Physics Fall/Winter 2026/27, Thunder Bay
Application Deadline: May 30, 2026
Physics Department
Lakehead University, Thunder Bay Campus, invites applications for Contract Lecturers in the Department of Physics. Applications are requested to teach:
FALL
PHYS 1070 FA - Semiconductor Physics
Physics of semiconductors include crystal structure, conductivity, photoelectric effect, Hall effect, atomic energy levels and band theory, Fermi-Dirac statistics and density of states, intrinsic and extrinsic properties. The physics of common semiconductor devices are also discussed.
Start Date/Duration: 2026/09/08 - 2026/12/31
Tue, Thu from 5:30pm – 7:00pm
TUT – 2026/09/08 - 2026/12/31
Tue, Thu from 7:00pm – 7:30pm
Physics 2311 FA – Introduction to Optics
Geometrical optics; reflection and refraction, thin lenses, thick lenses, aberrations, optical instruments. Physical optics. Huygen's principle, interference and diffraction, resolving power, polarization.
Start Date/Duration: 2026/09/08 - 2026/12/31
Tue, Thu from 10:00am – 11:30am
LAB - 2026/09/08 - 2026/12/31
Th from 2:30pm – 5:30pm
Physics 3113 FA - Quantum Mechanics I
Classical causality, Heisenberg’s principle, position and momentum determining experiments, wave packets and spread, electromagnetism, wave-particle duality, de Broglie particle-wave duality, matter waves, electron stability, Schrödinger equation, boundary conditions, finite and infinite one-dimensional wells. Transmission and reflection coefficients. Introduction to simple harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom. Emphasis will be on applications of interest to physicists and chemists.
Start Date/Duration: 2026/09/08 - 2026/12/31
Tue, Thu from 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Physics 3231 FA - Introductory Electronics
The course begins with a rapid review of DC and AC circuit theory. Basic bipolar junction transistor circuits are then covered; such as the emitter follower, current sources and mirrors, the common emitter, push-pull, and differential amplifiers. A number of linear and non-linear operational amplifier circuits are examined with an emphasis on negative and positive feedback circuit analysis. Specialized amplifiers used as comparators, triggers, and oscillators are also examined. A quick overview of the field effect transistor, amplifier noise, and filter bandwidth rounds out the course. This is a laboratory intensive course.
Start Date/Duration: 2026/09/08 – 2026/12/31
Tue, Thu from 11:30am - 1:00pm
Please note: This schedule is tentative and subject to change. Instructors should refer to the online timetable prior to the start of classes.
WINTER
PHYS 1010/1133 WA – Physics Essentials II
This is a continuation of the basic principles approach started in Physics 1113. Topics include electric forces, fields, and potential energy; capacitance, resistance, and DC circuits; magnetism and AC circuits; special relativity; optics; atomic and nuclear physics. Laboratory work is mandatory.
Start Date/Duration: 2027/01/04 - 2027/04/30
M, W, F from 1:30pm – 2:30pm
PHYS 3411 WA - Computational Physics
Computer simulation of problems in physics with emphasis on the physical content of the problems. Simulation topics will include linear and nonlinear systems, dynamical chaos, dynamics of many-particle systems, electrodynamics, and quantum systems. The techniques applied will include finite element method, fast fourier transform, interpolation, numerical quadrature, and difference equations.
Start Date/Duration: 2027/01/04 - 2027/04/30
Wednesdays from 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Lab - 2027/01/04 – 2027/04/30
Fridays from 2:30pm – 5:30pm
Please note: This schedule is tentative and subject to change. Instructors should refer to the online timetable prior to the start of classes.
Qualifications Preferred: A graduate degree in physics or relevant discipline is preferred, with experience teaching at the post-secondary level. Candidates lacking the specific degree qualification, but who possess an appropriate combination of experience and other academic qualifications, are also encouraged to apply. Experience with experiential learning and online or alternative modes of delivery is highly desired.
Compensation
In accordance with Collective Agreement provisions, Contract Lecturers shall be remunerated at one of the three following levels:
Level 1: $8,355 (per HCE)
Level 2: $8,590 (per HCE)
Level 3: $9,059 (per HCE)
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. Our campuses are located in Thunder Bay on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 and in Orillia on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, and Rama First Nation. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses and is committed to a relationship with Métis and Inuit and First Nations peoples. Lakehead has approximately 10,000 students and 2,160 faculty and staff. With an emphasis on collaborative learning and independent critical thinking and a multidisciplinary teaching approach, Lakehead offers a variety of degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels through its nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, Graduate Studies, and Faculty of Law. For further information, please visit: www.lakeheadu.ca.
For further information, please contact Hubert De Guise, Chair. Department of Physics and our programs is available at: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/programs/departments/physics.
Review of applications will begin on June 01, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. The electronic application (in the form of one PDF document) should include: a curriculum vitae, statement of teaching interests and/or evidence of teaching effectiveness. A completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada.pdf form must accompany your package. We encourage applicants with the Right of First Refusal (as outlined in article 19.03.02 of the LUFA/LU Collective Agreement) to indicate their status in their application.
Applicants should submit their electronic application to:
Department of Physics
Lakehead University
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1
Attn: Hubert De Guise, Chair
E-mail: hubert.deguise@lakeheadu.ca
Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.
Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of under-represented groups among applicants, candidates and hires. We encourage candidates to self-identify, if you are from an under-represented group, and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies and relationships derived from lived experience. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.
We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.cato make appropriate arrangements.
All positions are subject to budgetary approval.