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Junior Research Fellow Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior research scientist. * Recent (last ~5 years) representative publications in the relevant subfield, with ...

Junior Research Fellow information

What is a junior research fellow?

A Junior Research Fellow (JRF) is an entry-level research position typically offered in academic institutions, universities, or research organizations. JRFs assist senior researchers or faculty members in conducting research projects, collecting data, analyzing results, and preparing scholarly papers or reports. This position is often funded through grants and may serve as a stepping stone toward a PhD or a career in research. Eligibility usually includes having a relevant postgraduate degree and sometimes qualifying in a national-level exam such as UGC NET or CSIR NET. JRFs gain valuable experience in academic research and often contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field.

What does a junior research fellow do?

As a Junior Research Fellow (JRF), your primary responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to the preparation of research papers and reports. You will typically work closely with a principal investigator (PI), senior researchers, and sometimes graduate students, fostering a collaborative environment where sharing findings and troubleshooting experiments is common. JRFs are often expected to participate in lab meetings, present their work, and assist in grant writing or literature reviews. This role is highly collaborative, requiring effective communication and teamwork, and offers valuable exposure to advanced research methodologies, which can support your progression to more senior research positions or doctoral studies.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a junior research fellow?

To thrive as a Junior Research Fellow, you need a solid academic background in your field, strong analytical skills, and experience with research methodologies, often supported by a relevant postgraduate degree. Proficiency in data analysis tools (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), academic writing, and sometimes specialized laboratory equipment or software is typically required. Strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration and communication skills help distinguish outstanding candidates. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality research, contributing to academic projects, and supporting the advancement of knowledge in your discipline.

What is the difference between Junior Research Fellow vs Research Associate?

AspectJunior Research FellowResearch Associate
Required CredentialsMaster's degree, often pursuing PhDMaster's or PhD, depending on the project
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutionsResearch labs, industry or academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutesUniversities, research organizations, industry
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level research rolesMore experienced, project-based roles

The Junior Research Fellow typically holds a master's degree and is engaged in research activities within academic or research institutions, often pursuing a PhD. The Research Associate usually has similar or higher qualifications and works on specific research projects, sometimes in industry. While both roles involve research, the Junior Research Fellow is more focused on academic research and training, whereas the Research Associate may have broader responsibilities and experience.

What are popular job titles related to Junior Research Fellow jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Junior Research Fellow jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Research Fellow jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Research Fellow jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Junior Research Fellow jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Junior Research Fellow job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Research Fellow job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Physics Content Evaluator (LaTeX/Python)

micro1 AI

Rochester, NY • On-site, Remote

$80 - $150/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Role Title: Physics Expert (Postdoc / Junior professor)


Role Type: Contractor


Location: Remote (US, Canada, UK focused)


micro1 is engaging Physics Experts (Postdoc / Junior professor) to participate in a high-impact project supporting a customer in the science and technology sector. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters.


Scope of Work

  1. Critically evaluate and review physics solutions, mathematical derivations, and theoretical arguments generated by researchers or AI platforms.
  2. Detect errors, unjustified steps, missing assumptions, dimensional inconsistencies, and weaknesses in logic or methodology.
  3. Delineate between substantive scientific issues and stylistic or cosmetic matters, providing technically precise written feedback.
  4. Articulate and document the reasoning behind any identified flaws, ensuring actionable guidance for improvement.
  5. Recognize when correct reasoning can be optimized, and offer suggestions to sharpen or clarify the argument.
  6. Utilize LaTeX, SymPy, Python, and Jupyter to independently verify or counter-check scientific claims as appropriate.
  7. Deliver structured feedback designed to support iterative enhancement of submitted work and project outcomes.


Preferred Qualifications

  1. PhD in physics and an active record of independent research within a specialized subfield (e.g., High Energy/Mathematical Physics, Biophysics/Statistical Physics, Condensed Matter, AMO/Quantum Optics, Gravitation/Cosmology, Quantum Information, or Optical Materials).
  2. Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior research scientist.
  3. Recent (last ~5 years) representative publications in the relevant subfield, with arXiv or DOI links.
  4. Advanced proficiency with LaTeX, SymPy, Python, and Jupyter for theoretical modeling and computational validation.
  5. Demonstrated skill in reviewing the work of others—through peer review, supervision, dissertation committees, or group seminars.
  6. Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to convey nuanced, constructive feedback with technical rigor.
  7. Reliable access to high-speed internet and a computer suitable for rigorous technical work.