Position Summary:
The position is a tenure-track Assistant Professor level faculty position in Physics in the Fort Lewis College Department of Physics and Engineering.Job Description:
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Teach any physics course offerings in the FLC catalog along with Engineering courses related to the candidate’s expertise as needed by the department
Guide and mentor students in the classroom, laboratory, and research
Build and maintain an active scholarship program that is compatible with undergraduate research opportunities for our students
Interact professionally and collegially with Fort Lewis faculty, staff, and students, being a “team player” contributing to the growth and success of our students, the department, and the college
Perform any assigned duties related to departmental assessment and ABET accreditation
Act as a student recruiting and retention agent
Perform other service-related departmental and college duties as assigned
Required Education, Specialized Skills and Experience:
Ph.D. degree in physics or an applied physics field from an accredited college or university by August 15, 2026
Proven commitment to undergraduate teaching across the full range of undergraduate physics courses
Interest and demonstrated ability to develop an active role in extra-curricular, student-centered activities that broaden the undergraduate academic experience
Research area or interests compatible with undergraduate research
Preferred Education, Specialized Skills and Experience:
Proven successful college teaching experience and well versed in modern pedagogical techniques
Demonstrated ability to supervise undergraduate research projects in experimental physics
Proven willingness to collaborate and contribute outside of your area of academic expertise
Ability to build a research program that leverages existing FLC infrastructure including:Optics laboratoryFLC observatoryFluids laboratory
Reports To / Supervisory Responsibility:
This position reports to the Department Chair.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee can expect while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
Ability to work in a confined area.
Ability to work with students in groups or individually in the classroom and laboratory, and to mentor students individually or in small groups outside of class or laboratory.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands; and reach with hands and arms.
Travel:
Less than 5% travel time is expected for this position.
FLSA Status/ Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Tenure-Track Faculty
Exempt
Full Time, FTE 1.0.
Permanent
9 Month Position (During academic year). Work hours are dependent on the needs of the position.
Salary
The salary is $63,500, plus a comprehensive benefits package
Application Process
A complete application packet includes:
Application Deadline
Application materials received by 11:59 p.m. on January 4, 2026, will receive full consideration.
The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts
and pass a background check.
About Fort Lewis College:
On a sage-brushed mesa overlooking downtown Durango and the La Plata Mountains, Fort Lewis College is Southwest Colorado’s premier public undergraduate research institution. With more than half of the 3,300 students identifying as people of color, FLC’s academic programming and campus life thrive on nurturing safe, diverse spaces for intellectual exploration and helping people achieve their career goals. A Native American-serving, Non-Tribal Institution, FLC is committed to promoting economic development in neighboring tribal communities and connecting students with the education they need to be the change in the world they want to see. Degree programs span the arts, business, education, health sciences, humanities, and social and natural sciences. Coursework builds on the natural, cultural, and historical resources found around the Four Corners region. Students work closely with faculty on research projects with real-world implications. Like the mountain town it resides in, FLC promotes a culture of work-life balance for students, faculty, and staff. Skyhawks enjoy unparalleled access to a healthy outdoor lifestyle thanks to 300 days of sunshine a year and more than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails in and around Durango
Notice to Prospective Employees:
The Fort Lewis College is required by the Clery Act of 1990 to notify prospective employees, current employees, students and applicants where to access our Campus Security Report. The report is updated and published annually in accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Federal Student Right-to-Know, the Federal Drug-free Schools and Campuses Act of 1989. This report contains information about:
Fort Lewis College's alcohol and other drug policy
Sexual assault policy
Campus security policies
Campus/community resources
The Colorado Riot Offense Statute restriction on enrollment
Where to find registered sex offender information
Crime statistics for the previous three calendar years
Reporting crimes
The Campus Security Report can be accessed in two ways:
By going to the internet website at: www.fortlewis.edu/AnnualSecurityReport Fort Lewis College Student Affairs Office will also provide a paper copy of the annual security report upon request. You can reach them at (970) 247-7331.
Equal Opportunity
Fort Lewis College does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex*, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, family or domestic status, political beliefs, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment shall be extended to all persons. The College shall promote equal opportunity, equal treatment, and affirmative action efforts to increase the diversity of students, faculty, and staff. The College is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. To file a report, get resources, read policies, or make an appointment, See www.fortlewis.edu/CARE.
Discrimination Questions?
Office of Compliance and Community Standards
David Pirrone, Director of Compliance
210 Berndt Hall
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 247-7182 djpirrone@fortlewis.edu
Questions about Title IX sex discrimination?
Office of the Title IX Coordinator
Madeleine Gillman, Assistant Director of Compliance and Title IX Coordinator
210 Berndt Hall
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 247-7049 mgillman@fortlewis.edu
Information about Fort Lewis College’s alcohol and drug policy, sexual assault policy, campus security policies, campus crime statistics, fire safety procedures and fire statistics, and campus/community resources can be found in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Hard copies are available upon request.
* Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Fort Lewis College may be directed to FLC's Title IX Coordinator and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education.
ADAA Accommodations
Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact Kristin Polens by phone 970-247-7459 or email kpolens@fortlewis.edu at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.