Although a physics professor’s primary responsibility is to teach college students about physics, there are many other aspects to her job. She can, for example, teach students about more advanced physics topics or disciplines, such as astrophysics, biophysics, optical physics, or theoretical physics, to name a few. She may only work in the physics department or teach students other subjects such as chemistry, biology, or even music, depending on the size of the university.
A physics professor may or may not teach his or her students at all. She could be working solely on research in those cases. Professors are encouraged to complete research projects by colleges and universities because it is a significant source of revenue for the university. Grants and fellowships are available worldwide from both public and private sources. Indeed, a physics professor may accept a position at a different university in a different country if she is interested in a research project there.
A physics professor will, in many cases, work to publish her research findings in a related journal. One way for the professor to gain recognition and credit for her work is to have it published. Furthermore, the university where the physics professor works usually enjoys the publicity. A ground-breaking research finding could attract the best students and professors from all over the world.
A lecturer could be a physics professor. She may travel to local and international universities to teach students and other professors about various findings, concepts, and theories. Many universities have a physics events calendar, and professors who serve as lecturers are frequently listed on these calendars.
Various science societies have some physics professors as members. Because they are usually elected positions, such memberships are quite honorable. The National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Royal Irish Academy, for example, are all prestigious societies in which a physics professor could be elected.
Many physics professors strive to be recognized for their work by winning prizes or awards. The Nobel Prize for Physics, one of the most well-known awards, is also one of the most coveted. Professors are also recognized for their outstanding achievements through other, less well-known prizes or awards, as the Nobel Prize is extremely difficult to obtain.
A doctorate in physics is required to become a professor of physics. Many professors work as teaching assistants while in graduate school. They may work in established professors’ laboratories or even teach college students in student labs or small groups.