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Assistant Professor Physics Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

... Working Title Assistant Professor Anticipated Hiring Range $95,000 - $102,000 Work Schedule 40 ... The department enrolls approximately 120 graduate students and 140 undergrad physics majors. The ...

The position is open to candidates at a level from Assistant Professor up to Associate Professor with tenure. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in physics or equivalent, and have an excellent record of ...

... Engineering, Data science, Physics, Mathematics, Bioinformatics etc; Candidates with ... Yi Zhang is an Assistant Professor at Duke University and computational biologist. Dr. Zhang ...

... Engineering, Data science, Physics, Mathematics, Bioinformatics etc; Candidates with ... Yi Zhang is an Assistant Professor at Duke University and computational biologist. Dr. Zhang ...

Assistant Professor Physics information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$54.4K

$84.1K

$105K

How much do assistant professor physics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor physics in Raleigh, NC is $84,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,400.00 and $103,000.00 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 of Physics, and why are they important?

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 are 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 popular job titles related to Assistant Professor Physics jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Assistant Professor Physics jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Professor Physics jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Professor Physics jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Assistant Professor Physics jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Assistant Professor Physics job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Physics job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,057 per year, or $40.4 per hour.
Teaching Assistant Professor

Teaching Assistant Professor

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

275th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Department Physics and Astronomy - 319000 Posting Open Date 04/21/2026 Application Deadline 08/17/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Faculty Working Title Teaching Assistant Professor Appointment Type Faculty Vacancy ID FAC0005885 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Permanent Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Proposed Start Date 01/01/2027
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Our primary mission is to provide instruction of the highest quality in physics and astronomy to undergraduate and graduate students and UNC-CH. Training in physics is fundamental among the natural sciences because it provides understanding of the forces governing the structure of matter, from subatomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe. Our departmental instructional mission spans all segments of the student community. Over 60% of all college graduates from UNC-CH have taken a course in our department. Among them undergraduate liberal arts majors who should mater the power of quantitative reasoning; undergraduate seeking a degree in another of the natural sciences, who need physics as a foundation for their advanced scientific training; the small number of undergraduate s who major in physics, to whom we provide broad and rigorous training. Our graduate education and research advances frontiers of knowledge at the two extremes of space and time, from the very small (the realm of particle physics) to the very large (the realm of astronomy), while expanding the boundaries of knowledge in the many subfields spanning length scales between. Forefront physics and astronomy research requires access to well-equipped laboratories and extensive computing capabilities; it also must be supported by comprehensive and accessible library collections.
The instructional mission is supported by a strong managerial, administrative, and technical staff. Duties of these employees range from budget planning and management for the numerous research grants held by faculty to maintaining course and student records. These activities are usually accomplished in a standard 40-hour week schedule.
Position Summary
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a faculty teaching position. The opening is for a candidate at the Teaching Assistant Professor level beginning spring semester 2027. The position is for an initial term of three (3) years and is renewable upon review. We seek a dynamic person to teach undergraduate physics, primarily at the introductory level in a large-enrollment setting. The successful candidate will also be expected to participate in the administrative tasks involved with large-enrollment courses comprising a team of educators. Required qualifications include a PhD in Physics or a closely related field, and experience in teaching at the college level.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Required qualifications include a PhD in Physics or Astronomy or a closely related field, and experience in teaching at the college level.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Prior experience in designing and revising course curricula
  • Prior experience in effectively collaborating with a team
  • Proven ability to engage students in the learning process
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions
Interested candidates should provide the following documents:
1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (including courses taught)
3. Teaching and Mentoring statement, including examples how to incorporate modernpedagogy into a specific physics course
4. Three letters of recommendation from recent mentors, supervisors, and/or collaborator
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/315624
Department Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Fabian Heitsch, Department Chair Department Contact Telephone or Email fheitsch@email.unc.edu Academic Personnel Office Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.
Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status. 
If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789