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Physics Professor Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Physics Professor information

See Oregon salary details

$75.1K

$116.2K

$132.2K

How much do physics professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics professor in Oregon is $116,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,200.00 and $131,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are physics professors in demand?

Physics professors are in steady demand in academic institutions, research organizations, and government labs, especially those with advanced degrees and research experience. Employment opportunities depend on funding, institutional needs, and specialization areas, with competition often high for tenure-track positions.

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.

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 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.

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.

Do you need a PhD to be a physics professor?

Typically, a PhD in physics or a related field is required to become a university physics professor, as it demonstrates expertise and research experience. Some colleges may hire instructors with a master's degree for teaching-focused roles, but tenure-track positions usually demand a doctoral degree and a strong publication record.

How much does a physics professor make?

Physics professors' salaries vary based on experience, education, and institution type, but the average annual salary in many regions ranges from $70,000 to $150,000. Senior faculty or those at research universities may earn higher, especially with additional research funding or administrative roles.
What are popular job titles related to Physics Professor jobs in OR? For Physics Professor jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Physics Professor job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,196 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Biology/Institute of Neuroscience

University of Oregon

Eugene, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


University Of Oregon rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

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384th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Assistant Professor of Biology/Institute of Neuroscience
Job no: 535561
Work type: Faculty - Tenure Track
Location: Eugene, OR
Categories: Biology/Life Sciences, Research/Scientific/Grants, Instruction, Neuroscience
Department:Arts & Sciences, College of
Department: Department of Biology
Rank: Assistant Professor
Annual Basis: 9 Month
Application Deadline
October 15, 2025; open until filled
Required Application Materials
Applications can be submitted to academic Jobs online via this link https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30255.
The search Committee will begin to review applications starting October 15th. The search will remain open until the position is filled. Questions about the application process may be directed to Faculty Support Specialist, Judi McDonald, at judimac@uoregon.edu.
• Cover letter (1 page) that summarizes research experience and goals, preparation to serve and bolster the excellence of students from a wide range of backgrounds, and the interest in the developmental neuroscience position at the Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Biology, University of Oregon.
• Curriculum Vitae outlining professional qualifications including but not limited to: Education, Employment, Publications, Funding, and efforts related to Equity, Inclusion, and Outreach relevant to curriculum and pedagogy, research or creative work, and service or practice related to this position.
• Research statement that discusses: (i) the impact of previous research, (ii) future research goals (including plans for obtaining funding), and (iii) how the proposed research program complements and enhances the research mission of the Institute of Neuroscience, the Department of Biology, and the University of Oregon (up to 3 pages).
• Teaching statement that describes inclusive practices related to: (i) goals towards higher educational instruction to meet the needs of a diverse student body, (ii) previous instructional experience including but not limited to experience in the classroom and/or with mentoring and training, and (iii) any previous efforts to increase inclusivity and/or science outreach activities (up to 1 page).
• Three letters of references.
Position Announcement
The University of Oregon invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor with a focus on Developmental Neuroscience. The position is based at the University of Oregon's main campus in Eugene, Oregon, and is associated with the Institute of Neuroscience and the Department of Biology. A successful candidate will display a strong record of research accomplishments in the area of Developmental Neuroscience with the expectation that they will build a strong, externally-funded research program. The specific area of focus within developmental neuroscience is open, though very strong preference will be given to research programs focusing on fundamental mechanisms of neural circuit wiring, circuit maturation, and behavior that intersect with genetics, neural activity, and environmental influences using animal model systems. Critically, a successful candidate's expertise should synergize and advance the research programs of the institute, department, and university. Additionally, the candidate must show a strong commitment to the educational mission of a public university with the expectation that they will contribute to the neuroscience and biology curricula. The candidate will be committed to the university mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion with the expectation of fostering a healthy and respectful community across the range of research, teaching, and administrative duties. The applicant should currently be in a position equivalent to an assistant professor or postdoctoral fellow.
Department or Program Summary
The Institute of Neuroscience includes ~30 faculty spanning the departments of Biology, Psychology, Human Physiology, Mathematics, Physics, and Bioengineering. Research topics span molecular, developmental, systems, neuroethological, neuroengineering, and theoretical neuroscience. The Institute is the birthplace of zebrafish as a model system, and groups investigate questions using invertebrates, vertebrates, and humans. The Department of Biology consists of ~50 research and teaching faculty. Research faculty are affiliated with one of four institutes, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Ecology and Evolution, or Marine Biology. Faculty members also participate extensively in related centers of excellence including the Center for Translational Neuroscience, Center for Computational Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence, META Center for Host-Microbe Systems Biology, the Center for Genome Function, and the Materials Science Institute. The Department's educational mission focuses on undergraduate and graduate coursework, laboratory work, mentorship, and training. The University of Oregon (UO) is an R1 institution, a member of the Association of American Universities and enrolls ~20,000 undergraduate and ~4,000 graduate students. The UO recently joined the Big Ten Academic Alliance bringing together research and academic institutions sharing a common mission of research and teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. The 295-acre main UO campus features state-of-the-art facilities in an arboretum-like setting, with satellite campuses in Portland and on the coast in Charleston, Oregon. The University supports its educational mission through modern libraries, teaching, laboratory classrooms, field research opportunities, and extensive undergraduate and graduate mentored training. UO supports its research mission through generous research space and state-of-the-art Core Facilities including the Genomics and Cell Characterization Core Facility, the Imaging Microscopy Core, the Center for Advanced Materials Characterization, the Research Advanced Computing Services, and terrestrial and aquatic animal cores. Clinical opportunities are supported via collaborations with Oregon Health Sciences University.
Minimum Requirements
• PhD in a relevant field
• Outstanding record of research accomplishments
• Evidence of a strong basis for building an externally-funded research program in developmental neuroscience.
Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated experience in post-doctoral research in the area of developmental neuroscience, in teaching and mentoring, and in inclusive professional practices and outreach.
About the University
The University of Oregon (UO) is an R1 institution, a member of the Association of American Universities and enrolls ~20,000 undergraduate and ~4,000 graduate students. The UO recently joined the Big Ten Academic Alliance bringing together research and academic institutions sharing a common mission of research and teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. The 295-acre main UO campus features state-of-the-art facilities in an arboretum-like setting, with satellite campuses in Portland and on the coast in Charleston, Oregon. The University supports its educational mission through modern libraries, teaching, laboratory classrooms, field research opportunities, and extensive undergraduate and graduate mentored training. UO supports its research mission through generous research space and state-of-the-art Core Facilities including the Genomics and Cell Characterization Core Facility, the Imaging Microscopy Core, the Center for Advanced Materials Characterization, the Research Advanced Computing Services, and terrestrial and aquatic animal cores. Clinical opportunities are supported via collaborations with Oregon Health Sciences University.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.
Advertised: 11 Aug 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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