Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Physics Instructor
💰 $55,000 - $95,000
EducationScienceTeachingAcademiaSTEM
🎯 Role Definition
As a Physics Instructor, you will be a cornerstone of our science department, responsible for teaching a range of undergraduate physics courses, from introductory mechanics to advanced quantum theory. You will craft engaging curricula, manage instructional laboratories, and provide dedicated mentorship to our students. This position is ideal for an educator who is committed to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and fostering a deep appreciation for the physical world.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Graduate Teaching Assistant
- High School AP Physics Teacher
- Adjunct Professor
Advancement To:
- Senior Instructor/Lecturer
- Assistant/Associate Professor (if on a tenure track)
- Department Chair
- Curriculum Director
Lateral Moves:
- Science Curriculum Developer
- Educational Technology Specialist
- STEM Outreach Coordinator
- Scientific Writer/Editor
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Design, develop, and deliver comprehensive and engaging lectures, recitations, and laboratory sessions for a variety of undergraduate physics courses.
- Create and maintain up-to-date course syllabi, learning objectives, and instructional materials in alignment with departmental and institutional standards.
- Develop, administer, and grade a diverse range of student assessments, including homework assignments, quizzes, laboratory reports, mid-term examinations, and final projects.
- Provide timely, constructive, and substantive feedback on student work to foster academic growth and conceptual understanding.
- Hold regular, scheduled office hours to offer individualized academic support, answer student questions, and provide mentorship on course material.
- Manage and supervise instructional physics laboratories, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed and equipment is properly maintained and calibrated.
- Guide students in the proper use of scientific equipment, data collection techniques, and the principles of experimental analysis and error reporting.
- Integrate modern pedagogical approaches, educational technology, and computational tools (like Python or MATLAB) to enhance the learning experience.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of student attendance, performance, and grades using the designated Learning Management System (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle).
- Actively participate in departmental meetings, contributing to discussions on curriculum development, academic policy, and strategic planning.
- Collaborate with faculty colleagues on course sequencing, program assessment, and the continuous improvement of the physics curriculum.
- Serve as an academic advisor to a cohort of students, guiding them on course selection, degree progress, and career or graduate school opportunities.
- Stay current with advancements in the field of physics and in physics education research to ensure course content is relevant and teaching methods are effective.
- Contribute to the academic life of the institution by serving on departmental, college-level, or university-wide committees.
- Develop and implement innovative teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and promote an inclusive classroom environment.
- Supervise and mentor undergraduate research projects or independent study initiatives, providing guidance on research methodology and scientific communication.
- Participate in student recruitment and outreach events, representing the physics department to prospective students and their families.
- Prepare and submit required institutional reports, such as final grade rosters, student learning outcome assessments, and annual activity reports.
- Revise and update course materials, including textbooks, lab manuals, and online resources, on a regular basis.
- Foster a classroom atmosphere that encourages critical thinking, scientific curiosity, and respectful intellectual discourse.
- Coordinate with other instructors and lab technicians to ensure seamless delivery of multi-section courses and shared lab resources.
- Respond to student inquiries via email and other communication platforms in a professional and timely manner.
Secondary Functions
- Assist in the maintenance and inventory of departmental demonstration and laboratory apparatus.
- Participate in professional development workshops and conferences related to teaching and physics.
- Contribute to departmental accreditation and program review documentation and processes.
- Engage in STEM outreach activities with local schools and the community to promote science literacy.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Expert-level knowledge in core areas of physics (Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, and Optics).
- Proficiency in designing and conducting physics laboratory experiments.
- Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle.
- Familiarity with computational physics tools and programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Mathematica).
- Strong understanding of laboratory safety procedures and equipment management.
- Ability to develop and implement effective student assessment tools and rubrics.
- Knowledge of curriculum design and student learning outcome (SLO) assessment.
- Experience with data acquisition systems (e.g., Vernier, Pasco) and analysis software.
- Competency with online teaching platforms and digital collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
- Knowledge of modern physics education research (PER) and evidence-based teaching practices.
- Ability to operate and troubleshoot common physics laboratory equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, spectrometers).
Soft Skills
- Exceptional verbal and written communication and public speaking skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills for effective interaction with students, faculty, and staff.
- Patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to mentor and support students.
- Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
- Adaptability to different teaching modalities (in-person, hybrid, online).
- Creative problem-solving skills for explaining complex topics.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment.
- Classroom management and conflict resolution skills.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
Master of Science (M.S.) in Physics or a closely related field.
Preferred Education:
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics, Astrophysics, Engineering Physics, or a related discipline.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Physics
- Applied Physics
- Astrophysics
- Engineering Physics
- Physics Education
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
2-5 years of demonstrated teaching experience at the secondary or post-secondary level, which may include experience as a teaching assistant during graduate studies.
Preferred:
Prior experience as the instructor of record for college-level physics courses, experience in curriculum development, and a demonstrated use of active learning or other evidence-based instructional strategies.