Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 3 (13%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 14 (58%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 7 (29%)

• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as quantum mechanics, particle physics, and optics.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Supervise students' laboratory work.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain and repair laboratory equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Participate in campus and community events.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Act as advisers to student organizations.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task