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Entry Level Physics Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Research Scientist

Blacksburg, VA

Research Scientist Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536310 Work type: Research Faculty ... D. in civil and environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, physics ...

Williammary

Research Scientist

Gloucester Point, VA

$65K/yr

Integrate AI methodologies with physics-based numerical models * Explore hybrid modeling frameworks ... Present research findings at scientific conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings * Support ...

MIT Human Resources

Research Scientist 2

Cambridge, MA · On-site

Will have the freedom to pursue their own research interests in plasma physics and fusion; take on ... scientific journals and present at scientific conferences. It is expected that some research ...

Caltech

Research Scientist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

... research results. * Assist in drafting manuscripts for publication in scientific journals and ... Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field plus two years of relevant work experience.

Pae

Research Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site

The Division's scientists and engineers perform collaborative research with scientists affiliated ... Acoustics research spans classical and quantum physics, signal processing, the impact of fluid ...

Chai Discovery, Inc

Research Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About Chai Discovery Chai is a research lab working on AI to unlock biology. Our models design new ... Our team hails from physics, math, theoretical computer science, computational biology and related ...

PhysicsX

Research Scientist

New York, NY · On-site

By enabling high-fidelity, multi-physics simulation through AI inference across the entire ... Own Research work-streams at different levels, depending on seniority. * Discuss the results and ...

INFICON

Associate Research Scientist

East Syracuse, NY · On-site

You will work in our research team in Syracuse, collaborating with a group of around 20 scientists who have backgrounds in physics, chemistry, and other STEM fields. Our team specializes in Residual ...

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Entry Level Physics Research Scientist information

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$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do entry level physics research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level physics research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Physics Research Scientist vs Physics Laboratory Technician?

AspectEntry Level Physics Research ScientistPhysics Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics or related field; research experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's in Physics, Engineering, or related field; technical training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, or corporate R&DEducational institutions, research labs, or industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government, or private research sectorsEducational institutions, research facilities, or manufacturing companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Entry Level Physics Research Scientist typically conducts experiments, analyzes data, and contributes to research projects in academic or industrial settings. In contrast, Physics Laboratory Technicians focus on supporting experiments, maintaining equipment, and assisting researchers. Both roles require a background in physics, but the scientist role emphasizes research and analysis, while the technician role centers on technical support and lab operations.

Is a physics degree worth it in 2026?

For an entry level physics research scientist, a physics degree remains valuable as it provides foundational knowledge, analytical skills, and familiarity with scientific tools like MATLAB or Python. The demand for physics graduates is steady in research, academia, and industry roles that require problem-solving and technical expertise, though career prospects depend on specialization and additional experience.

Is a BS in physics worth it?

A BS in physics provides a strong foundation for entry-level physics research scientist roles, often requiring skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, and programming. While it can lead to research positions, further education or specialization may enhance job prospects and salary potential.

How to become a research scientist in physics?

To become an entry-level physics research scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced positions. Gaining experience through internships, developing strong analytical and laboratory skills, and familiarity with scientific tools and programming languages like MATLAB or Python are also important steps.

Does NASA hire physicists?

Yes, NASA hires physicists for roles in research, mission development, and technology development. These positions often require a strong background in physics, relevant research experience, and advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. in physics or related fields.
More about Entry Level Physics Research Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Physics Research Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Physics Research Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Physics Research Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Physics Research Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Physics Research Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Physics Research Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physics Research Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physics Research Scientist jobs are:
Entry Level Physics Research Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Physics Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Physics Visiting Research Scientist

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 3 days ago

Carnegie Mellon University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a Visiting Research Scientist for a full-time, fixed-term, 5-week appointment within the Condensed Matter research group under the supervision of Professor Michael Widom.
This temporary position is scheduled to begin on May 10, 2026, and conclude on June 10, 2026. The research project is to conduct research on the structure and thermodynamics of complex matter, including quasicrystals, glasses, and other materials.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Physics or equivalent and must be an expert in the structure and thermodynamics of quasicrystals, glass, and other complex atomistic structures.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit a CV through Interfolio. The evaluation of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the available position is filled.

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