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Physics Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Carleton

Assistant Professor of Physics

Northfield, MN · On-site

$87.48 - $93.29/hr

R-01570Carleton College invites applications for a tenure-track position in experimental physics (Assistant Professor of Physics) that would normally begin September 1, 2027. Applications received by ...

Hartnell College

Physics Part-Time Professor

Salinas, CA · On-site

$60.19 - $71.29/hr

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Opening Date: 06/07/2024 Description PHYSICS PART-TIME PROFESSOR Hartnell College is currently accepting applications to establish a pool for future ...

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$71K

$109.9K

$125K

How much do physics professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics professor in the United States is $109,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $124,000.00 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.
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Physics Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Professor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,900 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Assistant or Associate Professor of Clinical Medical Physics

University of Maryland

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$180 - $333/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

University Of Maryland, Baltimore rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

264th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Description - Assistant or Associate Professor of Clinical Medical Physics (260000X0)

Job Description

Assistant or Associate Professor of Clinical Medical Physics - ( 260000X0 )

Assistant or Associate Professor of Clinical Medical Physics: The Department of Radiation Oncology, at the University of Maryland School of Medicine is recruiting for a faculty Medical Physicist at the Assistant / Associate Professor, non-tenure track level at our Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) location in Baltimore, MD. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in medical physics, engineering, or related physical science and ABR board certification/eligibility in radiation oncology physics. Expected rank for this position will be Assistant Professor or higher; however, final rank and tenure status will be commensurate with selected candidate’s experience.

The successful candidate will join our existing team of dedicated Medical Physics faculty at the MPTC and will be responsible for clinical duties such as quality assurance, machine maintenance and calibration, patient treatment planning and treatment support, as well as technology and workflow optimization and implementation. In addition, the faculty member will be expected to support our special procedures which include (i) motion managed intensity modulated proton therapy; and (ii) robust stereotactic body radiation therapy. Active participation is also expected in teaching of residents and trainees. The incumbent is also expected to actively engage in clinical innovation and translation. We have a comprehensive research program that encompasses various areas such as proton and electron FLASH radiation therapy, prompt gamma imaging, proton arc therapy, dual-energy CT planning, LET-based planning, advanced motion management, AI and Radiomics applications, small animal image-guided proton therapy on the beamline SARRP platform, and MRI-guided IMPT. Candidates with significant interest and track record of extramural funding in one or more of these areas will be given dedicated and shared resources upon mutual agreement.

The MPTC includes a Varian 5-room Probeam facility with pencil beam scanning, 1 dual-energy Siemens CT simulator, and 1 Siemens MRI scanner (1.5T) and a dedicated beamline for small animal image-guided radiotherapy platform for preclinical research, including proton FLASH RT studies, and treatment planning systems from RaySearch Laboratories.

The Medical Physics team is led by Dr. Amit Sawant, Vice Chair for Medical Physics, and has 31 medical physics faculty, 25 dosimetrists, 3 physics residents, and 7 information systems and technology staff. All practice sites are connected via a state-of-the-art telemedicine network facilitating interactions between faculty and staff. Medical physics research space is co-located with our precision radiotherapy and radiobiology research to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and team science.

Expected Salary Range: $180,000 to $333,013. The referenced salary range reflects base pay, which is based on faculty rank and years in rank. This salary range does not include all components of the Radiation Oncology faculty compensation program or pay from participation in Radiation Oncology variable compensation programs. Therefore, the actual compensation paid to the selected candidate may vary from the salary range stated herein. For more information, please contact the hiring department.

The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.

UMB offers a comprehensivebenefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. This position offers a retirement program that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Faculty receive a generous leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, paid holidays, personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school.

UMB is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please submit an online request or contact HRDiversity@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. We value diversity and how it enriches our academic and scientific community and strive toward cultivating an inclusive environment that supports all employees.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in medical physics, engineering, or related physical science and ABR board certification/eligibility in radiation oncology physics.

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Faculty

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School of Medicine - Clinical Departments

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