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Assistant Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$74K/yr

Examples of specialized experience includes providing technical health physics expertise in all ... Ability to assist in identifying problems and provide necessary technical support to resolve issues.

$74K/yr

Examples of specialized experience includes providing technical health physics expertise in all ... Ability to assist in identifying problems and provide necessary technical support to resolve issues.

$74K/yr

Examples of specialized experience includes providing technical health physics expertise in all ... Ability to assist in identifying problems and provide necessary technical support to resolve issues.

Support radiation safety processes in coordination with the Physicist Lead, including adherence to the Radiation Safety Program and California Radiation Control Regulations (Title 17). *Assist with ...

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Assistant Physicist information

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How much do assistant physicist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant physicist in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and research methodology, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as MATLAB or Python), and scientific computing is often required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in collaborative research environments. These skills and qualities are vital for conducting precise experiments, analyzing data accurately, and contributing meaningfully to scientific advancements.

What types of projects and collaborations can an Assistant Physicist expect to be involved with in a research institution?

As an Assistant Physicist at a research institution, you will typically engage in both independent and team-based projects that contribute to ongoing experiments, data analysis, and theoretical modeling. Collaboration is a key aspect of the role, often involving close work with senior physicists, engineers, postdoctoral researchers, and sometimes external partners or institutions. You may regularly attend group meetings, present findings, and contribute technical expertise to interdisciplinary teams. This collaborative environment provides opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues, develop your research skills, and expand your professional network. Over time, successful project involvement can open doors to advancement within the institution or in related fields.

How much does a medical physicist make?

Medical physicists typically earn an average annual salary of around $130,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $100,000 to $160,000 depending on experience, certifications, and work environment. In large cities, salaries tend to be higher due to cost of living and demand for specialized skills.

What is a physicist assistant?

A physicist assistant is a support role that involves assisting physicists with research, experiments, data analysis, and laboratory tasks. The position often requires a background in physics or related sciences and familiarity with scientific tools and methods.

What is the highest paid job in physics?

The highest paid jobs in physics are often in research and development roles such as physics directors, senior scientists, or physicist consultants in industries like aerospace, defense, or technology. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and security clearances, and can offer salaries exceeding $150,000 annually depending on experience and location.

What are Assistant Physicists?

Assistant Physicists are early-career scientists who support and contribute to research projects in the field of physics. They typically work under the supervision of senior physicists, assisting with experimental design, data collection, analysis, and the preparation of scientific reports or publications. Their work spans various areas, such as condensed matter, particle physics, or applied physics, depending on the institution or laboratory. Assistant Physicists often work at universities, national laboratories, or research institutes, and the position is usually a stepping stone toward more senior research or faculty roles.

Is a physicist a high paying job?

Physicists, including assistant physicists, often have competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and industry. Typically, physicists working in research, academia, or industry roles can earn above-average wages, especially with advanced degrees and specialized skills in areas like data analysis or laboratory work.
More about Assistant Physicist jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Physicist jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Physicist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Physicist jobs? The most popular types of Physicist jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Physicist jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Physicist jobs include:
Health Physicist

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 519 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
This is a Direct Hire Solicitation. This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions.
BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
1. Degree: natural science or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and/or calculus.
OR
2. Combination of education and experience --
courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or other education; or certification as a health physicist by the American Board of Health Physics, plus appropriate experience and other education that provided an understanding of sciences applicable to health physics comparable to that described in paragraph A.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below.
GS-11: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes performing environmental physical science, environmental engineering, or health physics duties; applying standard practices of related disciples as they relate to health physics or engineering functions.
GS-12: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes conducting reviews and ensures laboratory radiochemistry procedures are compliant with regulations and license requirements; developing and implementing laboratory training programs and conduct classes.
GS-13: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes performing scientific and technical expert in the areas of chemical, biological, radiological effects on response operations; collaborating projects and coordinating work with others; attending meetings and conferences and presenting technical papers.
GS-14: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes providing technical health physics expertise in all areas; supervising the licensing actions; reviewing and revising the existing policy guidance directives to ensure compliance applicable to federal radiation related regulations.
GS-15:Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-14, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes developing fundamental approaches and applying broad health physicist expertise to identify adverse health impacts; providing professional and expert technical direction and assessment in all areas of health physics.
To view qualifying educational requirements and/or combination of education and experience, click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/health-physics-series-1306/
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of health physics principles, practices, techniques and procedures to effectively perform project development, execution, training and advisory services. Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and other guidance to make decisions and recommendations concerning assigned and/or integration principles and practices; and health, safety, and security practices.
  2. Skill to integrate in an interdisciplinary team of professionals to include public health specialists, physical scientists, biological scientists, environmental engineers, regulators, and other governmental officials and community groups. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy. Communicate with a technical and lay community which may be either supportive or antagonistic.
  3. Knowledge and skill required to resolve environmental problems that require the investigation of radiation contamination or other questionable conditions. Ability to assist in identifying problems and provide necessary technical support to resolve issues. Must be capable of assisting with economic analysis to determine the feasibility of acquisitions and determine the most economical means of satisfying organizational and regulatory requirements.
  4. Knowledge and skill to accomplish environmental sampling for analysis and maintain contact with laboratory that is providing analytical services. Ability to interpret analytical results to determine proper disposal method.
  5. Ability to track radiation hazards, controls and evaluations in recognized Occupational and Environmental Health database.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER

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