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Physics Professor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

... professor equivalent) position within its Intramural Research Program (IRP). The program is open to ... Biomedical Engineering/Biophysics/Physics * Cancer Biology * Cell Biology * Chemistry/Chemical ...

Academic The Department of Chemistry and Physics at Louisiana State University at Alexandria invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Chemistry. This is a 9 ...

Showing results 21-25

Physics Professor information

See Washington salary details

$80.4K

$124.5K

$141.6K

How much do physics professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics professor in Washington is $124,473.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,300.00 and $140,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

Are physics professors in demand?

Physics professors are in steady demand in academic institutions, research organizations, and government labs, especially those with expertise in emerging fields like quantum mechanics and renewable energy. Employment opportunities depend on research funding, academic tenure processes, and regional needs, with a strong emphasis on advanced degrees and research experience.

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 research record.

How much does a physics professor make?

Physics professors' salaries vary based on experience, institution type, and location, but typically range from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually. Professors with tenure, research responsibilities, and advanced degrees tend to earn higher salaries, often supplemented by research grants and consulting opportunities.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Physics Professor jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Physics Professor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Physics Professor jobs in WA?

For Physics Professor jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Physics Professor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,473 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

NIH Stadtman Investigator Program

Actox

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Evaluate applications based on research accomplishments, proposed research, and potential for success as an independent investigator.

  • Select applicants for interviews based on their application review and shortlist them for potential interview opportunities.

  • Notify applicants of their application status and potential for interview eligibility.


Job description

NIH Stadtman Investigator Program

Deadline: September 30, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is pleased to offer the annual Stadtman Investigator Program for researchers seeking a tenure-track (assistant professor equivalent) position within its Intramural Research Program (IRP). The program is open to applicants conducting research in any area of biomedical science supported by the NIH. Each year, 10 or more new investigators may be hired through the program. More information about the program can be found at https://irp.nih.gov/careers/trans-nih-scientific-recruitments/stadtman-tenure-track-investigators.

Who we are: The IRP is a research institution whose hallmarks are stable funding, intellectual freedom, shared resources, and access to a wide range of scientific expertise and the world’s largest hospital dedicated to clinical research. It is home for around 1,000 principal investigators, nearly 2,000 other clinical and research faculty members, and more than 4,000 trainees and fellows from the undergraduate to the postdoctoral level. IRP research is conducted in several campuses across the U.S. More information about the IRP is at https://irp.nih.gov.

Whom we seek: The program is intended for applicants interested in being a principal investigator of a research group advancing the knowledge of living systems and its application to enhance human health while mentoring the next generation of scientists. We seek creative thinkers eager to take on innovative high-impact research.

Qualications: Applicants must have a doctoral degree (M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent); have a robust record of research accomplishments as evidenced by high quality publications in peer-reviewed journals; and be a U.S. citizen, resident alien, or non-resident alien with, or eligible to obtain, a valid employment-authorization visa.

What to expect: Twenty-six different committees, listed below, composed of IRP faculty with scientific expertise in a wide range of fields will review the applications. In the application system, each applicant must choose at least one committee and may choose up to 2 committees that best match their research field.

  • Biochemistry/Proteomics/Metabolomics
  • Biomedical Engineering/Biophysics/Physics
  • Cancer Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry/Chemical Biology/Toxicology
  • Chromosome Biology/Epigenetics/Transcription
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Computational Biology/Bioinformatics/Biostatistics/Artificial Intelligence
  • Developmental Biology
  • Epidemiology/Population Sciences
  • Genetics/Genomics
  • Health Disparities
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology/Infectious diseases (non-viral)
  • Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Molecular Pharmacology/Cell Signaling
  • Neurodevelopment
  • RNA Biology
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Stem Cells/Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
  • Structural Biology
  • Synapses and Circuits
  • Systems Biology/Physiology
  • Translation from Pre-clinical to Clinical Research/Clinical Informatics
  • Virology

The review committees will evaluate the applications on research accomplishments as evidenced by published work in peer-reviewed journals, proposed research that addresses an important scientific or public health problem, and potential for success as an independent investigator leading a research group composed mostly of trainees from postbacs to postdocs.

Based on its evaluation, each review committee compiles a short list of the most highly rated applicants who merit further consideration for interviews (roughly 25% of reviewed applications). Being on the short list of one of these committees is sufficient to be a potential interview candidate. Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of January.

The invitation for an interview will come from one or more of the 23 NIH Institutes and Centers that participate in the IRP (https://irp.nih.gov/about-us/our-programs). Please note that making the short list of potential interview candidates does not guarantee an interview; however, shortlisted candidates are eligible to be interviewed for up to 2 years after their selection as potential interview candidates.

Questions: Questions can be directed to: stadtman@nih.gov.

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