Assistant Professor of Teaching

Position Description

Full-time Assistant Professor of Teaching Position – Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver seeks applications from qualified candidates for a tenure-track position in the Educational Leadership stream at the rank of Assistant Professor of Teaching. The anticipated start date of the position is 1 July 2027, with an expected salary within the range of $145,000 to $165,000 per year. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

UBC defines Educational Leadership (EL) as “an activity taken at UBC and elsewhere to advance innovation in teaching and learning with impact beyond one’s classroom.” As an EL faculty member in addition to teaching and service to the Department, there is an expectation that a portion of your role is to focus on the systematic enhancement, innovation and evaluation of teaching practice and how it supports student learning, and to share what you learn with colleagues. To support you in this work, UBC offers funding opportunities and programs to develop practical expertise through the Institute for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and the Centre for Teaching Learning and Technology. This includes funding through various programs (e.g., SoTL Seed, Open Education Resources, and Teaching and Learning Enhancement Funds) to enrich student learning and the educational community by supporting and disseminating innovative and effective educational enhancements. There are more than 350 EL faculty at UBC at the forefront of educational scholarship rooted within their own disciplines, forging a path forward through the changing landscape of teaching and learning in higher education.

The successful candidate:

Will hold a Ph.D. degree in Physics, Astronomy or a closely related field and be registered, or be eligible for registration within five years of appointment, as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with Engineers and Geoscientists, British Columbia.

Will have demonstrated evidence or possess clear potential for excelling in teaching, developing and/or applying innovative pedagogy, educational leadership, and providing service to the University and the wider community. Relevant industrial experience, in particular, is viewed as an asset. Further information on the Department is available at https://www.phas.ubc.ca

Is expected to take a leading role in enhancing the teaching and learning environment in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. This includes the development and delivery of core courses in the engineering physics curriculum, active participation in capstone design projects, and development / renewal of undergraduate laboratories.

Will be expected to teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in physics and engineering physics, and to collaborate with other departments and programs to develop courses and other educational and experiential opportunities for students both within and beyond the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

They will have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently or systemically marginalized.

Location description

Over its long history, the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UBC has distinguished itself with excellence in research, teaching and service across the breadth of physics and astronomy including Engineering Physics. The Department has a strong record of collaborative work within UBC and industry and promotes interdisciplinary research and teaching.

UBC’s Engineering Physics (EngPhys) program is one of Canada’s most selective and academically rigorous engineering programs, combining a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and engineering science with extensive hands-on design and research experience. The program prepares graduates to tackle complex technological challenges at the intersection of science and engineering, with strengths spanning quantum technologies, photonics, advanced materials, electronics, computing, biomedical engineering, and sustainable energy systems. Through a demanding curriculum that emphasizes analytical problem-solving, innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration, EngPhys graduates are exceptionally well prepared for careers in industry, entrepreneurship, and research, and have a long tradition of leadership in graduate studies, technology development, and high-impact engineering practice worldwide.

UBC’s campuses are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples and of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil Waututh) Nations.

How to apply:

Applications must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online and include the following:

Cover letter describing your expertise and synergy with current groups and researchers at UBC

Curriculum vitae including a list of publications.

Teaching statement describing experience, innovations, philosophy and interests in educational leadership relevant to this position

Evidence of teaching effectiveness, if available (such as course outlines and/or student evaluations)

Diversity statement (1 page) describing your lived background experience (if comfortable), and your past experience and future plans regarding working with a diverse student body, and contributing to a culture of equity and inclusion.

Arrange for three letters of reference to be submitted to Academic Jobs Online.

Applicants need not identify country of origin or current citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements:

Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

The closing date for applications is 15 December 2026.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person.

UBC acknowledges that certain circumstances may cause career interruptions that legitimately affect an applicant’s record of research or educational leadership achievement. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like consideration given to the impact of any circumstances, such as those due to health or family reasons, in order to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration.

This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. For details, see https://hr.ubc.ca/benefits The University of British Columbia's primary language of instruction and research is English. Accordingly, individuals are required to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. If you have any needs or questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the job application, recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC’s Center For Workplace Accessibility website at https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/working-injury-illness-or-disability/centre-workplace-accessibility or contact the Centre at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an accessible process for all candidates (including but not limited to disabled people). Confidential accommodations are available on request by contacting Derek Gagnier, our HR Manager at hr@phas.ubc.ca.