EducationISCO 2310
Physics lecturer
A physics lecturer is a person who teaches physics at a university, to students who have completed secondary education, in a field that is predominantly academic in character. The lecturer works with research assistants and teaching assistants to prepare the lectures and the examinations, to run the laboratory practicals, to grade papers and examinations, and to lead the regular review and feedback sessions, and also conducts research in physics, publishes the findings and works with colleagues at the institution.
Check yourself in a minute: physics lecturer
Rate 5 of the 27 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
interact professionally in research and professional environments
prepare lesson content
monitor developments in field of expertise
teach physics
compile course material
About physics lecturer
Two things make teaching physics distinctive. The first is mathematics: the lecturer communicates mathematical information. The second is the laboratory: the lecturer works from laboratory techniques and runs the practicals, where students compare measured results with the theory.
Teaching covers a wide range of tasks. The lecturer teaches physics, teaches in an academic and vocational context, prepares the lesson plans, develops the course curricula, and synthesises information. Course outlines are researched and drawn up, with the instruction objectives set in line with the school regulations and the curriculum.
Research and teaching are one occupation. The lecturer follows developments in the specialist field and publishes, and research findings can feed into teaching at the advanced levels.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (27)
physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.mathematical physicsmathematical physicsThe interdisciplinary field between mathematics and physics that deals with the mathematical foundations of theoretical physics. It addresses issues in quantum mechanics and atomic and molecular physi...laboratory techniqueslaboratory techniquesTechniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.curriculum objectivescurriculum objectivesThe goals identified in curricula and defined learning outcomes.interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.prepare lesson contentprepare lesson contentPrepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.monitor developments in field of expertisemonitor developments in field of expertiseKeep up with new research, regulations, and other significant changes, labour market related or otherwise, occurring within the field of specialisation.teach physicsteach physicsInstruct students in the theory and practice of physics, and more specifically in topics such as the characteristics of matter, creating energy, and aerodynamics.compile course materialcompile course materialWrite, select or recommend a syllabus of learning material for the students enrolled in the course.liaise with educational support staffliaise with educational support staffCommunicate with education management, such as the school principal and board members, and with the education support team such as the teaching assistant, school counsellor or academic advisor on issu...teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.apply teaching strategiesapply teaching strategiesEmploy various approaches, learning styles, and channels to instruct students, such as communicating content in terms they can understand, organising talking points for clarity, and repeating argument...assess studentsassess studentsEvaluate the students' (academic) progress, achievements, course knowledge and skills through assignments, tests, and examinations. Diagnose their needs and track their progress, strengths, and weakne...write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.communicate mathematical informationcommunicate mathematical informationUse mathematical symbols, language and tools to present information, ideas and processes.mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...demonstrate when teachingdemonstrate when teachingPresent to others examples of your experience, skills, and competences that are appropriate to specific learning content to help students in their learning.apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.give constructive feedbackgive constructive feedbackProvide founded feedback through both criticism and praise in a respectful, clear, and consistent manner. Highlight achievements as well as mistakes and set up methods of formative assessment to evalu...perform classroom managementperform classroom managementMaintain discipline and engage students during instruction.apply intercultural teaching strategiesapply intercultural teaching strategiesEnsure that the content, methods, materials and the general learning experience is inclusive for all students and takes into account the expectations and experiences of learners from diverse cultural ...liaise with educational staffliaise with educational staffCommunicate with the school staff such as teachers, teaching assistants, academic advisors, and the principal on issues relating to students' well-being. In the context of a university, liaise with th...develop course outlinedevelop course outlineResearch and establish an outline of the course to be taught and calculate a time frame for the instructional plan in accordance with school regulations and curriculum objectives.synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...
Optional (61) — show
acousticsacousticsThe study of sound, its reflection, amplification and absorption in a space.assessment processesassessment processesVarious evaluation techniques, theories, and tools applicable in the assessment of students, participants in a programme, and employees. Different assessment strategies such as initial, formative, sum...funding methodsfunding methodsThe financial possibilities for funding projects such as the traditional ones, namely loans, venture capital, public or private grants up to alternative methods such as crowdfunding.mathematicsmathematicsMathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to pr...learning difficultieslearning difficultiesThe learning disorders some students face in an academic context, especially Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and concentration deficit disorders.statisticsstatisticsThe study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of ...geophysicsgeophysicsThe scientific field that deals with the physical processes and properties of, and spatial environment surrounding Earth. Geophysics also deals with the quantitative analysis of phenomena such as magn...thermodynamicsthermodynamicsThe branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy.computational physicscomputational physicsThe interdisciplinary field between physics, applied mathematics and computer science. It refers to the use of physics formulas and numerical algorithms to make computations at a large scale.quantum technologyquantum technologyThe technology that works through principles of quantum mechanics such as quantum entanglement and quantum superposition.university proceduresuniversity proceduresThe inner workings of a university, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.laboratory-based scienceslaboratory-based sciencesLaboratory based sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, integrated science or advanced laboratory science.quantum computingquantum computingThe branch of computer science that follows the principles of quantum theory. It uses subatomic particles which are allowed to exist under more than one state thanks to quantum bits, or qubits.scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.astronomyastronomyThe field of science that studies the physics, chemistry, and evolution of celestial objects such as stars, comets, and moons. It also examines phenomena that happen outside Earth's atmosphere such as...draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...assist in the organisation of school eventsassist in the organisation of school eventsProvide assistance in the planning and organisation of school events, such as the school's open house day, a sports game or a talent show.perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.supervise educational staffsupervise educational staffMonitor and evaluate the actions of the educational staff such as teaching or research assistants and teachers and their methods. Mentor, train, and give advice to them if necessary.serve on academic committeeserve on academic committeeContribute to university or college managerial decisions, such as budgetary issues, school policy reviews and recommendations, department promotions, and hiring of new staff members. This may also inc...facilitate teamwork between studentsfacilitate teamwork between studentsEncourage students to cooperate with others in their learning by working in teams, for example through group activities.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.establish collaborative relationsestablish collaborative relationsEstablish a connection between organisations or individuals which may benefit from communicating with one another in order to facilitate an enduring positive collaborative relationship between both pa...evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...conduct scholarly researchconduct scholarly researchPlan scholarly research by formulating the research question and conducting empirical or literature research in order to investigate the truth of the research question.increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.discuss research proposalsdiscuss research proposalsDiscuss proposals and projects with researchers, decide on resources to allocate and whether to move forward with the study.monitor educational developmentsmonitor educational developmentsMonitor the changes in educational policies, methodologies and research by reviewing relevant literature and liaising with education officials and institutions.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.participate in scientific colloquiaparticipate in scientific colloquiaTake part in symposia, international experts’ conferences, and congresses to present research projects, methods, and results and to gather information on developments in academic research.assist students with equipmentassist students with equipmentProvide assistance to students when working with (technical) equipment used in practice-based lessons and solve operational problems when necessary.develop learning curriculumdevelop learning curriculumDevelop and plan the learning goals and outcomes for education institutions, as well as the required teaching methods and potential education resources. Organise content, form, methods and technologie...conduct quantitative researchconduct quantitative researchExecute a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques.apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...manage resources for educational purposesmanage resources for educational purposesIdentify the necessary resources needed for learning purposes, such as materials in class or arranged transportation for a field trip. Apply for the corresponding budget and follow up on the orders.promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.supervise laboratory operationssupervise laboratory operationsSupervise the staff working in a laboratory, as well as oversee that equipment is functional and maintained, and procedures occur in compliance with regulations and legislation.assist students with their dissertationassist students with their dissertationSupport university students with the writing of their paper or theses. Advise on research methods or additions to certain parts of their dissertations. Report different types of errors, such as resear...publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achiev...promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...keep records of attendancekeep records of attendanceKeep track of the pupils who are absent by recording their names on a list of absentees.write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.provide technical expertiseprovide technical expertiseProvide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.operate scientific measuring equipmentoperate scientific measuring equipmentOperate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...present reportspresent reportsDisplay results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.provide lesson materialsprovide lesson materialsEnsure that the necessary materials for teaching a class, such as visual aids, are prepared, up-to-date, and present in the instruction space.assist students in their learningassist students in their learningSupport and coach students in their work, give learners practical support and encouragement.manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...observe matterobserve matterStudy the structure and characteristics of matter in order to identify the basic principles ruling these phenomena.supervise doctoral studentssupervise doctoral studentsAssist students working on a doctorate in specifying their research question and deciding on a methodology. Monitor their progress and conduct quality reviews of their work.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.provide career counsellingprovide career counsellingAdvise beneficiaries on future career options through counselling and, potentially, through career testing and evaluation.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
mathematics lecturer24 shared essential skillsbiology lecturer23 shared essential skillschemistry lecturer23 shared essential skillsfood science lecturer23 shared essential skillsspace science lecturer23 shared essential skillsanthropology lecturer22 shared essential skillsarchaeology lecturer22 shared essential skillsarchitecture lecturer22 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does a physics lecturer do?
Physics lecturers are subject professors, teachers, or lecturers who instruct students who have obtained an upper secondary education diploma in their own specialised field of study, physics, which is predominantly academic in nature. They work with their university research assistants and university teaching assistants for the preparation of lectures and of exams, for leading laboratory practices, grading papers and exams and for leading review and feedback sessions for the students. They also conduct academic research in their field of physics, publish their findings and liaise with>other university colleagues.
What skills does a physics lecturer need?
A physics lecturer needs 27 essential skills, including physics, mathematical physics, laboratory techniques, curriculum objectives, interact professionally in research and professional environments.
Will AI replace physics lecturer jobs?
The AI disruption score for physics lecturer is 64/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: keep records of attendance, write work-related reports, draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation. Most resilient: mentor individuals, interact professionally in research and professional environments, establish collaborative relations.
AI Replacement Risk
64/ 100
High Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.
Check your own AI riskQuick Facts
Is physics lecturer right for you?
Take the free 10-minute Career Portrait to see which career direction fits your motivations and strengths.
Take the free test