Physics Jobs at University of South Florida with Visa Sponsorship
Physics jobs at University of South Florida span research, teaching, and lab-based roles, with a consistent track record of sponsoring international candidates through academic hiring pipelines. If you're targeting a Physics position here, USF's international faculty and researcher workflows are well-established.
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The Department of Physics at the University of South Florida, Tampa, seeks to fill a 9-month, full-time, tenure-earning position at the Assistant Professor level in experimental Applied Physics. Applicants should have an outstanding record of research, a commitment to teaching and demonstrate the potential for developing a research program that engages students. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will develop an active experimental research program capable of attracting external funding and producing high-impact peer-reviewed publications with students. The starting date is August 7, 2026. The Physics Department has strong research programs in experimental/theoretical biophysics, condensed matter, and optics. The University of South Florida also offers excellent opportunities to interact with research programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, as well as the Moffitt Cancer Center.
Responsibilities
How To Apply:
When applying, please attach the following required materials:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vita with publication record
- Statement of teaching philosophy (1 page)
- Research plan (2-3 pages)
In addition, applicants should have three (3) letters of recommendation sent to physearch@usf.edu. All applications completed by December 1, 2025 will be given full consideration, although the search will continue until the position is filled.
Questions regarding this search should be directed to Prof. George S. Nolas, Search Committee Chair, at physearch@usf.edu.
Qualifications
The minimum requirement for this position is a doctoral degree from an accredited institution in Physics or a closely related field. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor. Preference will be given to candidates with existing strengths in the areas of energy conversion, energy storage, and/or energy sustainability. Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public.
USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. For disability accommodations contact Edwin Perez (edwinperez@usf.edu), a minimum of five working days in advance. This position is subject to Foreign Influence Screening. House Bill 7017 (“HB 7017”).
About us
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
Job Description
The Department of Physics at the University of South Florida, Tampa, seeks to fill a 9-month, full-time, tenure-earning position at the Assistant Professor level in experimental Applied Physics. Applicants should have an outstanding record of research, a commitment to teaching and demonstrate the potential for developing a research program that engages students. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will develop an active experimental research program capable of attracting external funding and producing high-impact peer-reviewed publications with students. The starting date is August 7, 2026. The Physics Department has strong research programs in experimental/theoretical biophysics, condensed matter, and optics. The University of South Florida also offers excellent opportunities to interact with research programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, as well as the Moffitt Cancer Center.
Responsibilities
How To Apply:
When applying, please attach the following required materials:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vita with publication record
- Statement of teaching philosophy (1 page)
- Research plan (2-3 pages)
In addition, applicants should have three (3) letters of recommendation sent to physearch@usf.edu. All applications completed by December 1, 2025 will be given full consideration, although the search will continue until the position is filled.
Questions regarding this search should be directed to Prof. George S. Nolas, Search Committee Chair, at physearch@usf.edu.
Qualifications
The minimum requirement for this position is a doctoral degree from an accredited institution in Physics or a closely related field. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor. Preference will be given to candidates with existing strengths in the areas of energy conversion, energy storage, and/or energy sustainability. Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public.
USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. For disability accommodations contact Edwin Perez (edwinperez@usf.edu), a minimum of five working days in advance. This position is subject to Foreign Influence Screening. House Bill 7017 (“HB 7017”).
About us
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
Tips for Finding Physics Jobs at University of South Florida
Align your CV to USF's research focus areas
USF Physics hiring often centers on active grant-funded research programs. Review faculty lab pages and recent department publications before applying, then mirror that language in your CV to signal direct fit with ongoing projects.
Understand how university H-1B timelines work
Universities file H-1B petitions cap-exempt, meaning USF isn't bound by the October 1 start date or annual lottery. This lets them hire Physics candidates year-round, but internal approvals still add weeks before USCIS filing begins.
Request clarity on the PERM timeline early
For permanent residency through EB-2 or EB-3, USF must complete a PERM labor certification with DOL before sponsoring your Green Card. Ask during the offer stage whether the position is classified as a teaching or research role, since this affects the PERM process.
Target postdoc roles as a sponsorship entry point
Physics postdoctoral positions at universities like USF are commonly filled on J-1 or H-1B status. Starting as a postdoc builds internal visibility and often leads to sponsored faculty or research scientist appointments with longer-term visa support.
Verify your OPT or CPT window against the hiring cycle
If you're on F-1 OPT, confirm that your authorization end date extends far enough to cover USF's typical offer-to-start timeline. University hiring for Physics roles can run three to six months from application to first day.
Use Migrate Mate to filter Physics roles at USF
Sorting by visa type and institution lets you surface active Physics openings at USF alongside their sponsorship history. Migrate Mate helps you focus your applications on roles where international candidates have a documented path to sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of South Florida sponsor H-1B visas for Physics roles?
Yes, University of South Florida sponsors H-1B visas for Physics positions. As a university, USF qualifies as a cap-exempt employer, so it can file H-1B petitions at any time of year without being subject to the annual lottery. This is a meaningful advantage for Physics candidates who need consistent, flexible hiring timelines rather than waiting for the April registration window.
How do I apply for Physics jobs at University of South Florida?
Physics positions at USF are posted through the university's official careers portal. Most roles require a cover letter, CV, research or teaching statement, and contact information for references. Applications are reviewed by departmental search committees, and shortlisted candidates are typically invited for a campus visit or virtual interview before an offer is extended. You can also browse open Physics roles on Migrate Mate, which filters for visa-sponsoring positions.
Which visa types does USF commonly use for Physics roles?
USF most commonly uses H-1B, J-1 visa, and F-1 OPT to employ international Physics professionals. J-1 visa is frequently used for postdoctoral researchers and visiting scholars. H-1B is the standard path for longer-term faculty and research scientist appointments. For candidates on F-1 OPT or CPT, USF can hire directly before transitioning to H-1B sponsorship. TN visa status is also available for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying Physics roles.
What qualifications does USF expect for Physics positions?
Most Physics roles at USF require at minimum a Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field. Faculty positions typically expect a strong publication record and evidence of externally funded research. Postdoctoral roles may have more flexibility on funding history but still expect a completed doctorate. For H-1B eligibility, the role must meet the specialty occupation standard, which Physics positions at research universities generally satisfy without difficulty.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a Physics hire at USF?
From signed offer letter to an active H-1B, expect a minimum of two to three months for cap-exempt filing at USCIS, plus internal processing time at USF's international services office. If you're transitioning from J-1 or OPT, your start date needs to align with both your current authorization expiration and USF's internal filing readiness. For Green Card sponsorship through PERM, the DOL process alone can take six months to over a year before USCIS adjudication begins.