Physics Jobs in North Carolina

INTRODUCTION

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC.

Western Carolina University (WCU), one of the 17 campuses of the University of North Carolina system, invites applications for a one year 9-month fixed-term position at the rank of Instructor in Physics in the Department of Chemistry and Physics, starting August 1, 2026.

The Department of Chemistry and Physics at WCU offers B.S. degrees in Chemistry (including an ACS-certified degree program) and Forensic Science, an M.S. degree in Chemistry (both as a stand-alone program and as part of an accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program), and minors in chemistry and physics. The Department of Chemistry & Physics is located in the new Tom Apodaca Science Building, which provides the department with state-of-the-art laboratory and classroom space and is a 30-minute drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The faculty member will be expected to teach 12 contact hours of introductory and/or general physics lectures and laboratory courses per semester and engage in service activities for the University.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong background in introductory physics, the ability to teach effectively in both lecture and laboratory settings, and a commitment to supporting the department’s undergraduate teaching mission.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum educational/professional requirement for the position is an M.S. degree in physics or a closely related field. Candidates must have earned their degree prior to hire date.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the minimum qualifications listed, candidates with prior teaching experience are preferred.

POSITION TYPE

Time-Limited Full-Time

NUMBER OF HOURS PER WEEK

40

NUMBER OF MONTHS PER YEAR

9

POSTING TEXT

OPEN DATE 06/09/2026

CLOSE DATE

OPEN UNTIL FILLED Yes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include the following:
1) a letter of intent;
2) curriculum vitae;
3) teaching philosophy;
4) list of three references (including contact information); and
5) unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master’s degree level and higher.

For questions or additional information please contact Channa De Silva at mhdesilva@wcu.edu.

• All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master’s degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master’s degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.

BACKGROUND/E-VERIFY

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

CREDENTIAL VERIFICATION

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

UNIVERSITY SAFETY

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.