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Assistant Professor Physics Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Professor Physics information

See Michigan salary details

$48.8K

$75.4K

$94.1K

How much do assistant professor physics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor physics in Michigan is $75,368.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $92,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities in Michigan are hiring for Assistant Professor Physics jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Assistant Professor Physics job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Physics job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,368 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Assistant Professor

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


University Of Michigan rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

156th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Center for the Study of Complex Systems (CSCS) at the University of Michigan seeks applicants for a tenure-track faculty position in complex systems science. The Center is a broad, interdisciplinary unit whose faculty use and develop tools from applied mathematics, computation, physics, statistics, engineering, and network theory to understand questions in the social, biological, and physical sciences. This is a University-year appointment at the Assistant Professor level. The expected start date is August 25, 2025.
Qualifications
We seek applicants with a research agenda focused on the development and/or application of complex systems models and/or methods. This may involve theoretical or applied research in areas of complex systems including (but not limited to) mathematical and computational work in network science, computational approaches in complex systems and related topics in computer science, social science, emergence and robustness, or scientific applications where complex systems theory lies at the core of the approach such as: quantitative modeling of biological and social systems, complex systems approaches to systemic racism and health disparities, biological and social evolution, artificial life, and cognition. We are particularly interested in candidates with a record of working across disciplines.
Application Instructions
All applications must be submitted online.
This faculty position will be in the Center for the Study of Complex Systems or joint between Complex Systems and another academic department or school at the University of Michigan. If a joint appointment is preferred, candidates should suggest possible partner departments or schools. Complex Systems has a tradition of jointly appointed faculty across a wide range of schools and colleges at the University of Michigan, however both joint and 100% Complex Systems appointments will be considered.
Applicants must submit a CV, a statement of current and future research plans, a statement of teaching philosophy and experience, and evidence of teaching excellence, if any. At least three letters of recommendation are required-- contact information must be provided via the application (see "Letters" tab at left, requests will be auto-generated by the system to the names you provide). Finally, please include a diversity statement that demonstrates your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through scholarship/research, and/or teaching/mentoring, and/or service/engagement. There may be some overlap with your research proposal and teaching statements (1-3 pages).
Review of applications will begin on October 6, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.
Women and underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply. The University of Michigan is supportive of the needs of dual career couples and is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Employment will require a criminal background check and candidates must meet all degree requirements prior to the start date of the position.

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About University of Michigan

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The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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