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Experimental Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Riverside Research

Physicist

Beavercreek, OH

$110K - $160K/yr

Position Overview Riverside Research's Applied Mathematics and Physics Solutions (AMPS) group is seeking a Physicist or Engineer to conduct experimental physics research on a variety of topics. Our ...

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How much do experimental physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for experimental physics in the United States is $20.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Experimental Physicist, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, and scientific methodology, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. in physics or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and programming languages like Python or MATLAB is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you design experiments, interpret results, and collaborate with diverse research teams. These competencies are vital for advancing scientific knowledge, ensuring accurate experimentation, and making meaningful contributions to the field.

Does NASA accept physicists?

Yes, NASA employs physicists in various roles related to research, space science, and engineering. Physicists working at NASA often hold advanced degrees and may need security clearances, with opportunities available in laboratories, mission planning, and data analysis.

What is the difference between Experimental Physics vs Applied Physics?

AspectExperimental PhysicsApplied Physics
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, often with research experiencePhysics or engineering degree, sometimes with specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government facilitiesIndustrial labs, technology companies, research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government, research institutionsPrivate sector, manufacturing, technology development
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research-focused rolesExploring practical applications of physics

Experimental Physics involves conducting experiments to understand fundamental physical principles, often in academic or research settings. Applied Physics focuses on using physics principles to develop practical solutions and technologies in industry. While both roles require a strong physics background, Experimental Physics emphasizes research and discovery, whereas Applied Physics emphasizes application and product development.

Where do Experimental Physicists work?

Experimental Physicists typically work in research laboratories, universities, government agencies, and private industry facilities. They often conduct experiments using specialized equipment such as particle accelerators, telescopes, or cryogenic systems, and may work in teams or independently depending on the project. Their work environment can include both office settings and on-site laboratory spaces, with schedules that may involve long hours during experiments or data collection phases.

What are some common challenges experimental physicists face when conducting research projects?

Experimental physicists often encounter challenges such as designing and building complex apparatus, troubleshooting unexpected technical issues, and ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of results. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams is essential, as projects may require expertise in electronics, programming, or engineering. Additionally, securing funding and access to specialized facilities can be competitive, making project planning and communication skills crucial for success.

What does an experimental physicist do?

An experimental physicist conducts experiments to investigate physical phenomena, often designing and building equipment, collecting data, and analyzing results to test theories or develop new technologies. They work in laboratories or research facilities, using tools like particle accelerators, lasers, and detectors, and often collaborate with other scientists to advance understanding in fields such as quantum mechanics, condensed matter, or astrophysics.

What do Experimental Physicists make?

Experimental Physicists typically earn salaries ranging from $60,000 to over $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. They often work in research institutions, laboratories, or industry settings, utilizing specialized equipment and techniques to conduct experiments and analyze data.

What do experimental physicists do?

Experimental physicists investigate the fundamental properties of matter, energy, and the forces of nature by conducting experiments. They design and build instruments, perform measurements, and analyze data to test scientific theories or discover new phenomena. Their work ranges from studying subatomic particles in high-energy physics to exploring new materials and technologies. Experimental physicists often collaborate with engineers, theorists, and other scientists and may work in universities, research institutes, or industry.
More about Experimental Physics jobs
What cities are hiring for Experimental Physics jobs? Cities with the most Experimental Physics job openings:
What states have the most Experimental Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for Experimental Physics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Experimental Physics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Experimental Physics jobs are:
Experimental Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Experimental Physics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Physics

Assistant Professor of Physics

Carleton University

Northfield, MN • On-site

$87K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Carleton College invites applications for a tenure-track position in experimental physics (Assistant Professor of Physics) that would normally begin September 1, 2027. Applications received by Sept. 15, 2026 will receive priority consideration. Members of groups traditionally underrepresented in physics, including those with non-traditional career paths, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Our Institution: Carleton College is a highly-ranked liberal arts college of 2,000 students located in the two-college town of Northfield Minnesota. Notable features include:
  • Urban Access: Northfield is 45 miles from Minneapolis - St. Paul (where MSP International airport is a Delta hub) and a similar distance from Rochester, home of the Mayo Clinic.
  • Outdoor Opportunities: Our campus includes an 800-acre arboretum, and the region contains a network of state parks, lakes, and trails.
  • Student Body: Our students are our greatest asset. We are particularly interested in candidates committed to teaching students from a variety of backgrounds. Carleton is committed to developing its faculty to better reflect the composition of our student body and American society.

Our Physics & Astronomy Department:
  • Who we are: We are eight faculty members and four staff members. Annually, we graduate 15-30 majors, and about 10% of the students on campus take introductory courses with us.
  • How we grow: Our strong collegial culture of learning and innovating together enriches our approaches to teaching, research, and service, and informs how we adapt to ongoing changes across higher education and in our field.
  • Facilities we have: We have recently built or updated our well-equipped and modern teaching and research spaces, including faculty research labs, a computational research suite, an instrument shop, and a makerspace. Goodsell Observatory has both historic and modern optical telescopes for curricular and co-curricular use.

You should have:
  • A Ph.D. in Physics or a related field. Candidates who are near the completion of a Ph.D. may also be considered
  • A strong experimental physics research background that expands the research specialities in the department.
  • A strong interest in teaching undergraduates in a liberal arts environment.

Things you will do:
  • Teach the equivalent of five courses per year. Lab sections count as half a course each.
  • Advise students on their senior project (comps).
  • Involve students in your research.
  • Be a part of departmental initiatives and events.
  • Serve as an academic advisor and on college committees (after your first year).

Things you can choose to do:
  • Engage the community with outreach.
  • Collaborate on teaching or research projects with other departments or campus centers.

Integrated within all that you do:
  • Help cultivate a welcoming community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We strive to foster an environment where all people can be themselves, build community, learn, and grow.

How we will support you:
We support new faculty in creating a professional trajectory that suitably balances teaching, research, and other interests. Carleton offers a competitive benefits package and is prepared to provide start-up funding to enable the successful candidate to establish and develop a research program suitable to an undergraduate institution of Carleton's quality where both teaching and research are prized. The Learning and Teaching Center provides resources and professional development for teaching as well as mentoring for new faculty. Some internal funding is available for supporting research, and the Grants Office supports external funding proposals.
To apply, submit online:
  • Cover letter - describing why this particular position is of interest to you.
  • Teaching statement - (2-3 pages) describing your approach to teaching that discusses ideas or techniques you would like to pursue or have tried in prior teaching experiences including TAing or tutoring. Address how your approach would engage a student body with broad diversity including preparation, career interests, identities, and the intersections between them.
  • Research statement - (2-3 pages) describing your research interests for an audience of physicists who are not experts in your subfield. Provide examples demonstrating how undergraduates could participate in your research projects, including how they might engage, what they would learn, and what they would produce.
  • CV

After passing through an initial screening process, applicants may receive a request for the contact information for three references who can speak to their abilities in teaching, research, and collaborative engagement. Letters of recommendation may be requested as soon as September 29th for potential finalists.
The expected starting salary range for this position is between $87,480 - $93,290. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. Carleton also offers a robust suite of benefits including:
  • A generous 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution
  • Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Carleton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, status with regard to public assistance, disability, or age in providing employment or access to its educational facilities and activities.

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