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Critical Theory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zap Energy

Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory)

Everett, WA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

About the opportunity As a Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory), you'll play a critical role in advancing our understanding of Z-pinch operation. As part of the Theory & Modeling team, you'll deploy ...

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$12

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How much do critical theory jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for critical theory in the United States is $55.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $66.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Critical Theory vs Cultural Critic?

AspectCritical TheoryCultural Critic
CredentialsAcademic degrees in humanities or social sciences, often with philosophy or sociology focusNo formal credentials required, but often educated in arts or humanities
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutions, think tanksMedia outlets, publishing, arts and cultural organizations
Industry UsageAcademia, social sciences, philosophyMedia, arts, cultural commentary
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding theoretical frameworks, academic researchAnalyzing cultural trends, media critique

Critical Theory involves analyzing societal structures through academic and philosophical lenses, often within research or educational settings. Cultural Critics focus on interpreting and evaluating cultural phenomena, media, and arts, often for a broader audience. While both engage with society and culture, Critical Theory is more academic and theoretical, whereas Cultural Criticism is more applied and accessible.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Critical Theory within academic or research settings?

Professionals in Critical Theory often encounter challenges such as balancing interdisciplinary research demands and navigating institutional expectations for publication and teaching. Engaging with complex theoretical frameworks and translating them into accessible teaching materials can be demanding, especially when addressing diverse student backgrounds. Additionally, staying current with evolving discourse and fostering meaningful collaboration across departments require strong communication and adaptability skills. Building a supportive network and seeking mentorship can help overcome these challenges and contribute to long-term career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Critical Theory Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Critical Theory Professor, you need deep expertise in philosophy, literature, and social theory, usually supported by a doctoral degree in a related field. Familiarity with academic research databases, citation management software, and virtual learning platforms is typical. Exceptional critical thinking, communication, and the ability to foster diverse classroom discussions are standout soft skills. These abilities are crucial for conducting research, publishing scholarship, and engaging students in complex theoretical debates.

What is critical theory?

Critical theory is an approach to social philosophy that focuses on critiquing and changing society as a whole, rather than simply understanding or explaining it. Originating with the Frankfurt School in the early 20th century, critical theory examines power structures, social inequalities, and cultural norms, aiming to uncover and challenge the forces that perpetuate oppression and injustice. It is interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as sociology, philosophy, literature, and political science, and is used both in academic research and applied social critique.
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What job categories do people searching Critical Theory jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Critical Theory jobs are:
Critical Theory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Critical Theory job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,947 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Associates - Condensed Matter Theory

Rutgers University

New Brunswick, NJ

$63K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Rutgers University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

215th of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title Postdoctoral Associates - Condensed Matter Theory Department SAS - Physics & Astronomy Salary Details A minimum of $63,968 for calendar year appointments. Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:
  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discounts programs
 
For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Posting Summary
We seek applicants for Postdoctoral Associate positions in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics at Rutgers University. The group consists of Professors Natan Andrei, Premi Chandra, Piers Coleman, Kristjan Haule, Gabi Kotliar, Jed Pixley, Karin Rabe, Ananda Roy, David Vanderbilt, and Emil Yuzbashyan. Their interests span a broad range of areas including strongly correlated fermion materials, high-temperature superconductivity, topological electronic states of matter, developments and applications of computational methods at the density-functional and dynamical mean-field-theory levels, metal-insulator and structural phase transitions, quantum critical points, nonlinear and anomalous responses, optical traps, quantum computation and information theory, nonperturbative field-theory, mesoscopic physics, and non-equilibrium transport theory.
The applicant's cover letter should mention the names of faculty members whose interests are most closely aligned with those of the candidate.
Position Status Full Time Posting Number 25FA0636 Posting Open Date Posting Close Date
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in condensed matter physics, materials science, or a similar discipline by the start date of the position.
Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred Qualifications Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment Overview Statement
Posting Details
Special Instructions to Applicants Quick Link to Posting https://rutgers-sb.peopleadmin.com/postings/254101 Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Busch (RU-New Brunswick) City Piscataway State NJ Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

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