Postsecondary Physics Teachers Career Profile

Picture this: You’re standing in front of an engaged classroom of undergraduate students, demonstrating how quantum mechanics shape our understanding of the universe. Through your guidance, complex theoretical concepts transform into tangible understanding as students grasp the fundamental laws that govern our physical world.

Think about the last time you wondered about the mysteries of the universe. Postsecondary physics teachers are the bridge between these complex concepts and the next generation of scientists, engineers, and critical thinkers. They combine deep subject expertise with the ability to inspire and educate.

These professionals not only teach but often conduct research, publish papers, and contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of physical phenomena.

Total employment: 17,700 (2023)

Common Names for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

• Adjunct Professor
• Assistant Professor
• Associate Professor
• Instructor
• Physical Science Professor
• Physics Instructor
• Physics Lecturer
• Physics Professor
• Professor
• Science Instructor

What Physics Teachers, Postsecondary Do 

Here’s a fundamental list of core responsibilities for postsecondary Physics teachers:

• Classroom Instruction: Plan and deliver engaging physics lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory sessions that effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to undergraduate and graduate students, ensuring comprehensive understanding of fundamental physics principles.
• Course Development: Design and update curriculum materials, syllabi, and learning objectives that align with department standards and current scientific developments, providing students with relevant and up-to-date physics education.
• Student Assessment: Evaluate student performance through exams, laboratory reports, and assignments, offering constructive feedback to help students master physics concepts and develop critical thinking skills.
• Research Leadership: Conduct and publish original research in physics, securing funding through grants and collaborating with colleagues, which advances scientific knowledge and enriches classroom instruction.
• Laboratory Supervision: Oversee physics laboratory facilities, ensure proper maintenance of equipment, and implement safety protocols to provide students with hands-on experimental experience while maintaining a safe learning environment.
• Student Mentoring: Provide academic guidance, career counseling, and research opportunities to students, helping them develop professional skills and prepare for careers in physics or related fields.
• Departmental Service: Participate in faculty meetings, serve on academic committees, and contribute to departmental initiatives that maintain program quality and institutional effectiveness.