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Heavy Ion Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Colorado

Temporary Researcher

Boulder, CO · On-site

$19.23 - $21.63/hr

Job Summary The experimental heavy ion group at at the University of Colorado Boulder invites ... What We Require * Undergraduate degree or higher in physics, math, or computer science.

720CS

Medical Physicist

Dallas, TX

D. degree in Medical Physics or a related field and postdoctoral training and a minimum of 5 years ... image-guided therapy, heavy ion therapy, and automatic treatment planning to artificial ...

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Heavy Ion Physics information

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$39K

$46.9K

$52.5K

How much do heavy ion physics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for heavy ion physics in the United States is $46,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $50,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is heavy ion physics?

Heavy ion physics is a branch of nuclear physics that studies the properties and behavior of atomic nuclei when they collide at high energies, particularly with ions heavier than hydrogen, such as gold or lead. Researchers use particle accelerators to create these collisions and investigate phenomena like the quark-gluon plasma, a state of matter believed to have existed just after the Big Bang. This field helps scientists understand the fundamental forces and building blocks of the universe, as well as the behavior of matter under extreme conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heavy ion physicist?

To thrive as a Heavy Ion Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, advanced mathematics, and often a Ph.D. in nuclear or particle physics. Proficiency in data analysis software, programming languages like Python or C++, and familiarity with particle accelerator systems are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on large-scale experiments and present complex findings. These skills are crucial for advancing scientific understanding and contributing to major research projects in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by heavy ion physicists in experimental research settings?

Heavy ion physicists often encounter challenges related to the complexity of experimental setups and the sheer volume of data produced during collisions. Ensuring precise calibration and synchronization of detectors, troubleshooting hardware issues, and managing data analysis pipelines are frequent tasks. Collaboration is key, as physicists regularly work in large, international teams, requiring effective communication and coordination with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, staying current with advancements in both experimental techniques and theoretical models is essential for success in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Heavy Ion Physics vs Nuclear Physicist?

AspectHeavy Ion PhysicsNuclear Physicist
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, PhD often preferred, specialized training in particle interactionsPhysics or nuclear engineering degree, PhD common, focus on nuclear reactions
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, particle accelerators, large-scale experimentsResearch facilities, nuclear reactors, laboratories
Industry UsageHigh-energy physics research, particle collision experimentsNuclear energy, medical imaging, nuclear safety
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding specialized particle physics rolesUnderstanding nuclear science careers

Heavy Ion Physics and Nuclear Physicist roles both involve advanced physics knowledge and research in nuclear-related fields. Heavy Ion Physics focuses on studying high-energy collisions of heavy ions in particle accelerators, while Nuclear Physicists work broadly on nuclear reactions, nuclear energy, and applications. Although overlapping in credentials and work environments, their specific research areas and industry applications differ.

More about Heavy Ion Physics jobs

What cities are hiring for Heavy Ion Physics jobs?

Cities with the most Heavy Ion Physics job openings:

What states have the most Heavy Ion Physics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Heavy Ion Physics jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Heavy Ion Physics jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Heavy Ion Physics jobs are:

Heavy Ion Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Ion Physics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $46,902 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Heavy-Ion Physics and Scientific Machine Learning - Postdoctoral Researcher

LLNL

Livermore, CA • On-site

$123K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to experimental heavy-ion physics, detector development, and scientific machine learning within Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Particle Physics Group. You will play a leading role in the analysis of data from the sPHENIX experiment at Brookhaven National Laboratory and the ATLAS experiment at CERN, while contributing to DOE Office of Science Nuclear Physics (DOE-NP) and Genesis Mission-funded research milestones focused on advanced AI methods for nuclear physics. Research activities span precision measurements of jet quenching, ultra-peripheral collisions, detector performance studies, and the development of next-generation machine learning techniques for particle reconstruction and multimodal data analysis. This position is in the Particle Physics Group within the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division.
Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.
You will
  • Perform physics analyses using data from the ATLAS and sPHENIX experiments to study the quark-gluon plasma, jet quenching, and heavy-ion collisions.
  • Participate in detector operations, commissioning, calibration, performance studies, and data quality monitoring within the ATLAS and sPHENIX collaborations.
  • Develop reconstruction, simulation, and analysis software using modern C++, Python, ROOT, and HPC/Grid computing resources for processing multi-petabyte experimental datasets.
  • Develop and apply state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and scientific machine learning techniques for particle identification, jet reconstruction, and event interpretation.
  • Contribute to DOE-NP and Genesis-funded project milestones focused on multimodal learning, detector performance improvements, and scalable AI methods for experimental nuclear physics.
  • Present research at collaboration meetings, DOE reviews, workshops, and international conferences.
  • Publish results in leading peer-reviewed journals.
  • Collaborate with physicists, computer scientists, and applied mathematicians across LLNL and external institutions.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Physics, Nuclear Physics, High Energy Physics or a closely related discipline.
  • Demonstrated research experience in experimental nuclear or particle physics.
  • Experience analyzing large scientific datasets using ROOT, Python, C++, or similar scientific software frameworks.
  • Experience developing scientific software in Linux environments using modern programming practices.
  • Experience with statistical analysis and uncertainty quantification.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including publications and scientific presentations.
  • Ability to work effectively in large international collaborations.

Qualifications We Desire
  • Experience with the ATLAS, sPHENIX, RHIC, LHC, CMS, ALICE, or STAR collider experiments.
  • Experience with jet physics, heavy-ion collisions, and detector performance studies.
  • Experience in scientific machine learning, deep learning, foundation models, or multimodal AI.
  • Experience with GPU programming, high-performance computing, distributed computing, or large-scale workflow management.
  • Experience developing reconstruction, simulation, or detector calibration software.
  • Familiarity with modern machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.

Pay Range
$123,048 Annually
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information
#LI-Hybrid
Position Information
This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
  • Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
  • Flexible Benefits Package
  • 401(k)
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
  • Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance
None required.However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
CaliforniaPrivacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitlesjob applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here .

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