College Physics ›› 2026, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (5): 53-.doi: 10.16854/j.cnki.1000-0712.250508

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Professional development of physics faculty in higher education

CAO De-rang, XU Jie, CHEN Dong, WANG Ru-lin   

  1. China National Demonstration Center for Experimental Applied Physics Education, College of Physics, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
  • Received:2025-09-12 Revised:2025-10-01 Online:2026-07-06 Published:2026-08-06

Abstract: Focusing on the high-quality development of university physics faculty, this study analyzes questionnaires with multi-dimensional cross-tabulations and proposes an integrated framework linking profile → pain points → teaching–research relationship → satisfaction → policy. The sample is dominated by PhD holders, mid-/senior ranks, and ages less than 45. Findings show institutional/policy constraints are the primary bottleneck (strict definition 37.5%; broad definition including personal–institutional overlap 63.2%). Alignment and mutual reinforcement between courses and research markedly raise satisfaction (satisfied 44.4%, dissatisfied 3.7%), whereas “different & independent/teaching crowds out research” configurations depress it. In terms of effort allocation and role type, “balanced investment” performs better (satisfied 30.2%, dissatisfied 14.0%), as does the “teaching–research combined” track (31.6%, 17.7%). We recommend multi-track roles with dynamic evaluation, semester–vacation rhythm management with protected research time, organized course–project embedding with cross-institutional resource sharing, and targeted mentorship with buffered onboarding. The results provide actionable evidence for governance reforms and individual career planning in physics faculties.

Key words: university physics faculty, faculty development, teaching–research relationship, job satisfaction, career development