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Assistant Professor Physics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

AI Training Specialist - Physics

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site +1

$80 - $150/hr

Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK ... Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior ...

AI Training Specialist - Physics

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site +1

$80 - $150/hr

Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK ... Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior ...

AI Training Specialist - Physics

Richmond, VA ยท On-site +1

$80 - $150/hr

Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK ... Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior ...

AI Training Specialist - Physics

Chesapeake, VA ยท On-site +1

$80 - $150/hr

Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK ... Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior ...

AI Training Specialist - Physics

Hampton, VA ยท On-site +1

$80 - $150/hr

Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK ... Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior ...

AI Training Specialist - Physics

Roanoke, VA ยท On-site +1

$80 - $150/hr

Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK ... Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior ...

AI Training Specialist - Physics

Suffolk, VA ยท On-site +1

$80 - $150/hr

Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK ... Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior ...

Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK ... Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior ...

Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK ... Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior ...

Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK ... Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior ...

Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK ... Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior ...

Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK ... Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior ...

Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK ... Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior ...

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Showing results 1-20

Assistant Professor Physics information

See Virginia salary details

$55.5K

$85.7K

$107.1K

How much do assistant professor physics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor physics in Virginia is $85,729.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,900.00 and $105,100.00 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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Assistant Professor Physics jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Physics job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $85,729 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Engineering

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Lexington, VA โ€ข On-site

$94 - $105/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Assistant Professor of Engineering

Washington and Lee University: Physics and EngineeringDepartment

Location: Lexington, VA
Open Date: Aug 12, 2026
Deadline: Review of applicants will begin October 15, 2026.

Description

The Department of Physics and Engineering at Washington and Lee University invites applications for a tenure-track position in engineering at the rank of Assistant Professor. This new position will begin in July 2027 and was created to support the pursuit of ABET accreditation for our long-standing and thriving engineering program. Candidates should be excited to teach across the engineering curriculum, including first-year introductory courses, required sophomore and junior engineering courses and labs, and upper-level topical electives within the area of expertise. Candidates should be prepared to mentor undergraduates in a productive research program; engineering-related area of research is open. Startup funds, laboratory space, and summer research support are available.

To achieve our mission as a liberal arts university, we strive to foster a welcoming campus community that recognizes the value of all persons. Our department is committed to preparing our students for engaged citizenship by creating a positive learning and working environment for all through open and substantive dialogue. We welcome applications from candidates that would contribute to the University's mission and strategic plan.

The expected salary for this position is between $94,000 and $105,000. Offers are based on factors such as relevant education, experience, tenure status, internal equity, and market and organizational considerations.

Washington and Lee University offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of employees and their families, as well as substantial support for faculty development through research funding, a strong culture of mentorship, and a pre-tenure leave program. To learn more about working at W&L, employee benefits, and life in the Shenandoah Valley, visit jobs.wlu.edu.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in a field of engineering is required by the time of appointment. Undergraduate teaching or professional engineering experience is highly desirable.

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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