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$39K

$46.9K

$52.5K

How much do high energy physics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for high energy 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 the difference between High Energy Physics vs Particle Physicist?

AspectHigh Energy PhysicsParticle Physicist
Required credentialsPhysics degree, PhD often preferredPhysics degree, PhD often preferred
Work environmentResearch labs, universities, large collidersResearch labs, universities, large colliders
Industry usageFundamental research in physicsFundamental research in physics
Common search intentUnderstanding research focus and rolesSimilar research roles in physics

High Energy Physics and Particle Physicist are closely related, often overlapping in credentials and work environment. High Energy Physics specifically focuses on studying fundamental particles and forces at high energies, typically involving large-scale experiments like colliders. Particle Physicist is a broader term that includes professionals working in similar research settings, often specializing in particle interactions. Both roles are essential in advancing our understanding of the universe's fundamental building blocks.

What is high energy physics?

High energy physics, also known as particle physics, is the branch of physics that studies the fundamental particles of the universe and the forces by which they interact. Researchers in this field use powerful particle accelerators and detectors to probe matter at extremely small scales and high energies. The goal is to understand the basic building blocks of the universe, such as quarks, leptons, and bosons, as well as phenomena like the Higgs boson and dark matter. High energy physics has led to many important discoveries and technologies, advancing our understanding of the universe.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in High Energy Physics research projects?

Professionals in High Energy Physics often work on large, collaborative projects that can span multiple institutions and countries. A common challenge is coordinating effectively within multidisciplinary teams, especially when experiments involve complex hardware and vast amounts of data. Additionally, securing funding and access to major facilities, such as particle accelerators, can be competitive and requires strong project management skills. Adapting to rapidly evolving technology and analytical methods is also essential, making continuous learning a key part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a High Energy Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a High Energy Physicist, you need a deep understanding of physics and mathematics, typically supported by a Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field. Expertise in data analysis tools such as ROOT, programming languages like Python or C++, and experience with particle accelerators or detectors are commonly required. Strong problem-solving ability, analytical thinking, and effective collaboration and communication skills set outstanding physicists apart. These competencies are essential for advancing research, interpreting complex experimental data, and working within large, international scientific teams.
More about High Energy Physics jobs
What cities are hiring for High Energy Physics jobs? Cities with the most High Energy Physics job openings:
What states have the most High Energy Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for High Energy Physics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching High Energy Physics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for High Energy Physics jobs are:
High Energy Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various High Energy Physics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,902 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Associate Lab Director, Fundamental Physics

Associate Lab Director, Fundamental Physics

Jefferson Lab

Newport News, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

At Jefferson Lab, you'll champion cutting-edge science and operational excellence while shaping the future of discovery. Join us and make your mark - where excellence meets purpose, and great minds truly matter.
What your job will be like:
The Associate Laboratory Director, Fundamental Physics (ALD, Fundamental Physics) provides strategic and operational leadership for Jefferson Laboratory's Fundamental Physics Directorate, responsible for delivering Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) operations and advancing non-CEBAF physics programs. This role oversees Nuclear Theory, EIC Science, and High Energy Physics (HEP), driving a cohesive portfolio that advances discovery at the frontiers of nuclear and particle physics. The ALD, Fundamental Physics ensures world-class execution of EIC science while strengthening theoretical and experimental programs that position the Laboratory as a leader in fundamental physics. Through visionary leadership and strong partnerships across DOE Office of Science and the global research community, the ALD, Fundamental Physics will expand Jefferson Laboratory's impact in nuclear structure, QCD, and beyond-Standard-Model physics, while preparing the Laboratory for the next generation of flagship scientific programs.
In this job you will:
  • Advance scientific excellence and impact of the Fundamental Physics Capability, including implementation of the community driven Long-Range Plan for Nuclear Science.
  • Responsible for delivering EIC operations and non-CEBAF physics and nuclear theory, these include EIC Science and HEP Science.
  • Advance crosscutting TJNAF initiatives that combine unique capabilities across the Laboratory to accelerate laboratory-wide scientific impact.
  • Serve as a member of the Directorate, sharing responsibility for the excellence in science and technology, operational excellence, and community engagement at TJNAF.
  • Lead division-wide talent strategies by championing leadership development, robust succession planning, and continuous performance coaching.
  • Work with Directorate and Lab Director's Office to identify and implement other Laboratory research priorities, including thorough strategic use of LDRD (Laboratory-Directed Research and Development).
  • Create and nurture an environment that promotes and embraces a multi-faceted workforce and champions the TJNAF values of impact, teamwork, safety, integrity and service.
  • Provide Fundamental Physics perspectives on Laboratory-Level decisions and key Laboratory committees.
  • Lead self-assessments, planning and tracking for Fundamental Physics elements associated with the Laboratory Agenda, Annual Laboratory Plan, and other performance tools.
  • Enhance postdoctoral, visitor programs and strategic engagement with university partners.
  • Implement management systems, operations, safety, compliance, and performance assessments across the Fundamental Physics capability.
  • Review corrective actions that have Laboratory-wide impacts with particular emphasis on those that are documented and managed by tracking systems external to TJNAF.

Lead - Supervisory - Management
  • Perform line management of the Fundamental Physics leadership, including Theory and EIC Physic Division Directors
  • Identify key organizational staffing needs, recruit and develop S&T staff to be future leaders/mentors.
  • Lead and manage, through direct report and matrixed staff, the Theory and EIC Physics Division staff.

Experience
  • Required: 20 or more years International recognition and demonstrated accomplishments
  • Required: 5 or more years Demonstrated executive management experience, including developing and leading large complex and multidisciplinary research programs and/or user facilities
  • Required: Demonstrated experience of successfully developing, implementing, and executing scientific strategy with engagement from critical stakeholders
  • Required: Experience communicating with key stakeholders, clients, program sponsors, internal staff, and the security/intelligence community
  • Preferred: Proven commitment to safety and integrity
  • Track record of using particle facilities for scientific discovery

Education
  • Required: Ph.D.

Experience and Education Exchange
Education above the minimum may not be substituted for experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Extensive knowledge of particle facilities for scientific discovery.
  • Ability to lead and manage complex technical scope.
  • Ability to establish priorities, assess competing resource demands and make decisions that optimize performance.
  • Familiarity with the Department of Energy.
  • Proficiency in financial analysis and forecasting.
  • Strong analytical, writing, and speaking skills with the ability to organize, analyze, and implement complex topics and initiatives, with attention to detail.
  • Capable of handling multiple competing priorities in a complex R&D environment.
  • Commitment to safety, high standard of ethics and integrity.

About Jefferson Lab
Join a community with a common purpose of solving the most challenging scientific and engineering problems of our time. The Jefferson Lab campus is located in southeastern Virginia amidst a vibrant and growing technology community.
A career at Jefferson Lab is more than a job. You will be part of "big science" and work alongside top scientists and engineers from around the world unlocking the secrets of our visible universe. Managed by SURATech, LLC, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is entering an exciting period of mission growth and is seeking new team members ready to apply their skills and passion to have an impact. You could call it work, or you could call it a mission. We call it a challenge. We do things that will change the world.
Total Rewards at Jefferson Lab
At Jefferson Lab, we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans • Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (Paid Parental, vacation, holidays, and sick leave)
• 401(k) Plan - 9% Lab Contribution; 100% vested • Flexible Work Arrangements
(Remote & Alternate Work Schedules available)
• Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
• Live near the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay region with access to nearby beaches,
mountains, and all major metropolitan centers on the East Coast
SURATech, LLC manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). SURATech is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
SURATech is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities (unless doing so will result in an undue hardship). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting@jlab.org or contact Human Resources by calling (757) 269-7100 and selecting option 1 between 8 am - 5 pm EST to provide the nature of your request.
Employment with SURATech is conditional upon DOE approval if at any time during your employment you are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Program or Affiliated activity. Generally, such programs/activities include any foreign-state-sponsored attempt to acquire U.S.-funded scientific research through programs run or funded by the government that target scientists, engineers, students, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs of all nationalities working or educated in the United States. This includes positions or appointments, both domestic and foreign, titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments whether or not remuneration is received and whether full-time, part-time or voluntary.

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