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Internship Condensed Matter Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Working knowledge of laser physics, condensed matter physics and optical spectroscopy * Deep expertise in nonlinear optics, frequency conversion, including operation in DUV/VUV regimes * Experience ...

This role is ideal for researchers with expertise in fields such as theoretical physics, condensed matter physics, quantum information, particle physics, high-energy theory, astrophysics, cosmology ...

You will bring dedicated condensed matter and high energy physics capability into the team, working on problems that today are delivered through a borrowed virtual team drawn from across the ...

Working knowledge of laser physics, condensed matter physics and optical spectroscopy * Deep expertise in nonlinear optics, frequency conversion, including operation in DUV/VUV regimes * Experience ...

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How much do internship condensed matter physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship condensed matter physics in the United States is $15.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are internship opportunities in condensed matter physics?

Internship opportunities in condensed matter physics offer students hands-on experience in researching the properties and behaviors of solid and liquid matter. These internships are typically available at universities, research institutes, and technology companies, where interns work alongside professional physicists on experimental or theoretical projects. Tasks may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and helping to develop new materials or devices. Such internships are valuable for gaining practical skills, networking with professionals, and exploring potential career paths in physics and related fields.

What is the difference between Internship Condensed Matter Physics vs Research Assistant in Condensed Matter Physics?

AspectInternship Condensed Matter PhysicsResearch Assistant in Condensed Matter Physics
CredentialsUndergraduate or early graduate studentsGraduate students or recent graduates
Work EnvironmentTemporary, educational setting, often in labs or universitiesLonger-term research projects, labs, academic or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, industry internshipsUniversities, research labs, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentLearning opportunities, entry-level experienceResearch involvement, academic career development

Internship Condensed Matter Physics typically targets students seeking initial research experience, often as part of their education. Research Assistant roles are more advanced, involving active participation in ongoing research projects, usually requiring graduate-level credentials. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but internships are more temporary and educational, while research assistant positions are more permanent and research-focused.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern in condensed matter physics, and why are they important?

To thrive as an intern in condensed matter physics, you need a solid background in physics and mathematics, usually demonstrated by progress toward a relevant undergraduate or graduate degree. Familiarity with computational tools (such as MATLAB or Python), laboratory equipment, and data analysis software is typically important. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns excel in research environments and collaborative projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing to complex experiments and advancing scientific understanding in the field.

What types of projects do interns typically work on during a condensed matter physics internship?

During a condensed matter physics internship, interns often participate in experimental or computational research projects under the guidance of experienced physicists. Typical projects may include assisting with the setup and calibration of laboratory equipment, collecting and analyzing data from experiments involving materials like superconductors or semiconductors, or running simulations to model physical phenomena. Interns may also contribute to literature reviews and present findings to their research group, offering valuable exposure to collaborative scientific work and research methodology.
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What cities are hiring for Internship Condensed Matter Physics jobs? Cities with the most Internship Condensed Matter Physics job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Condensed Matter Physics jobs? The most popular types of Condensed Matter Physics jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Internship Condensed Matter Physics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,919 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Theory and Modeling of Dynamics in Condensed Matters

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


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Job description

Requisition Id 16647 

Overview:

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate who will focus on the physics of nonequilibrium dynamics in many-body systems. This position resides in the Quantum Heterostructures Group in the Foundational Materials Science Section, Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will closely collaborate with a team that includes condensed matter theorists, experts in neutron/X-ray scattering, and experts in thin film and single crystal materials growth and characterization. You will perform cutting-edge research on theory and modeling of dynamics in condensed matters.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Development of theoretical framework for driven and open quantum systems
  • Phenomenological modeling of dynamics/transport behaviors in complex systems, including strongly correlated electron systems
  • Experience in analyzing data from scattering experiments
  • Work with others to maintain a high level of scientific productivity
  • Publish scientific papers in key journals and present at key meetings
  • Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
  • Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

Basic Qualifications:

  • A Ph.D. degree in condensed matter physics, theoretical physics, quantum information, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years
  • Good track record in scattering theory, quantum many-body theory, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, or non-equilibrium physics.
  • Experience in phenomenological and/or computational methods for quantum/classical dynamics in complex systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Rich experience with modeling in spin or atomic dynamics will be highly advantageous
  • Basic knowledge of models of strongly correlated electron systems
  • Proficiency with scripting or programmatic languages, such as Python, c, and matlab
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs

Special Requirements:

Postdocs: Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Letters of Recommendation: Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


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