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Assistant Professor Physics Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

University of Florida

$188/hr

... Assistant Professor or Associate Professor (tenure or multi-mission track). This position is an ... physics, education, and more. * 403(b)/457 plans retirement plans * Individual and family health ...

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Assistant Professor Physics information

See Arizona salary details

$52.2K

$80.6K

$100.6K

How much do assistant professor physics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor physics in Arizona is $80,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,400.00 and $98,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant professor physics?

An Assistant Professor of Physics is an early-career faculty member at a college or university who teaches undergraduate and sometimes graduate courses in physics, conducts research in their area of expertise, and mentors students. They are typically on a tenure-track, meaning they may eventually become Associate Professors after a review period. Their responsibilities also include publishing research, securing grants, and contributing to academic service within their department and institution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant professor physics?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Physics, you need a Ph.D. in physics or a related field, strong research experience, and a proven record of academic publications. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as MATLAB or Python), and learning management systems is commonly required. Excellent communication, mentorship abilities, and a passion for teaching help foster student engagement and collaboration with colleagues. These skills are crucial for effectively advancing research, delivering quality education, and contributing to the academic community.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant professors in physics during their early years, and how can they be addressed?

Assistant Professors in Physics often encounter challenges such as balancing research productivity with teaching responsibilities, securing research funding, and establishing their own academic network. Early-career faculty may find it demanding to develop new course materials while also publishing research and applying for grants. Building collaborations with colleagues, seeking mentorship, and effective time management can help address these challenges and set a strong foundation for tenure and career advancement.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Physics vs Lecturer Physics?

AspectAssistant Professor PhysicsLecturer Physics
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Physics or related field, research experienceMaster's or Doctorate, teaching certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, academic institutions, research labsPrimarily teaching-focused, colleges or universities
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutesColleges, universities, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between Assistant Professor Physics and Lecturer Physics lies in their roles and expectations. Assistant Professors typically hold a PhD, engage in research, and have a tenure-track position, whereas Lecturers primarily focus on teaching and may have different qualification requirements. Both roles are found in academic settings, but Assistant Professors often have more research responsibilities and career advancement opportunities.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor Physics jobs in Arizona?

For Assistant Professor Physics jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Professor Physics jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Professor Physics jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Assistant Professor Physics jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Assistant Professor Physics job openings:

Assistant Professor Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Physics job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,581 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Assistant Research Professor, Steward Observatory (Career-Track)

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

University Of Arizona rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

368th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Research Professor, Steward Observatory (Career-Track)
Posting Number
req26897
Department
Steward Observatory
Department Website Link
https://astro.arizona.edu
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
Steward Observatory seeks to fill a Research Professor position to support exoplanet science within the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). This faculty member will bridge the gap between science and instrumentation, informing, commissioning, and analyzing exoplanet direct imaging instruments and datasets. The position will support new and in-progress space instruments for coronagraphy and high-resolution astronomy while advancing the technology readiness of a variety of approaches through simulation, analysis, reduction, and publication.
Recently selected to build the Lazuli instruments and leading the GMagAO-X instrument, Steward Observatory provides direct access to various world-class facilities for ground-based radio and optical observing. Among these are the Large Binocular Telescope and 6.5m aperture telescopes located in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Applicants will be eligible to submit their own science proposals and lead independent research programs. As a key member of the research team, the successful candidate will play an active role in defining and implementing science priorities, mentoring students and postdocs, and developing cutting-edge tools for high-contrast imaging.
This career-track appointment is not eligible for tenure. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work assignment in conversation with the supervisor.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Support high-contrast imaging projects within the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO).
  • Mentor students in best practices for exoplanet imaging and astronomical data reduction.
  • Build and contribute to target selection and data reduction tools.
  • Organize exoplanet science journal clubs and symposia within the CAAO.

Knowledge,Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD in astronomy, optics, physics, engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in high-contrast imaging or coronagraphy.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in exoplanet atmosphere modeling.
  • Experience in team management in high-stress environments.
  • Experience with modern software development practices and documentation, including Python and Git.
  • Experience managing priorities across teams.
  • Experience commissioning an astronomical instrument.
  • Experience mentoring students.

Rank
Professor
Tenure Information
Career-Track (CT)
FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research Faculty
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
DOE
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
9/14/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Ewan Douglas Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Astronomy
douglase@arizona.edu
Open Date
8/25/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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