Lecturer of Physical Sciences

Job Description

Nevada State University invites applications for the position of Lecturer of Physical Sciences within the department of Physical and Life Sciences (PaLS) beginning fall 2026. The Lecturer of Physical Sciences will have a background in a branch of applied physics with a specialization in any of the following fields: astrophysics, atmospheric sciences, physical chemistry, geophysics, physical oceanography, or related fields.

About the Department of Physical and Life Sciences at Nevada State:

The selected faculty candidate will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary team, supporting Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Human Health Sciences. We value excellence in teaching and hope to find a colleague with an interest and potential to participate in interdisciplinary opportunities in curriculum development and research among faculty and students.

About the institution:

Nevada State University, a four-year Minority Serving public institution with a statewide mission, is dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning and committed to the advancement of a diverse and largely underserved student population. Designated a Hispanic Serving (HSI) and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Institution (AANAPI), Nevada State is a university where teaching and student support are valued above all else.

Nevada State University continues to grow as an institution of higher education. In Fall 2024, the enrollment surpassed 7,500, with 7,464 undergraduate students and 85 graduate students. A majority of our students are first generation, racial/ethnic minorities, parents, and/or returning students, of which 41% are Hispanic, 13% are Asian/Pacific Islander, 9% are Black/African American, 22% are White, and 6% are multiracial.

We celebrate the storied backgrounds of our campus community. We operate with a shared commitment to represent and serve the diverse population of Nevada and to encourage the exchange of ideas that respects and honors the lived experiences of our students, staff, and faculty. We foster a culture of inclusive excellence so our members can live authentically, fully engage, and flourish. In order to strengthen the university and progress its mission, the university dedicates itself to intentional and ongoing reflection to meeting the evolving needs of Nevada State University, the surrounding communities, and the State of Nevada.

We seek applicants who are passionate about working with this promising student population and collaborating with faculty and staff across departments to make a lasting impact in developing our institution and our community. 

We encourage you to highlight your background in fostering an inclusive campus culture and supporting the success of students who are historically underrepresented in higher education.

Primary Responsibilities:

• This is a 9-month appointment assigned 24 credits per academic year, which equates to approximately 12 credit hours in the fall semester and 12 credit hours in the spring semester. A 3-credit release is provided for the first year.
• Teach lower- and upper-level courses in Physics, GIS, Environmental Regulations, Geology, and/or Astronomy with the potential to develop courses in an area of specialization that may complement other degrees in the department in a mostly in-person format.
• Create a culture of inclusive learning. Faculty at Nevada State put our students’ needs at the forefront of curriculum design and classroom experiences. This includes classroom policies, management, and pedagogical practices that amplify the shared cultural capital of our diverse student body and acknowledge their lived experience. Faculty maintain a learning environment that actively avoids racism, sexism, ableism, and discrimination due to sexual orientation. This is an equally shared responsibility irrespective of the identity of the faculty member.
• Engage in institutional service. This may involve contributing to the development of programmatic goals and shared self-governance on campus in a variety of roles. For example, faculty may serve in faculty senate positions, contribute to curriculum design, advise on policy development, and/or participate in program assessment.
• Engage in professional development activities.

Required Qualifications:

• M.S. or terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D.) in Physics, Astronomy, or other field related to Physical Sciences. (Candidates who are ABD will be considered with the expectation that the terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D.) will be completed by July 31, 2026). 
• Evidence of strong commitment to teaching, mentoring, and working with undergraduates.
• Demonstrated commitment to a diverse, non-traditional, first-generation student population.
• Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship (Nevada State does not sponsor employment-related visas).

Please note: Applicants must meet the posted minimum qualifications at the time of application in order to be considered for the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Evidence of instructional effectiveness at the college/university level.
• Commitment to active/experiential learning.
• Experience or interest in developing curriculum at the university level.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity and potential.

Rank, Salary & Benefits:

9-month. Non-tenure track. Budgeted salary for this position is commensurate with experience. Nevada State University offers excellent benefits, including 19.25% retirement match, beginning balance of 30 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and three health insurance plans that can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts.

This Posting is Open Until Filled

The posting will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications to begin on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply by April 27 for full consideration.

Special Instructions for Internal NSHE Applicants

Nevada State University employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE, UNLV, UNR, NSU, CSN, TMCC, WNC, GBC, or DRI) MUST use the “Browse Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at Nevada State and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Browse Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site.

If you complete an application outside of the internal application process, your application will be returned and you will have to reapply as an internal applicant which may delay your application.

Exempt 

Yes

Full-Time Equivalent

100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please note, once you submit your application the only attachment(s) viewable to you will be the attachment(s) to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment(s) to the cover letter, references, additional documents sections of the application, will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment(s) will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments, prior to the committee review of applications, please contact the candidate helpdesk at apply@nevadastate.edu.

Please upload the following documents:

• Detailed CV or resume listing relevant qualifications and experience;
• Letter of interest indicating why you are a good fit for the position and Nevada State University;
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy;
• Names and contact information of three references, at least one of whom can speak to your teaching ability (you will be notified before references are contacted).

The search committee may ask for more materials at later stages in the application process.

Throughout your application materials, we encourage you to highlight your background in fostering an inclusive campus culture and supporting the success of students who are historically underrepresented in higher education.

Applications that do not include the required uploaded documents may not be considered.

Candidates are encouraged to visit the Career Services Center website Nevadastate.edu/career to receive assistance with their resume, cover letter, and/or interview skills.