Professor of Physics Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Professor of Physics roles at U.S. universities almost always qualify as specialty occupations, making H-1B visa and O-1 visas the most common sponsorship paths. Research universities routinely file LCAs and PERM labor certifications for faculty hires, and many positions are cap-exempt through academic institutions.
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Get Access To All JobsNumber of Vacancies 2
Location Rio Grande Valley, Texas
Division/Organization Provost - Academic Affairs
Appointment Period for Non-Tenure Position 3 years
Tenure Status Non Tenure Track
FTE 1.0
Scope of Job
We seek applicants who are dedicated to serving The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s student body as a Lecturer 1 of the department of Physics and Astronomy beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.
About UTRGV:
UTRGV serves the Rio Grande Valley and beyond via an innovative and unique multicultural education dedicated to student access and success. By championing leading research, healthcare, and application of university discoveries, we support sustainable development, community engagement, and well-being. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is committed to building and sustaining a highly qualified and talented faculty to pursue excellence in everything that we do, including teaching, research, and service. Drawing on our unique identity as the leading Hispanic-Serving Institution in a bilingual and bicultural environment, UTRGV will promote student access and success by building from strength in education and creating a vibrant campus experience. By 2027, we will accelerate transformation in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond by driving meaningful advancements in research and creative works, expanding access to high-quality and affordable healthcare, and fostering authentic community engagement and integration. UTRGV is a distributed campus, one university spanning four counties and multiple locations. Our purpose is to be a university for the entire Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Over 91% of the students enrolled at UTRGV identify as Hispanic, making UTRGV one of the top 3 universities with the highest percentage of Hispanic students.
Department/College Background
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has tenure track and tenured faculty members and several lecturers, post-doctoral scholars, research and visiting faculty members actively engaged in research in the areas of Applied Optics, Biophysics, Computational Physics, Gravitational Wave Astronomy, Nanotechnology, Optical Astronomy, Physics Education, Radio Astronomy and Relativistic Astrophysics. Besides excellence in research and teaching, the department places special emphasis on the early involvement of undergraduate and graduate students in research. Several opportunities for generous financial support are provided to deserving students at all levels. Integration of research and education at all stages is one of the strengths of the department. The department lays emphasis on high quality teaching and student mentoring. The department has strong well-funded research programs. The department faculty members have research collaborations with scientists across the globe. The UTRGV Department of Physics and Astronomy envisions empowering our students to become successful leaders, innovators, and educators through world-class education and research, while nurturing them to be conscientious citizens, performing impactful research and engaging the local community in science. The UTRGV Department of Physics and Astronomy’s mission is to pursue excellence in research and education across Physics and Astronomy, including multi-disciplinary areas, in a diverse, inclusive, and nurturing environment with emphasis on transformative impact on traditionally underrepresented minorities, and to serve the community, the profession, and society at large through dissemination of scientific knowledge and promotion of scientific literacy.
Minimum Qualifications
- M.S. in Physics, Physical Science, Astronomy, or closely related field from an accredited university.
- At least two years’ experience in teaching physics/physical science/astronomy.
- Demonstrated or evidence of potential for using technology effectively to foster students’ learning and a strong commitment to inclusive teaching practices.
- Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.
- Commitment to teaching excellence of physics and astronomy at high school and university levels.
Discipline Specific Required Qualifications
- M.S. in Physics, Physical Science, Astronomy, or closely related field from an accredited university.
- At least two years’ experience in teaching physics/physical science/astronomy.
- Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience teaching at the University level is desirable, as well as ability to use technology to support teaching and learning.
- Demonstrated ability or evidence of potential for implementing student-centered active teaching approaches in both face-to-face and remote/online teaching.
License or Certification Required? No
Salary Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
Desired Start Date 09/01/2027
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.
Open Date 11/11/2026
Close Date 01/25/2027
Additional Information
UTRGV is a distributed institution. As such and as assigned, the position may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Work is performed primarily in a general office environment. This position is security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215. The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Dear Applicant,
Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Gender
- Ethnicity/Race
Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.
Security sensitive; All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). CBCs will be conducted for all candidates invited for an on-campus interview.
Please Note
Texas law requires faculty members whose primary language is not English to demonstrate proficiency in English as determined by a satisfactory paper-based test score of 500 (computer-based of 173 or internet-based of 61) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a satisfactory test score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Incomplete applications will not be considered. All positions are subject to budget approval.
Number of Vacancies 2
Location Rio Grande Valley, Texas
Division/Organization Provost - Academic Affairs
Appointment Period for Non-Tenure Position 3 years
Tenure Status Non Tenure Track
FTE 1.0
Scope of Job
We seek applicants who are dedicated to serving The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s student body as a Lecturer 1 of the department of Physics and Astronomy beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.
About UTRGV:
UTRGV serves the Rio Grande Valley and beyond via an innovative and unique multicultural education dedicated to student access and success. By championing leading research, healthcare, and application of university discoveries, we support sustainable development, community engagement, and well-being. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is committed to building and sustaining a highly qualified and talented faculty to pursue excellence in everything that we do, including teaching, research, and service. Drawing on our unique identity as the leading Hispanic-Serving Institution in a bilingual and bicultural environment, UTRGV will promote student access and success by building from strength in education and creating a vibrant campus experience. By 2027, we will accelerate transformation in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond by driving meaningful advancements in research and creative works, expanding access to high-quality and affordable healthcare, and fostering authentic community engagement and integration. UTRGV is a distributed campus, one university spanning four counties and multiple locations. Our purpose is to be a university for the entire Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Over 91% of the students enrolled at UTRGV identify as Hispanic, making UTRGV one of the top 3 universities with the highest percentage of Hispanic students.
Department/College Background
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has tenure track and tenured faculty members and several lecturers, post-doctoral scholars, research and visiting faculty members actively engaged in research in the areas of Applied Optics, Biophysics, Computational Physics, Gravitational Wave Astronomy, Nanotechnology, Optical Astronomy, Physics Education, Radio Astronomy and Relativistic Astrophysics. Besides excellence in research and teaching, the department places special emphasis on the early involvement of undergraduate and graduate students in research. Several opportunities for generous financial support are provided to deserving students at all levels. Integration of research and education at all stages is one of the strengths of the department. The department lays emphasis on high quality teaching and student mentoring. The department has strong well-funded research programs. The department faculty members have research collaborations with scientists across the globe. The UTRGV Department of Physics and Astronomy envisions empowering our students to become successful leaders, innovators, and educators through world-class education and research, while nurturing them to be conscientious citizens, performing impactful research and engaging the local community in science. The UTRGV Department of Physics and Astronomy’s mission is to pursue excellence in research and education across Physics and Astronomy, including multi-disciplinary areas, in a diverse, inclusive, and nurturing environment with emphasis on transformative impact on traditionally underrepresented minorities, and to serve the community, the profession, and society at large through dissemination of scientific knowledge and promotion of scientific literacy.
Minimum Qualifications
- M.S. in Physics, Physical Science, Astronomy, or closely related field from an accredited university.
- At least two years’ experience in teaching physics/physical science/astronomy.
- Demonstrated or evidence of potential for using technology effectively to foster students’ learning and a strong commitment to inclusive teaching practices.
- Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.
- Commitment to teaching excellence of physics and astronomy at high school and university levels.
Discipline Specific Required Qualifications
- M.S. in Physics, Physical Science, Astronomy, or closely related field from an accredited university.
- At least two years’ experience in teaching physics/physical science/astronomy.
- Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience teaching at the University level is desirable, as well as ability to use technology to support teaching and learning.
- Demonstrated ability or evidence of potential for implementing student-centered active teaching approaches in both face-to-face and remote/online teaching.
License or Certification Required? No
Salary Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
Desired Start Date 09/01/2027
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.
Open Date 11/11/2026
Close Date 01/25/2027
Additional Information
UTRGV is a distributed institution. As such and as assigned, the position may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Work is performed primarily in a general office environment. This position is security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215. The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Dear Applicant,
Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Gender
- Ethnicity/Race
Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.
Security sensitive; All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). CBCs will be conducted for all candidates invited for an on-campus interview.
Please Note
Texas law requires faculty members whose primary language is not English to demonstrate proficiency in English as determined by a satisfactory paper-based test score of 500 (computer-based of 173 or internet-based of 61) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a satisfactory test score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Incomplete applications will not be considered. All positions are subject to budget approval.
See all 55+ Professor of Physics Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Professor of Physics roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Professor of Physics Jobs
Verify your cap-exempt status early
Most university Physics departments are cap-exempt H-1B employers, meaning your petition bypasses the annual lottery entirely. Confirm the institution qualifies as a higher education employer with USCIS before accepting an offer to avoid timeline surprises.
Align your CV to specialty occupation criteria
USCIS scrutinizes whether a Physics professorship genuinely requires a doctorate in physics or a directly related field. Document that the role demands specialized theoretical or experimental expertise beyond a general science degree, using the O*NET occupation profile as a reference point.
Search verified sponsor employers on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to browse Physics faculty positions at institutions with confirmed LCA filing history. Focusing your search on employers who have already sponsored similar roles cuts the time you spend vetting sponsorship willingness before applying.
Distinguish tenure-track from visiting positions strategically
Tenure-track appointments support permanent residence through PERM labor certification and EB-2 or EB-3 green card petitions. Visiting or postdoctoral roles typically support only H-1B or J-1, so clarify the appointment type before the offer stage to match your long-term immigration goals.
Request the prevailing wage tier from your employer
Physics faculty LCAs are filed at one of four DOL wage levels. Ask your department administrator which level they intend to certify before your contract is finalized; a Level I wage on a senior research role can draw an RFE from USCIS challenging the specialty occupation claim.
Time your O-1 application around publication record
If you've published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at major conferences, or received competitive grants, an O-1A can be filed at any time of year with no cap. Build your evidence file around high-citation publications and external peer review invitations, which carry significant weight in physics adjudications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Professor of Physics jobs qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. A Physics professorship requires at minimum a doctorate in physics or a closely related discipline, which satisfies the H-1B specialty occupation definition under USCIS. The theoretical and experimental knowledge demanded by the role goes well beyond a general bachelor's degree, so these petitions are rarely challenged on specialty occupation grounds when filed for tenure-track or research faculty positions.
Can a university sponsor a Physics professor without entering the H-1B lottery?
Most accredited universities and nonprofit research institutions are cap-exempt H-1B employers, so they can file petitions at any time of year without entering the annual lottery. This applies as long as the institution qualifies under the higher education or affiliated nonprofit exemption. Confirm cap-exempt status directly with the university's international office before you accept an offer.
What visa options exist for Physics professors beyond the H-1B?
The O-1A is a strong alternative if you have an established publication record, grant awards, peer review invitations, or conference presentations demonstrating extraordinary ability. J-1 visa exchange visitor status is common for visiting scholars and postdoctoral researchers but carries a potential two-year home residency requirement. EB-1A and EB-2 NIW green card petitions are also viable for senior researchers who can demonstrate national interest or extraordinary ability.
How long does PERM labor certification take for a Physics faculty position?
PERM processing through DOL typically runs several months to over a year depending on backlog, and academic positions must follow a specific recruitment process demonstrating no qualified U.S. workers were available. Some universities use the special handling PERM route for tenure-track faculty, which can shorten the process. Priority dates for India-born applicants in EB-2 may add significant waiting time beyond the PERM certification itself.
Where can I find Physics professor jobs where the employer already sponsors visas?
Migrate Mate lists Physics faculty positions at institutions with verified LCA sponsorship history, so you can confirm an employer has previously sponsored similar roles before you invest time in an application. This is especially useful for narrowing down research universities versus teaching-focused colleges, which differ significantly in their H-1B and green card sponsorship capacity.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Professor of Physics jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.