusiasm and interest in helping and supporting students, staff, and the general public. Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.

Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a pleasant and professional manner. Working Conditions GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website. Faculty work in a classroom environment in an academic setting.

Benefits

Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums. Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership. Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities. Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options, including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

Method of Application GRCC is only accepting online applications for this position at https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter resume, and unofficial transcripts for full consideration. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available. Hiring Process GRCC makes data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in reference checks and interviews.

Nondiscrimination Statement Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation.

Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295. © 2026 Grand Rapids Community College | Visit our home page Applicant tracking system powered by