Posting Details (Default Section)
Position Title Assistant Professor, Physics (TENURE TRACK)
Special Instructions to Applicants The Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science ( APECS ) Department at Contra Costa Community College is accepting applications for a Tenure-Track Faculty (full time and in-person). This assignment begins August 2027.
Initial salary placement for full-time, tenure track positions is based on academic degree(s), upper/graduate level units earned, teaching experience and/or qualifying related professional occupation experience which ranges from $68,136 to $119,640 per year (Up to $132k).
Description of Position The Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science ( APECS ) Department at Contra Costa Community College is accepting applications for a Tenure-Track Faculty (full time and in-person). This assignment begins August 2027.
Contra Costa College is seeking a full-time tenure track assistant professor in physics to begin in August 2027. The successful applicant will be well qualified to teach all lower division physics courses, including lectures and labs. Most of the courses are taught in-person. The range of classes the applicant may be required to teach include General Education (GE) physics, as well as the introductory Physics series for STEM majors. The ability to teach courses in astronomy, engineering, and/or computer science would be desirable, but not required.
The student population of Contra Costa College ( CCC ) reflects its surrounding diverse communities. CCC is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution ( HSI ) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution ( AANAPISI ), and serves predominantly historically disadvantaged and under-represented student groups including African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Latinx students. CCC is situated in a socioeconomically diverse, resilient, and culturally vibrant community. We seek candidates who embrace our community, our student population, and our central work: strengthening West County by meeting our students where they are and helping them get to where they want to be.
We seek candidates who operate with a growth mindset, a strength-based approach centered on students, and a commitment to equity, especially concerning the elimination of barriers to college access, success, and completion. The ideal candidate will be eager to help construct and maintain a culture of continuous improvement in instructional effectiveness.
Inquiries Amber Tu, Sr. Administrative Assistant, to VP of Equity and Instruction
atu@contracosta.edu Recruitment Type Faculty
Location Contra Costa College
Posting Number F01382
# of Openings 1
Salary Initial salary placement for full-time, tenure track positions is based on academic degree(s), upper/graduate level units earned, teaching experience and/or qualifying related professional occupation experience which ranges from $68,136 to $119,640 per year (Up to $132k).
Position Status Tenure- Track
EEO Job Category Faculty & Other Instructional Staff
Employee Group Full-Time Faculty
Department C7009-Physical Science
Discipline Physics/Astronomy
Alternate Discipline Duties and Responsibilities In addition to contractual duties, all full-time faculty are expected to participate actively in their disciplines, department activities, and the general intellectual life and governance of the college. Part of the teaching assignment may be in the evening and/or online. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. advancing equitable student learning through dedicated, exemplary instruction in accordance with established course outlines;
2. participating in the assessment of student learning outcomes for courses and programs; developing and implementing student learning outcomes assessment processes for courses and programs;
3. collaborating in the development and revision of curriculum and in program review;
4. engaging in department program improvement initiatives;
5. participating in department, division, and college committees;
6. participating in professional development activities, both departmental and college-wide;
7. maintaining current knowledge in the subject matter area and effective teaching/ learning strategies;
8. maintaining appropriate standards of professional conduct and ethics;
9. informing students of course requirements, evaluation procedures and attendance requirements;
10. preparing and grading class assignments and examinations and informing students of their academic progress;
11. maintaining attendance, scholastic, and personnel records and submitting them according to published deadlines;
12. posting and holding sufficient and regular office hours in accordance with prevailing policy;
13. participating in College's shared governance processes.
Minimum Qualification-Education/Experience Understanding of and sensitivity to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and faculty.
EDUCATION Note: Degrees must be from an accredited college/university. Transcripts must show degree(s) conferred.
Master's in physics, astronomy or astrophysics
ORBachelor's in physics or astronomy
AND Master’s in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics
ORthe equivalent
EQUIVALENCY If you are applying for equivalency, please attach the Master's Degree Discipline Equivalency form contained in the application packet and explain how your background is the equivalent.
License/Certificates/Credentials Desirable Qualifications Ideal candidates will possess extraordinary interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, a passion for teaching, and the ability to effectively communicate with students to help them achieve their educational goals.
The ability to teach courses in astronomy, engineering, and/or computer science would be desirable, but not required.
A willingness to participate in student clubs, MESA , star parties, planetarium shows, and outreach events would be desirable.
Our department occasionally often seeks out grant opportunities and partnerships. For example, our department has partnered with NASA STEM Education programs involving student and faculty teams. A willingness to take on a leadership role in these efforts would be desirable.
Job Open Date: 10/30/2026
Job Close Date: 01/17/2027
Open Until Filled No
Employment Begins: August 2027
# of Months 10
Employee Benefits Membership in State Teachers Retirement System ( STRS )
District-paid benefits (employee contributes 6%) for employee and dependents/domestic partners include:
- Medical (Anthem Blue Cross or Kaiser) insurance including chiropractic services
- Dental and vision
- Flexible spending (125) plan
- Life and long-term disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Deferred compensation (403b and 457)
- Sabbatical Leave
Additional Benefits: The District also offers eligible faculty employees, travel assistance plan, retiree benefits, and employee discounts on health memberships.
Newly hired employees may notify the respective union (Local 1 or United Faculty) if they opt to join and/or authorize payment to the union. If the newly hired employee authorizes payment to the union then the following fees apply: Local 1 has a one-time initiation fee of $45.00 and monthly contribution of 1% of gross pay +$1. United Faculty has an agency fee of .55% of gross pay plus $2.50.
How to Apply 1. Interested applicants must submit all of the application materials online to be considered for this position. We do not accept hand-delivered, e-mailed, faxed or postal mailed application packets.
2. It is your responsibility to ensure that all application materials are received on or before the closing date. Our application deadline time is 11:59pm on the specified closing date.
3. You should submit an unofficial transcript for screening purposes. If you do not have electronic version of the transcript required for the position, you can have it scanned by a Staples, Office Max or Office Depot, etc. All applicants will have an opportunity to upload transcripts when completing our online application process. You should be prepared to provide an official transcripts prior to employment start date should the position be offered.
4. If you do not possess the required educational degrees and are applying under the equivalency process, you bear the responsibility of submitting the District's Equivalency Application. Equivalency applications with supporting documentation should be submitted when 1) degrees are not in exact discipline required; 2) degree is in progress; 3) degrees were earned at a college or university outside of the United States. All applicants will have an opportunity to upload an equivalency form for evaluation by a college equivalency committee when completing our online application process.
5. Applicants with foreign degrees must provide official certification of equivalency to United States degrees. An approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) agency must evaluate your course work. All applicants will have an opportunity to upload a foreign degree evaluation for review of by a college equivalency committee when completing our online application process. Please read more details in the Foreign Degree and Credit Statement section of the job announcement.
6. Documents uploaded online must be the actual documents to be considered for review. Do not upload a "placeholder" document. Applications with placeholder documents are considered incomplete and will be rejected. Only upload the required documents, other materials can be presented if you are selected for an interview.
7. All application materials become the property of the district and will not be returned or duplicated.
Selection Process Applications will be screened to ensure the applicant meets the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement.
1. The applications, cover letters, answers to required supplemental questions, resumes, unofficial college transcripts, and other supporting materials submitted by all qualified applicants will be reviewed by a screening committee. Those who are deemed to possess the highest degree of desirable qualifications will be invited to the college at their own expense.
2. During the campus visit, each applicant will be interviewed and may be asked to conduct a demonstration appropriate to the discipline. Selected interviewees may be invited to present an entire lecture in front of a class. Responses to the interview questions and demonstration will be rated by the interview committee.
3. Based upon the overall rating, a small number of applicants will be invited at their own expense to the campus for an interview with the college president and vice president of instruction.
4. After consultation with the interview committee, the college president will make the final recommendation for employment to the chancellor and the governing board of the Contra Costa Community College District.
5. Upon hire, the successful candidate must meet the conditions of employment. Finalists must provide verification of transcripts. TB test, physical examination, fingerprinting/conviction clearance and proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
Foreign Degree and Credit Statement In accordance with the United Faculty Contract, Article 20.3.1.3.2, all foreign degrees and credits used to meet the minimum qualifications must be evaluated by an approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) agency www.naces.org prior to the implementation of the equivalency process. Please upload your evaluation with your application when you apply for this position. We cannot accept foreign degree evaluations after the closing date
Quick Link https://www.4cdcareers.net/postings/12474
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Briefly describe the way(s) in which you meet the qualifications: • Master's in physics, astronomy or astrophysics • OR Bachelor's in physics or astronomy AND Master's in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics • OR the equivalent
(Open Ended Question) - * List the courses that you have taught in physics, astronomy, engineering, and computer science courses. Include number of semesters that you have taught for each, and the colleges and high schools at which you have taught them.
(Open Ended Question) - * Succinctly describe your experience and interest in physics, astronomy, engineering, and
