Lecturer - PHYS 203: Modern Physics - Lab (Fall 2026)

California State University San Marcos; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 61,458 - 78,164; Full time

Job summary

California State University San Marcos is seeking a Lecturer for the PHYS 203: Modern Physics course, starting Fall 2026. The position requires a Master’s degree in physics or related fields, along with eligibility to work in California. Preferred qualifications include a Doctorate and experience teaching at 4-year universities.

The successful candidate will engage students in a comprehensive overview of modern physics concepts including thermodynamics, special relativity, and quantum mechanics. This is an in-person role held on Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent professional experience) in physics or related fields.
• Eligibility to work in the State of California under CSU policy.
• Doctorate (or equivalent) in physics or related fields preferred.
• Experience teaching comparable courses at 4-year universities preferred.
• Demonstrated intercultural competence and commitment to serving the campus community.

Responsibilities

• Teach PHYS 203: Modern Physics course.
• Engage in course material covering fundamental ideas of modern physics.

Education

Master’s degree in physics or related fields

Doctorate in physics or related fields

Job description

Lecturer – PHYS 203: Modern Physics (Fall 2026)

College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – Physics Department, California State University, San Marcos.

Schedule

• Fridays, 12:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. (In‑person)

Course Overview

An introductory course covering the fundamental ideas of modern physics. Topics include fluids, temperature, heat, the kinetic theory of gases, entropy, the laws of thermodynamics, special relativity, wave‑particle duality, an introduction to quantum mechanics and atomic physics, electronic properties of solids, nuclear physics, and a descriptive introduction to the standard model and cosmology.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent professional experience) in physics or related fields.
• Eligibility to work in the State of California under CSU policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate (or equivalent) in physics or related fields.
• Experience teaching comparable courses at 4‑year universities.
• Demonstrated intercultural competence and commitment to serving the campus community.

Salary

• Lecturer A: $5,507 – $6,008 per full‑time month (anticipated hiring range).
• Lecturer B: $6,221 – $7,045 per full‑time month (anticipated hiring range).

Equal Opportunity Statement

California State University San Marcos is an Equal Opportunity Employer strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of the campus community. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status and other protected characteristics.