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Physics Lab Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... for Physics lab(s). This is a pooled position. The department reviews applications as positions ... You are employed as an Adjunct Faculty member/ Instructor on a contract-to-contractbasis, with no ...

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Physics Lab Instructor information

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$39K

$46.9K

$52.5K

How much do physics lab instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics lab instructor in the United States is $46,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $50,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Physics Lab Instructor do?

A Physics Lab Instructor is responsible for guiding students through laboratory experiments related to physics concepts. They prepare lab materials, demonstrate proper techniques, ensure safety protocols are followed, and help students understand the underlying scientific principles. Additionally, they may grade lab reports, provide feedback, and assist with troubleshooting equipment. Their role is essential in helping students apply theoretical knowledge in a practical, hands-on environment.

What are some of the key challenges Physics Lab Instructors face when managing student experiments, and how can they be addressed?

Physics Lab Instructors often encounter challenges such as ensuring student safety, managing limited lab resources, and accommodating varying skill levels among students. To address these, instructors typically establish clear safety protocols, organize equipment efficiently, and provide differentiated instruction to support all learners. Regular communication and collaboration with teaching assistants or faculty can also help maintain a smooth lab environment and enhance the overall learning experience.

What is the difference between Physics Lab Instructor vs Physics Teaching Assistant?

AspectPhysics Lab InstructorPhysics Teaching Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically requires at least a bachelor's degree in physics or related field; some positions prefer or require a master's degreeUsually graduate students pursuing a physics degree; may have similar or fewer certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in university or college labs, conducting experiments, overseeing student labs, and ensuring safetyAssists professors or instructors in lab setup, grading, and student support, often in the same academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by educational institutions to support physics coursesOften employed as graduate assistants or part-time staff in academic institutions

Both roles support physics education in academic settings, with the Physics Lab Instructor typically responsible for leading labs and ensuring safety, while the Physics Teaching Assistant assists instructors and supports students. The main differences lie in their qualifications and specific responsibilities, but both are essential for effective physics lab instruction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physics Lab Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physics Lab Instructor, you need a solid background in physics, laboratory techniques, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with lab equipment, data analysis software such as MATLAB or LabVIEW, and safety protocols is essential. Strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to mentor and engage students are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure that labs are run safely, students receive effective instruction, and learning objectives are met.
More about Physics Lab Instructor jobs
What states have the most Physics Lab Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Physics Lab Instructor jobs include:
Adjunct, Physics Lab

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Salt Lake Community College rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

318th of 546 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Salary: $1,056.00 Hourly
Location : Various SLCC locations, UT
Job Type: Adjunct Contract
Job Number: 202500139
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Natural Sciences & Engineering
Opening Date: 08/04/2025
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Exempt
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
All employees are expected to maintain a permanent residence within the State of Utah as a condition of employment. New employees must provide a valid Utah residential address within 30 days of their start date.
Job Summary
The adjunct faculty member will work with full-time faculty, under general supervision of the Associate Dean, in program and class-related duties such as classroom (including online) instruction, content design and delivery, and student evaluation.
Instructional delivery, management of learning environment, and assessment of student learning for Physics lab(s).
This is a pooled position. The department reviews applications as positions become available.
This position is paid at $1,056 per instructional unit.
Please attach resume or curriculum vitae, copy of transcripts, or other documents for consideration.
1) In accordance with SLCC policy, adjunct positions are offered on a semester-by-semester basis with no guarantee of continued employment.
2) Official transcripts are required for those who are offered employment within in 30 days of hire.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities & Knowledge Skills & Abilities
1. Becomes familiar with, and abides by, all college policies with immediate priority given to those policies that govern interactions with colleagues, staff, administrators, and departments throughout the organization
2. Maintains professional etiquette in communications with students, staff, faculty, and administrators
3. Provides appropriate and timely feedback for all assignments
4. Returns graded assignments in a timely fashion per department standards
5. Maintains student attendance records (for Financial Aid purposes) and grades
6. Conducts a variety of appropriate evaluations of student performance
7. Informs students of progress-to-date periodically and assigns and submits grades by published deadlines
8. Assists in maintaining a safe and mutually respectful instructional environment
9. Prepares and submits incident reports to Dean of Student Services for inappropriate student behavior as defined by the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy
10. Maintains professional and collegial behavior
11. Handles/responds to student concerns/complaints, and responds to student communications and inquiries promptly (generally within 1-2 days)
12. Maintains professional appearance as defined by the discipline and/or College procedure
13. Completes all required employee trainings
14. Knows and enforces FERPA guidelines
15. Provides ADA accommodations as requested
16. Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of diverse people, culture, ethnic background, and abilities, to maintain good working relationships across the College
17. Ability to work with all groups in a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic background of community college students, faculty and staff, including those with disabilities
All Faculty will maintain an on-site campus presence to encourage in-person relationships and create engaging, meaningful, and impactful learning experiences unless approved for on-line only courses.
You are employed as an Adjunct Faculty member/ Instructor on a contract-to-contractbasis, with no future expectation or obligation for employment. Your employment may be terminated At Will at any time.
You are required to maintain professional boundaries with all SLCC students.
Minimum qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Physics or a closely related field with an emphasis in the area of Physics related to the lab being taught.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience teaching college-level Physics labs.
Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of diverse people, culture, ethnic background, and abilities, to maintain good working relationships across the College.
SLCC Information
Salt Lake Community College is Utah's largest open-access college in the state. We proudly educate 45,000+ students pursuing degrees in 100+ programs across 8 areas of study, and Utah's fastest growing industries and four-year baccalaureate programs consistently welcome SLCC graduates. Every SLCC employee has a hand in transforming students' lives to strengthen its surrounding communities. SLCC employees work at 8 locations across the valley and capital city of Salt Lake with easy access to the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, world-class outdoor recreation, sporting events, museums, history, and arts and entertainment.
Salt Lake Community College seeks and values contributions from each community member and welcomes new perspectives. A respectful work environment is its top priority; academic excellence and lasting transformation occurs when we can collaborate freely. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution, SLCC leads the state with the highest enrollment of students from the Latinx/a/o community. SLCC is committed to serving students and being a model for inclusive and transformative education.
Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) is fully committed to policies of equal employment and nondiscrimination. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, religion, protected veteran status, expression of political or personal beliefs outside of the workplace, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
SLCC is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). In addition to URS, SLCC offers several other retirement account options.
This position is subject to a successful completion of a criminal background check.
  • More information about Salt Lake Community College benefits:

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Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Physics or a closely related field with an emphasis in the area of Physics related to the lab being taught?
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