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Physics Professor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

NCSU

Assistant Professor

Raleigh, NC

... Professor Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with education and experience ($95,000 - $102,000 ... Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Physics and Astronomy About ...

NCSU

Assistant Professor

Raleigh, NC

$50/hr

... Professor Anticipated Hiring Range $95,000 - $102,000 Work Schedule 40 hours a week, days will vary ... The department enrolls approximately 120 graduate students and 140 undergrad physics majors. The ...

UNC-Chapel Hill

Open Rank

Chapel Hill, NC

The position is open to candidates at a level from Assistant Professor up to Associate Professor with tenure. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in physics or equivalent, and have an excellent record of ...

Duke University

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Durham, NC

... Engineering, Data science, Physics, Mathematics, Bioinformatics etc; Candidates with ... Yi Zhang is an Assistant Professor at Duke University and computational biologist. Dr. Zhang ...

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All JobsPhysics Professor JobsPhysics Professor Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Physics Professor information

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$69K

$106.8K

$121.5K

How much do physics professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics professor in Raleigh, NC is $106,826.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,200.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are physics professors in demand?

Physics professors are in steady demand in higher education institutions, research organizations, and government labs, especially those with strong research backgrounds and advanced degrees. Employment opportunities depend on funding, institutional needs, and specialization areas, with competition often requiring a Ph.D. and research experience.

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.

How much does a physics professor get paid?

Physics professors' salaries vary based on experience, institution, and location, but the average annual salary in many regions ranges from $70,000 to over $150,000. Professors with tenure, research responsibilities, and advanced degrees typically earn higher salaries, and additional income may come from research grants and consulting.

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 highest paid physics job?

The highest paid physics jobs are typically in industry roles such as research scientists, data scientists, or engineering managers in technology, aerospace, or defense sectors, often requiring advanced degrees and specialized skills. Executive positions like chief technology officers or R&D directors in these fields can also command high salaries. These roles usually offer compensation significantly higher than academic positions like university professors.

Does NASA hire physicists?

Yes, NASA hires physicists for roles involving research, data analysis, and mission development related to space science and technology. Physicists working at NASA often hold advanced degrees and utilize skills in experimental and theoretical physics, often working in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams. Employment opportunities are available through federal hiring processes and require relevant qualifications and security clearances.
More about Physics Professor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Physics Professor jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Physics Professor jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Physics Professor jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Physics Professor jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Physics Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Professor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,826 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Assistant Professor

NCSU

Raleigh, NC

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 613 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194762EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Assistant Professor Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with education and experience ($95,000 - $102,000) Work Schedule University Core Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Physics and Astronomy About the Department
The Physics and Astronomy Department provides: (1) High quality Physics instruction to the University community through courses in introductory physics; (2) educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in physics through high quality curricula, faculty, and research facilities; (3) outreach programs that advance scientific knowledge. Our research programs cover a diverse spectrum including astrophysics, general relativity, condensed matter theory and experiment, computational physics, biophysics, nanoscale science, physics education, experimental nuclear physics, particle and nuclear theory, experimental optics, and experimental atomic and molecular physics. The department enrolls approximately 120 graduate students and 140 undergraduate physics majors. The department size is approximately 56 faculty members. While working in this department, you will be expected to foster a supportive and welcoming environment.
NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State's land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution's mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
North Carolina State University (NC State) is seeking a highly motivated and innovative individual for a tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor as part of the FRIB Experimental Bridge program. This unique position provides an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic researcher to thrive in a collaborative environment at the forefront of nuclear science.

In this role, your professional efforts will be split between the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University (MSU) and the local facilities at NC State and the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL), located in Durham, North Carolina. This dual appointment offers a distinctive platform for cutting-edge research, leveraging the capabilities and resources of both renowned institutions.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Conduct cutting-edge research at FRIB, using its state-of-the-art facilities to advance the frontiers of rare isotope science.
  • Lead an independent research program and engage in collaborative research at TUNL, where unique capabilities such as high-intensity particle beams, polarized photon beams, neutron beams, and advanced detection systems support a broad range of nuclear physics investigations.
  • Develop a robust, externally funded research program that integrates work at both FRIB and NC State/TUNL.
  • Teach undergraduate and graduate courses at NC State, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in education and mentorship.
If you thrive in collaborative research environments and are excited by the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers while building your own research program, we invite you to apply.
Other Responsibilities
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in, Nuclear Physics, or a closely related discipline, to be conferred on or before start date. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications
n/a

Preferred Qualifications
  • Postdoctoral experience highly desirable
  • Demonstrated record of research accomplishments in nuclear physics, evidenced by publications and presentations at leading conferences.
  • Experience and expertise in experimental nuclear physics, with an emphasis on rare isotope physics or related areas.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 07/22/2026 Anticipated Close Date 10/1/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants should submit the following documents as part of their application:
  1. Cover letter summarizing research interests and teaching philosophy.
  2. Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications.
  3. Research statement outlining past achievements and future plans.
  4. Teaching statement highlighting pedagogical approaches, student engagement, and mentoring.
  5. The candidate should also arrange to have three (3) letters of recommendation sent to physicsjobs@ncsu.edu.
Applications must be submitted electronically via the NCSU employment portal.
Contact Information:
For questions or further information about the position, please contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Richard Longland, at rllongla@ncsu.edu.
Join us at NCSU and contribute to an exciting future in nuclear science, benefiting from the collaborative research environment offered by FRIB and TUNL!
Position Details
Position Number 00112198 Position Type Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 9 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 170601 - Physics and Astronomy EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887

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