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Assistant Professor Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Under general supervision, the Adjunct Assistant develops, prepares and teaches a variety of coursework consisting of applied, general, and analytical physics. Adjunct Faculty are employed on a term ...

Professor, Physics

TX ยท On-site

Physics Opening Date: 05/06/2026 Number of Months: 9 Tyler Junior College gives equal consideration ... ABOUT Professors provide classroom instruction and college service and are responsible to ...

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Assistant Professor Physics information

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$56K

$86.5K

$108K

How much do assistant professor physics jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor physics in the United States is $86,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $106,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

More about Assistant Professor Physics jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Professor Physics jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Professor Physics job openings:
What states have the most Assistant Professor Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Professor Physics jobs include:
Teaching Professor, Physics and Biophysics

Teaching Professor, Physics and Biophysics

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$6.09K - $6.28K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


University Of San Diego rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

449th of 530 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Teaching Professor, Physics and Biophysics
Posting #: 5562
Position Status: Faculty, Full-time temporary
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences
Position Title & Department:
Teaching Professor, Physics and Biophysics
Posting #
5562
Department Description:
The Physics and Biophysics Department at the University of San Diego, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, offers BS and BA degrees in Physics and in Biophysics, including a concentration in Applied Scientific Computing. The department's mission is to promote a deep physical understanding and appreciation of nature and to develop our abilities to address fundamental scientific questions, solve challenging problems, and share our research and knowledge. We do this through high-quality classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, individualized mentoring, collaborative research experiences with state-of-the-art tools, and the cultivation of an inclusive scientific community.
The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.
University Description:
The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.
Detailed Description:
The University of San Diego (USD) Department of Physics and Biophysics invites applications for a full-time non-tenure track faculty position to teach physics courses during the 2026-27 academic year and possibly beyond. Teaching responsibilities will likely include some combination of introductory physics lectures and labs, plus possible future upper-division courses depending on department needs and candidate expertise. We offer both algebra-based introductory physics for life science majors and calculus-based introductory physics for physical science and engineering majors. We also offer courses for non-STEM majors. Class sizes are typically limited to 36 students in lecture courses and 20 in labs. A full-time teaching load will be two lecture sections and three lab sections per semester. Full-time faculty members will hold five hours of in-person office hours per week. We expect faculty members to be committed to teaching excellence and the usage of inclusive and evidence-based teaching practices.
This position is included in the Non-tenure Track Bargaining Unit, and the successful applicant employee, subject to the terms of the College's Collective Bargaining Agreement will be a bargaining unit member and will be subject to the University's Agreement with SEIU Local 721.
This is a full-time, benefit-based position with an anticipated end date of 8/31/2027. The appointment is renewable at the discretion of the University and dependent upon performance and continued funding.
Job Requirements:
Minimum qualifications: Candidates must have an MS in Physics (or a closely related field such as Applied Physics) before the starting date (August 2026).
Preferred Qualifications: Qualified candidates will have a PhD in Physics and college-level teaching experience beyond the teaching assistant level.
Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
Posting Salary:
This appointment is a full-time 9-month contract, benefits-eligible, non-tenure-track position at the rank of Teaching Professor, with a salary of $6,092-$6,275/month paid out over 12 months. Candidates with significant college-level teaching experience may negotiate for appointment at the Senior or Distinguished Teaching Professor rank.
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.
Special Application Instructions:
Applicants are asked to submit the following materials.
  1. A brief letter of application
  2. Curriculum vita
  3. Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters.

Review of applications will commence immediately and be open until the position is filled. For questions, please contact search chair, Dr. Ted Dezen (tdezen@sandiego.edu).
Click Apply Now to complete our online application. If you have any technical difficulties, please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.
Additional Details:
The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.
Advertised: May 04, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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