1

Assistant Research Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Physics at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking to fill a research assistant professor position in the areas of superconducting hybrid devices involving ...

... physics, chemistry, and other STEM fields. Our team specializes in Residual Gas Analyzers (RGAs ... You will assist in the design and setup of test stations and experimental setups and will qualify ...

... physics, chemistry, and other STEM fields. Our team specializes in Residual Gas Analyzers (RGAs ... You will assist in the design and setup of test stations and experimental setups and will qualify ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Assistant Research Physicist information

See salary details

$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 Scientist (PREP0004827)

Assistant Research Scientist (PREP0004827)

Johns Hopkins University

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Johns Hopkins Medicine rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 203 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description
PREP Research Associate
CHIPS Funded Project.

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title:
Research Engineering Technician (CHIPS Project: Nondestructive defect detection metrology for advanced semiconductor packaging)
The work will entail:
The candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of scientists working to advance nondestructive defect detection metrology for advanced semiconductor packaging by developing reference artifacts and benchmark datasets. The candidate will also contribute to sample preparation and to making destructive (e.g., FIB/SEM) and nondestructive measurements (e.g., XCT). The candidate will contribute to the development of reference artifacts. The candidate may contribute to designing CAD models, running X-ray computed tomography (XCT) simulations, and performing XCT reconstructions to generate datasets. The candidate will support the development of a Python script or package to automate these processes as needed. The datasets will be used to evaluate defect detection and image segmentation algorithms, including those based on deep learning principles. The incumbent will analyze the resulting measurements, perform image processing, and extract meaningful information to support the research goals outlined in the experiment plan. They will organize the measured and analyzed datasets for publication and communicate with the team.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Prepare samples for focused ion beam or scanning electron microscopy measurements
  • Make X-ray computed tomography or laminography measurements

§ Design 3D models for simulation, run XCT simulations, carry out XCT reconstruction, and execute image analysis.
§ Organize and prepare data sets for publication.
§ Presenting results at internal meetings and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.
§ Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.
Qualifications
§ A bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or a related discipline.
§ At least 5 years of relevant experience.
§ Experience with XCT measurements, reconstruction, and image analysis. Experience with XCT simulation is a plus.
§ Experience with sample preparation, FIB, and SEM.
§ Experience with the image segmentation process using commercial software or an open-source tool.
§ Strong oral and written communication skills.
§ Able to quickly learn and adapt to new fields or techniques
Application Instructions
Please upload the following with your application:
• CV/Resume
*Please limit C.V to 3 pages only and ONLY include a valid email address for your contact info. Your resume will not be considered if the following information is included on your CV/resume.
Self portraits
Phone number
Home address/Country
Citizenship status
Languages spoken
Sex/Gender
Privacy Act Statement
Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate the administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated. By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.

What Johns Hopkins Medicine employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom