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Assistant Research Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Research Physicist information

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$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do assistant research physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant research physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do research physicists get paid?

Research physicists typically earn a median annual salary of around $125,000, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while senior roles or those in specialized fields can pay significantly more. Many research physicists work in academic, government, or private sector labs, often requiring advanced degrees and strong analytical skills.

Is there a high demand for astrophysicists?

Astrophysicists, including research physicists working in astrophysics, generally face limited job growth due to the specialized nature of the field. However, demand exists in academia, government agencies, and research institutions for those with strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis tools like Python or MATLAB.

Is a PhD required for physics faculty jobs?

For assistant research physicist positions, a PhD in physics or a related field is typically required, especially for faculty roles involving research and teaching responsibilities. Advanced degrees demonstrate expertise and are often necessary for tenure-track or research-intensive positions, along with relevant research experience and publications.

Do you need a PhD to be a research assistant?

For an Assistant Research Physicist position, a PhD is typically required or strongly preferred, as it demonstrates advanced knowledge and research experience in physics. However, some research assistant roles may accept a master's degree or equivalent experience, especially for entry-level positions or in specific institutions. The exact educational requirements depend on the employer and the complexity of the research project.

What is the difference between Assistant Research Physicist vs Research Physicist?

AspectAssistant Research PhysicistResearch Physicist
Required credentialsMaster's or PhD in Physics or related fieldPhD in Physics or related field
Work environmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesResearch labs, universities, government agencies
Employer usageEntry to mid-level research rolesSenior research roles, project leadership
Common search intentUnderstanding entry-level research rolesUnderstanding advanced research roles

The main difference between an Assistant Research Physicist and a Research Physicist lies in experience and seniority. Assistant Research Physicists are typically early-career professionals with a master's or PhD, focusing on supporting research projects. Research Physicists usually have more experience and may lead projects or develop new theories. Both roles are found in similar environments, but the Research Physicist role involves greater responsibility and expertise.

What cities are hiring for Assistant Research Physicist jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Research Physicist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Physicist jobs? The most popular types of Research Physicist jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Research Physicist jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Research Physicist jobs include:

Assistant Research Professor

Worcester Polytech

Worcester, MA • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE

Assistant Research Professor

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Chemical Engineering

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified Assistant Research Professor to join the Department of Chemical Engineering at WPI. The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge computational research aimed at developing machine learning algorithms to enhance multi-scale simulations in catalysis. This work will contribute to next-generation technologies involving plasma catalysis, field-enhanced catalysis, electrocatalysis, and materials science. The position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of machine learning and kinetics in advanced catalytic processes. In addition to research, the candidate will contribute to proposal development, lead manuscript preparation and publication efforts, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, manage day-to-day laboratory operations, and maintain and expand computational resources to support ongoing research activities.
The initial appointment is for 12 months, with potential for renewal based on performance and funding availability.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and apply multi-scale simulation frameworks for complex catalytic systems.
  • Design and implement generalizable machine learning algorithms (e.g., graph neural networks) and large language model to accelerate and couple multi-scale simulations in catalysis.
  • Lead and contribute to proposal development and manuscript preparation, including conducting comprehensive literature reviews and disseminating research outcomes.
  • Present research findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and actively engage with the broader research community.
  • Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.
  • Manage day-to-day laboratory operations and coordinate research activities within the group.
  • Maintain and expand computational resources, including high-performance computing workflows and data infrastructure, to support ongoing research efforts.
  • Perform additional related duties as assigned by the principal investigator.

Requirements:

  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field.
  • Strong background in multi-scale simulations.
  • Proficiency in machine learning techniques, particularly in scientific applications.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Prior experience mentoring students and a track record of scholarly publications is desirable.

Compensation:

Salary: $70,000. WPI's benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more!

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status,or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making.It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.