Faculty trends
The following highlights and report are based on data collected from the Academic Workforce
Survey, which we have conducted every two years since 1986. This series of biennial surveys
collects data on the number of faculty, turnover, retirements, and recruitments at physics
and astronomy degree-granting departments.
For a free hard copy of the 2004 Physics & Astronomy Academic Workforce Report,
go to the report order form.
Trends in the Physics Academic Workforce
Since 1998, the academic job market for physicists has been influenced by the retirements of
faculty members. These highlights show the relationship between the retirement rates
(1998-2006) and number of faculty members recruited by physics departments. The retirement
rate peaked in 2000, leading to an increase in the number of faculty members hired. Although
the retirement rate has been decreasing since 2000, the number of faculty members hired has
remained the same.
This 2004 Physics & Astronomy Academic Workforce
The number of faculty positions in physics has increased by about 10% since 1994. However, more
positions are being filled with part-time and temporary faculty than ten years ago. The number
of minority faculty members increased significantly at physics departments, and new female
faculty were hired at rates consistent with degree production in the past. This report also
provides data on the relationship between the number of full-time equivalent faculty and the
number of bachelor's degrees awarded. For the first time, this report contains data on
stand-alone astronomy departments.
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