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Entry Level Physicist Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Physicist information

See Alaska salary details

$42.5K

$102.1K

$243.9K

How much do entry level physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level physicist in Alaska is $102,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $120,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry-Level Physicist Do?

As an entry-level physicist assist, you assist other team members to develop and evaluate the results of an experiment or design. You use sophisticated software to conduct the analyses and verify the feasibility of the projects. You can find entry-level physicist positions in a variety of industries, including communications, medical technology, and electronics. Duties vary with the job and your experience. In this role, you typically perform support tasks instead of actual research. Other responsibilities include writing grants for funding, entering data, and performing other administrative duties.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level physicists when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

Entry level physicists often encounter challenges when adapting to the faster-paced, results-driven environment of industry compared to academia. They may need to quickly learn new technical tools, adjust to collaborative projects with multidisciplinary teams, and align their research to business goals rather than purely scientific inquiry. Effective communication and the ability to translate complex concepts for non-specialist colleagues are also crucial skills that may require additional development. Seeking mentorship and actively engaging with colleagues can help ease this transition and foster professional growth.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Physicist, you need a solid understanding of core physics principles, strong mathematical skills, and at least a bachelor's degree in physics or a closely related field. Familiarity with analytical software such as MATLAB, Python, or LabVIEW, as well as experience with laboratory equipment and data analysis tools, is typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help set candidates apart in collaborative research and technical discussions. These skills and qualifications are crucial for conducting experiments, interpreting results, and contributing to both academic and industry-driven projects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Physicist vs Research Assistant in Physics?

AspectEntry Level PhysicistResearch Assistant in Physics
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Physics or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesResearch labs, universities, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageEmployers seek entry-level physicists for research and analysis rolesEmployers hire research assistants to support physics research projects

Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and work environments. An Entry Level Physicist often has more responsibilities in analysis and project development, while a Research Assistant primarily supports ongoing research activities. The main difference lies in job scope and potential career progression.

What does an entry level physicist do?

An entry level physicist typically assists in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and supporting research projects under the supervision of more experienced physicists. Their duties may include setting up laboratory equipment, running simulations, and documenting results. They often work in academic, government, or industrial settings and may contribute to scientific papers or presentations. Entry level physicists also continue learning new techniques and may collaborate with other scientists or engineers.
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physicist jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physicist jobs in Alaska are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Physicist job openings in Alaska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,099 per year, or $49.1 per hour.
Fishery Biologist 1 (Norton Sound/Kotzebue - PCN 111912)

Fishery Biologist 1 (Norton Sound/Kotzebue - PCN 111912)

State of Alaska

Juneau, AK

$37.62/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


State Of Alaska rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description Effective July 1, 2026 the wage for this position increased by 3%. The wage listed in this job posting reflects the increase. This position is open to ALL APPLICANTS.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting for a Fishery Biologist 1 located in Nome, Alaska. What you will be doing: This position provides a unique opportunity for an entry-level biologist to support management of the diverse commercial and subsistence fisheries of Norton Sound and Kotzebue in western Alaska. Not only will the successful applicant coordinate remote salmon enumeration projects, but they will also assist with high-seas red king crab population assessments, conduct regional harvest surveys with subsistence users, and collect, process, and analyze data for annual reports.

Duties also include assisting the Field Camp Coordinator with providing training and logistical support for fisheries technicians at field camps and at commercial catch sampling locations throughout the region. Our mission, values, and culture: The Alaska Department of Fish & Game strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully. The benefits of joining our team: We are seeking applicants who want to further their career in fisheries in a challenging and rewarding environment.

The experience the successful applicant will gain while supporting the small-scale fisheries of western Alaska will be invaluable to future positions in management, research, and resource governance. While there are ample opportunities for overtime throughout the busy season, there are also periods that will allow recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and berry picking in a pristine environment. The working environment you can expect: While this position is based in Nome, the successful applicant will support projects throughout the region from Kotzebue to Unalakleet.

Travel by small, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters will be necessary to access many of the field sites, and the incumbent will be expected to work from boats frequently. In the field, the incumbent will frequently interact with subsistence users and may field questions and concerns as an ADF&G representative. While in Nome, job duties will take place in the State office building, and at maintenance facilities and boat yards.

This position requires frequent trips to remote field sites that may last for several days and possibly weeks at a time. The incumbent may be required to work on trawl boats in the high seas for up to 2 weeks at a time. Requires operation of skiffs and ATVs to travel to project sites.

May require travel in small aircraft, fixed wing or rotary. Also requires training for the safe handling and operation of firearms in bear country. Who we are looking for: We are seeking applicants who are eager to learn about the fish populations of western Alaska and who thrive in circumstances that require them to be resourceful in response to novel challenges.

The successful candidate will have previous experience in fisheries, including: Collecting, organizing, and reporting biological data; Operating and maintaining equipment such as outboard motors, generators, and ATVs; Working and living in remote field locations; Prioritizing safety in bear country; Directing a field crew to accomplish project objectives. To view the general description and example of duties for a Fishery Biologist 1 please go to the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs Special Note: A valid driver's license is required. This position may be in possession of, or have access to, firearms/ammunition

First Aid/CPR. For those not already certified, training will be provided by the department at no cost to the employee. Minimum Qualifications A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, fisheries science, or natural resource management.

Substitution: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college that includes or is supplemented by the following credit hours will substitute for the degree in a specific field: at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in biology, a branch of biology, limnology, biometrics, oceanography, forestry, aquaculture, aquatic ecology, fisheries resources, or natural resource management (excluding courses that focus on agricultural husbandry techniques, human population dynamics, or the design and manipulation of landscapes), of which 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) are upper division courses; and at least 12 semester hours (16 quarter hours) in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, geology, hydrology, or GIS. Special Note: "Upper division courses" means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline's theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills.

Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher. Some positions may require training in specialized areas such as hydroacoustics, microscopic analysis, underwater research, or fish habitat restoration or enhancement. An individual who will complete the educational requirements and obtain the required bachelor's degree within six months may apply and be considered for a vacancy.

Such applicants may be given a conditional job offer but may not be appointed until receipt of the required degree has been documented. Additional Required Information REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Please provide at time of application submission: Cover letter College transcripts, if being used to meet minimum qualifications (unofficial copies are accepted). Resume/CV If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview: Names and day-time phone numbers for three (3) professional references.

COVER LETTER A cover letter is required at the time of application. Cover letters should document relevant experience and education, while highlighting personal investment in Alaskan fisheries and outdoor activities. A complete cover letter will mention the applicant's level of experience in the five categories listed in the "Who we are lookng for" section of thejob posting.

Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online or, if unable to attach to your application, fax or email it to the contact provided in the job posting. Your cover letter will be used to help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process. FIREARMS This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition.

In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position. A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law; and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim. If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.

EDUCATION To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competences, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required.

(Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S

education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence

WORK EXPERIENCE If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer's name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.

NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting. MULTIPLE VACANCIES This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy.

The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies. EEO STATEMENT The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aids or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer

NOTICE If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located athttps://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword. WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area

Requests for information may also be emailed torecruitment.services@alaska.gov. For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword Contact Information For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager: Luke Henslee, Fishery Biologist 2 Phone: (907) 443-8185 luke.henslee@alaska.gov


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About State of Alaska

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Alaska is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental body responsible for running the state, the largest in the U.S. by area. This body's responsibilities include public utilities, healthcare, transportation, environmental protection, and public safety services among others. Designed to serve the interests of the Alaskan people, it was established in 1959 when Alaska was officially accepted as the 49th U.S. State. The official website, alaska.gov, is a comprehensive resource offering access to a multitude of departments, services, and information pertaining to the state.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Anchorage, AK, US

Year founded

1959

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