School: School of Chemistry & Physics, College of Arts & Sciences
Position Type: Part-time; adjunct teaching (lecture and/or laboratory) or laboratory preparation and coordination
Salary: $875 to $1,225 per contact hour, based on experience
FLSA Category: Exempt
Millikin University is seeking talented and enthusiastic educators who are interested in sharing their expertise in physics with our students. The School of Chemistry & Physics welcomes CVs from qualified individuals interested in teaching lecture and/or laboratory sections, as well as individuals interested in preparing and coordinating our physics laboratories. Opportunities are based on School needs, course offerings, and enrollment, and may vary from semester to semester.
About the School of Chemistry & Physics
The School of Chemistry & Physics, housed in the Leighty-Tabor Science Center, offers American Chemical Society (ACS) certified degrees in both chemistry and biochemistry, along with programs in physics and pre-engineering. The School is home to the Requarth Observatory, featuring a 20-inch Ritchey-Chrétien telescope and an adjoining observation deck with 8-inch telescope supports for our astronomy laboratories. In addition to courses for our STEM majors, the School teaches courses for health science majors and general studies courses serving majors across campus.
Millikin is a private, comprehensive university in Decatur, Illinois, serving approximately 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students. A Millikin education is built on Performance Learning, an approach in which students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world work, including research, internships, and hands-on projects.
Teaching Opportunities
The School is interested in adjunct instructors for both lecture and laboratory sections. Assignments may include the following courses:
- PY 100 – The Planets
- PY 101 – Stars and Galaxies
- PY 104 – Planets Laboratory
- PY 105 – Stars and Galaxies Laboratory
- PY 111 – College Physics I
- PY 112 – College Physics II
- PY 171 – Physics Laboratory I
- PY 172 – Physics Laboratory II
- PY 253 – Modern Physics Laboratory
- PY 262 – Experimental Physics I - Electronics
- PY 362 – Experimental Physics II
Assignments include opportunities for daytime, late-afternoon, and evening lecture or laboratory sections on our Decatur campus. Adjunct assignments typically range from 2 to 9 contact hours per semester.
Teaching Responsibilities
- Teach assigned lecture and/or laboratory sections using School established learning outcomes, syllabi, and materials
- Lead laboratory sessions and ensure students follow the School’s laboratory safety procedures
- Coordinate with full-time faculty teaching other sections to keep the student experience consistent
- Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and submit grades by university deadlines
- Use the university’s learning management system to post course materials and grades
- Maintain regular office hours and respond promptly to student email
- Maintain a professional attitude with all students, faculty, and staff
Laboratory Preparation and Coordination
The School is also interested in individuals who can help prepare and/or coordinate our 100-level physics laboratories. This role is distinct from a teaching position. It focuses on the behind the scenes work that keeps our introductory laboratories running safely and smoothly. Candidates may express interest in teaching, laboratory preparation and coordination, or both. Responsibilities may include:
- Preparing equipment, apparatus, and materials for weekly laboratory experiments
- Setting up and breaking down laboratory stations and equipment
- Maintaining equipment inventory and supplies
- Troubleshooting and repairing laboratory equipment and supporting compliance with the School’s safety procedures
- Coordinating laboratory schedules, materials, and communication across sections and instructors
Qualifications Required
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in physics or a closely related field such as engineering or astronomy; candidates with a bachelor’s degree must have relevant professional or work experience such as industry, laboratory, or engineering work
- Working knowledge of safe laboratory practices for undergraduate teaching laboratories
- A commitment to undergraduate education and student success
- Ability to work in person on Millikin’s Decatur campus
Preferred
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field
- College-level teaching experience, especially in physics lecture or laboratory
- Experience with active learning or other evidence-based teaching approaches
For laboratory preparation and coordination
- Experience setting up, maintaining, or troubleshooting physics laboratory equipment
- Strong organizational and communication skills
How to Apply
Please submit the following:
- A cover letter that identifies the role(s) of interest (lecture teaching, laboratory teaching, and/or laboratory preparation and coordination), the physics courses you would be interested in teaching, and your general availability (days and times) for upcoming semesters
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Unofficial transcripts for all college coursework (official transcripts required upon hire)
- Names and contact information for three professional references
Send materials to the Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences, Jennifer Schroeder @ jrschroeder@millikin.edu.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis. Applications remain on file for two years, and the School will contact candidates as needs arise. Employment and first day of work are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Millikin University is an equal opportunity employer. Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Millikin University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive.