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Physics Professor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Physics Professor information

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$69K

$106.8K

$121.5K

How much do physics professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 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.

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.
Infographic showing various Physics Professor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,826 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Assistant Professor in Computational Cosmology or High Energy Theory

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


University System Of New Hampshire rating

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Job description

Summary
Operating Title Assistant Professor in Computational Cosmology or High Energy Theory Long Classification Title Campus Location Durham Department UNH CEPS Physics Summary of Position
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Computational Cosmology or Theoretical High Energy physics, broadly defined, at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in Fall 2024. This faculty member will join an active group in theoretical high energy physics and complement the existing strengths in particle physics, astroparticle physics, cosmology, nuclear astrophysics, and quantum gravity. We seek candidates who can establish and maintain a highly productive research program that includes both undergraduate and graduate students, and who will successfully obtain external funding. In addition, the successful candidate will show a strong commitment to teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels (approx. two total classes per year), and contribute to department, college, university and professional service activities. All areas of high energy physics and cosmology theory will be considered, but preference will be given to candidates whose research is in the area of computational cosmology, particle theory, or quantum gravity. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field.
Additional Job Information
Applications should include:
1) A Cover Letter that describes your interest and qualifications for the position.
2) A Curriculum Vitae, including publication list.
3) A Research Statement that describes your research accomplishments and future plans.
4) A Teaching Statement that describes your teaching experience, your teaching philosophy, and future interests.
5) A Diversity Statement that describes how your commitments, past activities, and future plans will advance UNH's stated commitment to building and nurturing an inclusive environment. This statement can address activities which include research, teaching, service, etc.
References will be contacted at the time of application and asked to provide confidential letters of recommendation.
Inquiries about the position should be directed to Prof. Dave Mattingly at david.mattingly@unh.edu. Review of applications will begin on January 25, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.
Posting Number PF0813FY24 Acceptable Minimum Qualifications
Candidates for this position must have the ability and desire to participate in graduate and undergraduate education and to lead a major, independent research effort in the area of theoretical high energy physics or computational cosmology. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field. The candidate should demonstrate an ability to lead in an increasingly diverse cultural, social and ethnic community.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
Post Doctoral experience preferred
Salary Information
Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off.
Quick Link to Posting https://usnh-sb.peopleadmin.com/postings/58037 Percent Time Information (FTE) 100 Faculty Information Tenure-Track If Renewable or Number of years, please specify Type of Position Faculty
Posting Details
Posting Date 01/11/2024 Open Until Filled Yes Closing Date Interested Internal Candidates Exist? Yes Appointment Type Tenure-Track If TERM position with benefits, indicate projected end date Departmental Information This position is responsible for the supervision of Students Special Requirements A background check will be required as a condition of employment. EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Special Instructions to Applicants Institution Information
The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire's lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.
The UNH Diversity Resource Guide with information and programming available in the seacoast area, New Hampshire, and the region can be found here: https://www.unh.edu/hr/diversity-resource-guide

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