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Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$74K/yr

Skill to integrate an interdisciplinary team of professionals to include attorneys, public health specialists, public affairs specialists, biological scientists, environmental engineers, physical ...

$74K/yr

Skill to integrate an interdisciplinary team of professionals to include attorneys, public health specialists, public affairs specialists, biological scientists, environmental engineers, physical ...

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Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist information

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$44K

$81.5K

$151K

How much do interdisciplinary physical scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for interdisciplinary physical scientist in the United States is $81,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist?

An Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist is a professional who applies knowledge from multiple scientific fields—such as physics, chemistry, geology, and environmental science—to solve complex problems or conduct research. They often work on projects that require integrating methods and concepts from different scientific disciplines. Common work environments include government agencies, research institutions, and private industry. Their responsibilities may include data analysis, field studies, laboratory work, and developing scientific models. This role typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in a physical science or a related field.

How do Interdisciplinary Physical Scientists typically collaborate with professionals from other scientific fields?

Interdisciplinary Physical Scientists frequently work on teams that bring together experts from various scientific backgrounds such as chemistry, biology, geology, and environmental science. This collaboration often involves sharing data, jointly developing research methodologies, and integrating different scientific perspectives to address complex problems. Effective communication and a willingness to learn from colleagues in other disciplines are essential for success in this role. These collaborative efforts not only enhance project outcomes but also foster professional growth and cross-disciplinary innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist, you need a strong background in physical sciences such as chemistry, physics, or geology, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with scientific analysis software, laboratory instrumentation, and data modeling systems is often required, along with knowledge of relevant regulations or standards. Critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines are essential soft skills. These capabilities enable professionals to conduct rigorous scientific investigations, interpret complex data, and contribute to multidisciplinary solutions for scientific and societal challenges.
Infographic showing various Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,521 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
INTERDISCIPLINARY PHYSICAL SCIENTIST/ OCEANOGRAPHER/ GEOPHYSICIST

INTERDISCIPLINARY PHYSICAL SCIENTIST/ OCEANOGRAPHER/ GEOPHYSICIST

US Department of the Navy

Stennis Space Center, MS

$106K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

You will serve as an INTERDISCIPLINARY PHYSICAL SCIENTIST/ OCEANOGRAPHER/ GEOPHYSICIST in the Ocean Products Division (N91), Ocean Projects Department (N9), Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) of NAVOCEANO BAY ST LOUIS.
This is a RE-ADVERTISEMENT of Announcement Number: ST-12955211-26-KSW. Applicants that have previously applied NEED to re-apply to this announcement.Qualifications:In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Experience utilizing oceanography, acoustics, geophysics, hydrography, or related work, acquired by a formal professional education and job-related experience in the earth, engineering, technical, or physical sciences.
  • Experience collecting data to support the physical sciences and the implications of their use under U.S. policies and international law.
  • Experience developing work packages for installation and/or modification of the scientific survey suite and physical plant of survey vessels.
  • Experience coordinating complex engineering projects that encompass the consolidation of oceanographic, hydrographic, and bathymetric survey methodology with sound marine practices.
  • Experience preparing survey plans, concepts of operations, and operational specifications for NAVOCEANO multi-purpose surveys.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/general-physical-science-series-1301/
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/oceanography-series-1360/
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/geophysics-series-1313/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Applicants must meet the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Applicants must possess
General Physical Science Series, 1301
Basic Requirements:
  1. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
or
  1. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

***A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.***
Oceanography Series 1360
Basic Requirements:
  1. Degree: major study of at least 24 semester hours in oceanography or a related discipline such as physics, meteorology, geophysics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, geology, or biology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of oceanography, physics, geophysics, chemistry, mathematics, meteorology, computer science, and engineering sciences.
or
  1. Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Applicants who qualify on the basis of major study in biology or geology must have had at least 6 semester hours in the major directly concerned with marine science or 6 semester hours in oceanography; applicants who qualify on the basis of other physical sciences or engineering must have had differential and integral calculus and at least 6 semester hours in physics.
***A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.***
Geophysics Series 1313
Basic Requirements:
  1. Degree: that included at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.).
or
  1. Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

***A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.***Employment Type: OTHER

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