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Physics Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Owens Community College

Applicant Pool for Adjunct Faculty, Physics (Lab) This position requires teaching undergraduates, and applicants must provide evidence of teaching potential. Teaching faculty at Owens Community ...

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Physics Lab information

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How much do physics lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics lab in the United States is $20.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physics lab?

Physics lab jobs typically involve working in a laboratory setting to conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and support scientific research in the field of physics. These roles can include laboratory technicians, research assistants, or lab managers, and may require setting up equipment, maintaining safety protocols, and collaborating with physicists and other scientists. Physics lab professionals play a crucial role in advancing knowledge through hands-on experimentation and technical support.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work in a physics lab?

To thrive as a Physics Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of physics principles, laboratory procedures, and a relevant associate or bachelor's degree in science. Familiarity with lab equipment, data acquisition software, and safety protocols is typically required, along with certifications like OSHA training. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help ensure experiments run smoothly and results are accurately reported. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining safety, supporting research, and ensuring reliable scientific outcomes in the lab environment.

What challenges are faced when working in a physics lab, and how can they be addressed?

Working in a physics lab often involves troubleshooting complex equipment, maintaining precise measurement standards, and ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed. Challenges can include instrument malfunctions, unexpected experimental results, or managing hazardous materials. To address these issues, it's important to develop strong problem-solving skills, collaborate closely with team members, and stay up to date with the latest lab safety and equipment training. Open communication within the team and thorough documentation of procedures can also help resolve issues more efficiently.

What is the difference between Physics Lab vs Physics Technician?

AspectPhysics LabPhysics Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in physics or related fieldOften requires an associate degree or technical certification in physics or related technical fields
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research, or university laboratoriesIndustrial, research facilities, or government labs
Job ResponsibilitiesConducting experiments, data analysis, research developmentMaintaining equipment, assisting with experiments, technical support
Industry UsagePrimarily academic and research institutionsIndustrial, government, and research organizations

Physics Lab roles focus on conducting experiments and research, often requiring a physics degree. Physics Technicians support laboratory operations with technical skills, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in research environments but differ mainly in education requirements and job responsibilities.

What do people do in a physics lab?

In a physics lab, professionals conduct experiments to study physical phenomena, collect data, and analyze results. They use scientific tools and equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrometers, and particle detectors, often following safety protocols and precise procedures to advance understanding in physics research or applied sciences.
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Physics Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Lab job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Part-Time Faculty - Physics, Academic Year 2026 - 2027

Portland, ME • On-site

Maine's Public Universities
See more jobs at Maine's Public Universitiesexternal

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver physics courses including laboratory and lecture components.

  • Assess student performance and meet with students as needed.

  • Use provided course learning objectives, program competencies, and topical outlines to guide instruction.

Job description

The Physics Department at the University of Southern Maine is seeking part-time instructor applicants for its upcoming 2026 - 2027 Academic Year.

We are seeking instructors to teach the following courses:

Introductory Physics Laboratory (PHY 114) (Fall 2026) - Experiments designed to illustrate the concepts studied in Elements of Physics (PHY 111) and General Physics (PHY 121). 

Introductory Physical Laboratory II (PHY 116) (Fall 2026) - Experiments designed to illustrate the concepts studied in Elements of Physics II (PHY 112) and General Physics II (PHY 123). 

Physics (PHY 101) (Spring 2027) - An elementary approach to the study of mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, and modern physics, intended for the student who desires a one-semester introduction to the subject with emphasis on concepts as opposed to problem solving. 

Physics Lab (PHY 102) (Spring 2027) - Lab course to accompany Physics 101.

We are seeking student-focused instructors who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. Responsibilities include developing the course, teaching, assessing student performance, and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with the course learning objectives, program competencies, and suggested topical outline and will be given a previous course syllabus available for reference.

USM's Physics Department offers a comprehensive and student-focused program that combines rigorous academics with hands-on research and teaching opportunities.  The physics major covers the traditional areas of modern and classical physics, and it is intended to prepare graduates for careers in physics and related technical areas or for graduate school.   

Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience, as determined by the Part-Time Faculty Association of Maine (PATFA), an affiliate of the national American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union. To view the Credit Hour Rates for AY 2026, please refer to the PATFA Contract. Eligible part-time faculty members may elect certain benefits provided by the University of Maine System.  In addition, The Center for Academic Innovation provides learning design consulting and faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs, courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every modality. 

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.  USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University. 

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement.  We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness. 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Physics
  • Previous teaching experience at the university or college level is preferred but not required. 

To apply, click on the 'Apply Now' button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:

  • Cover letter describing qualifications for the position.
  • Curriculum vitae or resume 
  • Finalist candidates will be asked for contact information for three professional references.

We will begin reviewing applications immediately.  These positions will remain open until filled. 

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate(s).

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. View the University's Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.

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