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Physics Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Assistant Professor ( Physics) Agency Prairie View A&M University Department Physics Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Prairie View, Texas Job Type Faculty The Department of ...

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Physics Professor information

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$71K

$109.9K

$125K

How much do physics professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics professor in the United States is $109,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid job in physics?

The highest paid jobs in physics are often in industry roles such as research scientists, physicists in aerospace or defense companies, and senior technical consultants, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience in areas like applied physics, engineering, or data analysis.

What is the difference between Physics Professor vs Physics Lecturer?

AspectPhysics ProfessorPhysics Lecturer
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D.) in Physics or related fieldMaster's or Doctorate, depending on institution
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutions, academiaUniversities, colleges, sometimes high schools
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily higher education institutionsHigher education, sometimes vocational or community colleges
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for academic roles and career pathsCompared for teaching positions at various educational levels

The main difference between a Physics Professor and a Physics Lecturer lies in their academic credentials, responsibilities, and career paths. Physics Professors typically hold a Ph.D., engage in research, and have tenure, while Physics Lecturers may have a master's or doctorate and focus primarily on teaching. Both roles are vital in academia but differ in scope and expectations.

Is there a demand for physics professors?

Physics professors are in steady demand at universities and research institutions, especially those with expertise in specialized fields like quantum mechanics or astrophysics. Employment opportunities depend on factors such as academic qualifications, research experience, and the availability of funding for higher education. The job market can vary regionally and is influenced by higher education enrollment trends and government research budgets.

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

To thrive as a Physics Professor, you need deep subject expertise in physics, a relevant doctoral degree, and experience in academic research and teaching. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as MATLAB or Python), and learning management systems is typically required. Strong communication, mentorship, and critical thinking skills set outstanding professors apart in engaging and inspiring students. These combined abilities ensure effective teaching, meaningful research contributions, and the development of future scientists.

What can you do with a PhD in physics?

A physics professor with a PhD can work in academia as a faculty member, conducting research and teaching students. They can also find roles in research institutions, government labs, or industry positions such as data analyst, technical consultant, or science communicator, often requiring strong analytical and technical skills. Postdoctoral experience and publishing research are common steps to advance in these careers.

What Does a Physics Professor Do?

A physics professor offers instruction in physical science at a community college, four-year college, or university. As a professor, you can teach both undergraduate and graduate-level courses, depending on your qualifications. An associate professor (adjunct professor) works on a contract basis, while a faculty member with tenure has a career position at the university. Your duties in all physics teaching jobs include planning a syllabus for each class. You lecture, use exams to assess students’ knowledge, and oversee hands-on courses in a lab. At a university, your responsibilities include performing research and writing academic articles.

What does a Physics Professor do?

A Physics Professor is an academic professional who teaches physics courses at a college or university level. They design and deliver lectures, guide laboratory sessions, and assess students' understanding of various physics concepts. In addition to teaching, Physics Professors often conduct original research in their field, publish scholarly articles, and mentor students in their academic and research pursuits. They may also serve on academic committees and contribute to curriculum development within their department.

How much does a physics professor get paid?

Physics professors' salaries vary based on experience, education, and institution type, but typically range from $60,000 to over $150,000 annually. Salaries tend to be higher at research universities and for those with tenure, advanced research skills, and published work.

What are some common challenges Physics Professors face when balancing teaching and research responsibilities?

Physics Professors often juggle multiple priorities, including preparing lectures, grading, mentoring students, conducting research, and publishing findings. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, especially during peak periods like exam seasons or grant deadlines. Effective time management and clear communication with colleagues and students are essential to maintain productivity and job satisfaction. Many institutions provide support such as teaching assistants or research staff to help manage workloads, but developing a strategic approach to scheduling and prioritizing is key.
What cities are hiring for Physics Professor jobs? Cities with the most Physics Professor job openings:
What states have the most Physics Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Physics Professor jobs include:
Physics Professor-Tenure Track

Physics Professor-Tenure Track

Imperial Valley College

Imperial, CA • On-site

$74K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Physics Professor-Tenure Track at Imperial Valley College Share on X Print Application Deadline 12/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Date Posted 12/12/2025 Contact Human Resources 760-355-6212 Number of Openings Not Specified Salary Pay Range 74,726.00 - 162,967.00 Annually Length of Work Year See Position Description Employment Type Full Time Job Description / Essential Elements: Print Physics Professor-Tenure Track Salary: $74,726.00 - $162,967.00 Annually Job Type: Full-Time Faculty (Tenure Track) Job Number: 26-044 Closing: Continuous Location: Imperial, CA Division: Math & Sciences Representative Duties THE POSITION Full time faculty, 177 days, tenure track as a community college Physics Professor. The teaching assignment will include regular assignment to physics courses, traditional classroom environment, and/or online, primarily at the main campus in Imperial. The college also offers courses in dual enrollment at local high schools and at local correctional facilities

Duties and Responsibilities * Teach courses in physics. * Demonstrate versatility in instructional methodology and technology and the ability to serve diverse student populations * Plan, develop, and implement course curricula including curricula to be delivered via distance learning. * Update course materials and course outlines of record.

* Develop, maintain, and assess student learning outcomes. * Maintain a current syllabus and provide current course orientation materials for each assigned course. * Keep current and accurate records of student enrollment, attendance, and scholastic progress.

* Post and maintain scheduled office hours. * Attend and actively contribute to meetings or activities pertinent to faculty responsibilities or assignments including but not limited to department meetings, advisory committee meetings, and academic senate. * Participate in recruiting and articulation activities with local schools, other community colleges, and four-year colleges.

* Use media aids, the library, and other resources as appropriate. * Maintain currency in subject matter and developments in the field. * Communicate with students and staff in a professional manner.

* Be familiar with and observe the Faculty Association Collective Bargaining Agreement and applicable IVC Board Policies and Administrative Procedures. * Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students. Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Master's in physics, astronomy or astrophysics OR Bachelor's in physics or astronomy AND Master's in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics OR the equivalent An applicant may qualify for this position by having education and experience equivalent to the listed degrees.

To be considered for equivalency, the candidate must submit college transcripts and a complete description of work experience with his/her application. EQUIVALENCY: If you do not meet the minimum qualifications requirements, you must fill out the equivalency form and submit with your application packet. Failure to do so, may result in a disqualification of your application.

It is the applicants' responsibility to submit the completed equivalency form. https://cdn.imperial.edu/ivc/files/HR/Questionnaire_For_Equivalence_2015.pdf https://get.adobe.com/reader/ IMPORTANT: To be considered for the position applying for, applicants must submit the required items by the deadline, which include: online IVC application, current resume, and ALL unofficial transcripts(transcripts must show degree was awarded or conferred with a completion date). All attachments will be uploaded into the online application

Applications which do not include all of the required materials will not be forwarded to the screening committee for consideration. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings.FOREIGN TRANSCRIPTS: Candidates who are applying for faculty and/or academic administrator positions and are submitting foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation from a NACES member organization

Please attach the documents to your online application. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS * Demonstrated excellence in teaching physicsand other related areas. * Be or become certified to develop and teach courses online using Canvas.

* Demonstrated excellence in teaching online classes. * Experience in developing new courses and laboratory applications. * Experience with or interest in teaching using distance learning instructional technologies.

* Commitment to maintain currency in the discipline, including use of advanced technology required in the discipline. * Ability and willingness to work effectively with community support groups, college committees, and other campus organizations and to be involved in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. * An understanding of the advantages and challenges for developing a quality program in geography at a rural community college.

* Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with others in a team environment. * Enthusiasm for working with students having a wide range of skills, motivation, and academic or occupational goals. * Ability to deliver instruction using strategies designed for diverse learning styles.

* Demonstrated ability to design goals and assess learning outcomes. Supplemental Information Initial salary placement is depending upon education and experience, not to exceed step 6 of the column placement. Please click https://www.imperial.edu/docs/human-resources/salary-schedules/current-salary-schedules/8523-current-ft-faculty-salary-schedules/filehttps://www.imperial.edu/faculty-and-staff/human-resources/_docs-images/2025-2026%20FT%20Faculty%20Salary%20Schedules.pdf https://get.adobe.com/reader/ to view the 177-day salary schedule

IMPORTANT:First Review of Applications:Complete application packets will be accepted until the position is filled; but those received by February 12, 2026,are assured consideration. The College reserves the right to extend time limits or reinitiate the recruitment/selection process at any point. A standard application consists of the following: Online District Application Cover Letter Professional Resume All Academic Transcripts showing the date degree was awarded/conferred.

NOTE: Please note that no additional attachments or information beyond the required documents noted above will be considered as part of the application. We kindly request that you adhere to the specified requirements outlined in the application guidelines. For Additional inquiries please contact:Gina SnowHR RecruiterPhone: 760-355-6210Email: mailto:gina.snow@imperial.edu EEO Information Imperial Community College District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate any applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status

This prohibition against unlawful discrimination extends to any person who is perceived to have any of the above characteristics or who is associated with someone who has, or who is perceived to have, any of those characteristics. To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6785520 The Imperial Community College District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and will implement a comprehensive program to put those principles into practice. It is the District's policy to ensure that all qualified applicants for employment and employees have full and equal access to employment opportunity, and are not subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the District on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender identity, physical disability, mental disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, language, accent, citizenship status, transgender status, parental status, marital status, economic status, veteran status, medical condition, ancestry, political or organizational affiliation, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics

The District will strive to achieve a workforce that is welcoming to men, women, persons with disabilities and individuals from all ethnic and other groups to ensure the District provides an inclusive educational and employment environment. Such an environment fosters cooperation, acceptance, democracy and free expression of ideas. Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc

All rights reserved. https://www.jobelephant.com/ Requirements / Qualifications For more information on Requirements/Qualifications, please contact the employer. Comments and Other Information For more information on Comments and Other Information, please contact the employer

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