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Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$74K/yr

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

US Department of the Air Force

$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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How much do interdisciplinary physical scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 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.

What careers can you get with a physical science degree?

An interdisciplinary physical scientist can pursue careers in research, environmental consulting, data analysis, or laboratory work, often in government agencies, private industry, or academia. These roles typically require strong analytical skills, knowledge of scientific tools and methods, and may involve fieldwork or data modeling. A physical science degree provides a foundation for diverse scientific and technical careers.

What are popular job titles related to Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist jobs?

For Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,521 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist (Facility Representative)

Warrenville, IL • On-site

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)external

$118K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Evaluate contractor environmental, operations, safety, and health contract compliance within a DOE facility.

  • Participate in inspections of facilities to assess compliance with safety and environmental standards.

  • Participate in investigations of facility accidents, equipment failures, or abnormal operational events, and verify corrective actions.

U.S. Department Of Energy rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

This position is part of the Office of Science - Fermi Site Office, Department of Energy. As a Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist (Facility Representative), you serve as the on-site Facility Representative with responsibility for evaluating contractor environmental, operations, safety, and health contract compliance within a specified U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facility or facilities.
Qualifications:

You must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this series as described below.
BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR 1301 SERIES
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
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.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service.GS-13: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-12). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following:

  1. Participating in inspections of facilities (industrial, chemical, research, or environmental processing facilities) to evaluate compliance with radiation safety, health, environmental, and quality control standards.
  2. Participating in investigations of facility accidents, equipment failures, or abnormal operational events, and verifying the implementation of corrective action plans to prevent recurrence.
  3. Meeting with facility management, contractors, or key technical stakeholders to enforce safety requirements, and persuade leadership to implement safety improvements or corrective measures.

GS-14: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-13). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following:

  1. Performing independent inspections of facilities (industrial, chemical, research, or environmental processing facilities) to evaluate compliance with radiation safety, health, environmental, and quality control standards.
  2. Leading investigations of facility accidents, equipment failures, or abnormal operational events, and verifying the implementation of corrective action plans to prevent recurrence.
  3. Meeting with facility management, contractors, or key technical stakeholders to enforce safety requirements, and persuade leadership to implement safety improvements or corrective measures.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 or GS-14 levels.

Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration.
CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must (1) meet all of the requirements as described in this section; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.
BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR 1301 SERIES
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
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.Employment Type: OTHER

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