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Physics Professor Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Physics Professor information

See Merced, CA salary details

$75K

$116.1K

$132K

How much do physics professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics professor in Merced, CA is $116,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,100.00 and $130,900.00 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.
More about Physics Professor jobs

What job categories do people searching Physics Professor jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Physics Professor jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Physics Professor jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Physics Professor job openings:

Physics Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Professor job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,058 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Part-time Faculty Pool: Chemistry

Merced Community College

Merced, CA

$66.91 - $86.49/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Part-time Faculty Pool: Chemistry at Merced Community College Share on X Print Application Deadline 1/9/2027 11:59 PM Pacific Date Posted 7/13/2026 Contact Britney Ramirez (209) 381-6550 Number of Openings Not Specified Salary Pay Range 66.91 - 86.49 Per Hour Length of Work Year See Position Description Employment Type Part Time Job Description / Essential Elements: Print Part-time Faculty Pool: Chemistry Salary: $66.91 - $86.49 Hourly Job Type: Adjunct Faculty Job Number: 20260016 Closing: 6/30/2027 11:59 PM Pacific Location: Merced College, CA Department: Open pool for academic year 2026-2027Additional Compensation for Doctorate As you consider this opportunity, know that Merced College is more than a community college - we are a catalyst for transformation, redefining higher education and setting new standards for excellence. Serving nearly 20,000 students each year, we are proud to be a leading center of learning and opportunity in California's Central Valley.Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward-thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. Committed to the well-being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference

Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, the City of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team. Merced College Mission At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.Merced College Vision Enriching our community through educational experiences and support services: Degree/Certificate Programs Transfer Career Technical Education Workforce Training Lifelong Learning Basic Skills Community Engagement Merced College promotes student success through equitable access, continuous quality improvement, and institutional effectiveness, all with a focus on student achievement

General Description: This is a part-time instructional assignment under the general direction of the Dean of Science, Math and Engineering. The professor may teach all levels of chemistry including introductory chemistry, general chemistry, introductory organic and biochemistry. The maximum teaching load is 10 units per semester, which may include evening and weekend hours.

Examples of Duties Provide innovative and effective instruction in accordance with current pedagogy and established course outlines and expectations Inform students about course requirements, evaluation procedures and attendance policies and maintain regular and substantive contact with students Maintain and submit required student attendance and scholastic records on the Learning Management System (e.g. grades and syllabi) Utilize the Learning Management System to deliver, prepare, and grade class assignments and examinations Maintain and utilize effective skills in instructional design, applications, and methods Post and maintain regular office hours in accordance with prevailing policy Participate in the development and review of curriculum Participate in the development of teaching-learning methods and materials Participate in departmental, area, and campus professional activities/committees Represent the college within the Merced community and within professional circles Participate in the college's learning outcomes assessment program, including course, program, and institutional assessments to continually improve student learning outcomes Typical Qualifications Required: Master's degree in chemistry OR Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biochemistry AND a Master's degree in biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical physics, physics, molecular biology or geochemistry OR The equivalent Promote and incorporate culturally affirming DEIA and anti-racist principles to nurture and create a respectful, inclusive, and equitable learning and work environment. In conducting their duties, staff members shall respect and acknowledge the diversity of students and colleagues

Preferred: Teaching experience and/or coursework in Introductory and General Chemistry Familiarity with the use of computers in the chemistry curriculum Current technology skills related to teaching in the discipline and a willingness to pursue future technological developments Supplemental Information How to Apply: Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/mccd/promotionaljobs.Required Documentation: Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter) Resume List of three professional references (no reference letters permitted) Legible unofficial college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate); transcripts must include the degree major and date the institution granted the degree; official copies are not required unless applicant is hired. Diversity Statement: The Merced College District has a diverse staff and student population. As such, applicants must demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and the community at large

Please describe how your professional experience would contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please do not include any personally identifying information. Limit your response to one (1) page.

If applicable, foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation completed by an https://campusmccd-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/michelle_symes_mccd_edu/ES6MrhbAJChCjW82zlQwNskBEdl7CXHa-muI0IpaC7b8Zg?e=GQbt1r If applicable, Equivalency Review Form (Required for applicants who do not possess the stated minimum educational qualifications and are seeking consideration on the basis of equivalency) https://www.mccd.edu/about-merced-college/divisions/human-resources/equivalency/ Only the required documentation as listed above will be accepted for this recruitment. Any additional documentation will be removed from your application profile.Interview Information:Those applicants deemed highly qualified for the position will be invited to appear for oral interviews before a screening committee

A limited number of candidates will be invited to interviews. Interviews will be scheduled on site. Employee Benefits:Sick leave, faculty employed on a part-time hourly basis shall earn sick leave credit at the rate of one (1) hour for each twenty (20) hours of paid service.Condition of Employment: The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment

In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Individuals with disabilities may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application process. Please submit your request with your application to the Human Resources Office. Merced Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/7319822 Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc

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