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Materials Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

D. in Physics, materials or device physics. Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter, CV, and statement of research interests. Applicants should arrange for three ...

The Pennsylvania State University

D. in Physics, materials or device physics. Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter, CV and statement of research interests. Applicants should arrange for three ...

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$11K

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$94.5K

How much do materials physics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials physics in the United States is $61,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is materials physics?

Materials physics is a branch of physics that studies the physical properties of materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and semiconductors. It focuses on understanding how the structure of materials at the atomic or molecular level influences their behavior and performance in various applications. Materials physicists use experimental, theoretical, and computational methods to investigate phenomena like conductivity, magnetism, and mechanical strength. Their research is essential for developing new materials with improved properties for use in technology, energy, healthcare, and other fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Physicist, you need a strong background in condensed matter physics, materials science, and advanced mathematics, typically supported by a related graduate degree. Experience with analytical tools such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and computational modeling software, as well as familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, is essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating on research and presenting findings. These competencies ensure effective investigation, innovation, and real-world application of new materials in diverse industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in materials physics research roles?

Professionals in materials physics often encounter challenges such as staying current with rapidly evolving technologies and techniques, managing complex experimental setups, and interpreting highly detailed data. Collaboration is key, as projects frequently involve interdisciplinary teams of engineers, chemists, and other physicists. Researchers must also balance time between hands-on lab work, data analysis, and writing or presenting findings, which can be demanding but highly rewarding for those passionate about innovation.

What is the difference between Materials Physics vs Materials Science?

AspectMaterials PhysicsMaterials Science
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics, Materials Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D departmentsManufacturing, product development, research labs
Industry UsageFocuses on understanding physical properties of materialsFocuses on designing and developing new materials
Common Search/ComparisonMaterials Physics vs Materials Science

Materials Physics primarily emphasizes understanding the physical properties and behaviors of materials, often through theoretical and experimental physics approaches. Materials Science, on the other hand, concentrates on designing, developing, and applying new materials for practical use. Both roles often overlap in research settings and require similar educational backgrounds, but their focus areas differ—Materials Physics leans more toward fundamental physical principles, while Materials Science emphasizes application and engineering.

What does a materials physicist do?

A materials physicist studies the physical properties of materials, such as metals, ceramics, and polymers, to understand their structure and behavior. They often use techniques like microscopy and spectroscopy, and work in research labs or industry to develop new materials or improve existing ones for applications in electronics, energy, and manufacturing.
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What states have the most Materials Physics jobs?

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Materials Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Physics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,160 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Corporate Partnerships Specialist, Materials & Physics (optics, electronics, quantum) (Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 619 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV) supports the commercialization of university technology through the development of industry-sponsored research, technology licensing, and venture creation. JHTV serves as business advisors to investigators at all ten schools of the university to enable the translation of academic research with commercial potential. The resources we provide include wraparound support for industry-sponsored research intellectual property (IP) protection and management, technology analysis, marketing and licensing support, translational and venture funding support, physical space through our FastForward innovation hubs, and professional services such as mentorship, pro bono legal and accounting services, and educational programming.
We are seeking a Corporate Partnerships Specialist, Materials & Physics (optics, electronics, quantum). Reporting to the Director Business Development & Portfolio Management, the Corporate Partnerships Specialist will help to expand the JHU corporate sponsored research portfolio with focus in the fields of Materials & Physics (optics, electronics, quantum). By combining deep faculty engagement, domain knowledge and market intelligence to cultivate, source, shape, and enable industry-sponsored research collaborations in materials and device physics, including the design, synthesis, and fabrication of devices for optics, electronics, and quantum technologies. This new role expands the work of JHTV's Corporate Partnerships team by dedicating a resource focused on a specific domain area as a technical specialist and dedicated resource. The Corporate Partnerships Specialist will also actively coordinate with other domain specialists to identify strategic cross-disciplinary research for industry funding. The role will have a dotted line to the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences Executive Vice Dean and the Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
The role proactively identifies where companies are investing, sources partnership opportunities, and works alongside our worldclass researchers to shape sponsor-ready collaboration concepts, in close coordination with other teams in JHTV. This role also serves as a liaison and bridge between the relevant departments/centers of the university and the broader JHTV organization, helping to increase connectivity and identify promising intellectual property/licensing opportunities and startup ideas.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
Faculty Engagement & Relationship Building
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with faculty, researchers, and leadership across the Aligned Departments, Centers, Institutes, and Cores.
  • Conduct regular outreach and meetings with faculty to understand research priorities, emerging projects, and collaboration interests.
  • Serve as a visible, accessible resource for faculty seeking industry engagement, providing guidance on partnership structures, timelines, and JHTV processes.
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with high-impact researchers whose work aligns with current industry investment priorities.

Market Intelligence & Opportunity Sourcing
  • Monitor industry trends, competitive landscapes, and corporate R&D priorities in Materials & Physics (optics, electronics, quantum) to identify where companies are investing.
  • Track relevant market signals including M&A activity, clinical pipeline, licensing deals, and strategic activities by target companies.
  • Translate market intelligence into actionable insights that inform faculty engagement and strategies for partnering opportunities.
  • Identify and prioritize target companies with strategic alignment to JHU's research strengths in medicinal chemistry.
  • Proactively source industry funded collaboration by leveraging, scientific networks, conferences, and internal and external referrals and warm entry points.

Partnership Development & Deal Shaping
  • Proactively scout faculty work and develop corporate partnership opportunities by matching faculty capabilities with industry needs.
  • Shape sponsor-ready collaboration concepts, including defining value propositions, research scope, deliverables and timelines.
  • Develop compelling pitch materials, research summaries, and partnership proposals tailored to prospective corporate sponsors.
  • Coordinate introductions and facilitate meetings between faculty and industry partners to advance partnership discussions and provide hand-on support to ensure readiness for industry engagement.
  • Support deal structure and contract negotiations by providing technical context, managing faculty expectations, and ensuring alignment on deal terms.

Pipeline & Portfolio Management
  • Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of prospects, opportunities, and active engagements in CRM and pipeline management tools.
  • Track the progress of opportunities through the business development lifecycle, ensuring timely follow-up and momentum.
  • Provide regular pipeline updates to the Director Business Development & Portfolio Management, and participate in pipeline review meetings.
  • Flag stalled opportunities, risks, or resource needs to ensure proactive problem-solving.

Cross-Functional Coordination & Liaising
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the Aligned Departments, Centers, Institutes, and Cores and JHTV teams, including Tech Transfer and FastForward to ensure faculty connect to the appropriate JHTV resources.
  • Identify and surface promising intellectual property, licensing opportunities, and startup ideas emerging from the research portfolio.
  • Coordinate seamless handoffs to Tech Transfer (for disclosures/IP/licensing) and FastForward (for startup support), as appropriate.
  • Collaborate closely with fellow domain-focused Corporate Partnership Specialists and other corporate partnerships team members to share best practices, identify strategic cross-disciplinary opportunities, and maintain a coherent approach.
  • Partner with Research Administration and other central offices as needed to support agreement execution and compliance.

Information Sharing & Reporting
  • Contribute to team knowledge-sharing by documenting lessons learned, successful approaches, and market insights.
  • Prepare and deliver portfolio updates, activity reports, and key metrics to JHTV and School leadership as requested.
  • Participate in regular team meetings, pipeline reviews, and strategic planning sessions.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Advanced Degree (PhD, MD) in directly related field.
  • Seven (7)+ years experience in corporate development, business development, external innovation, translational research, R&D strategy, or related roles in industry or academia.
  • U.S. Citizen or legalpermanent resident required due to Federal Export Controls.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced Degree (MS, PhD) in Materials & Physics (optics, electronics, quantum, synthesis).
  • Science and business fluency and able to engage academic researchers and industry leaders around a value proposition.
  • Working familiarity with research/innovation translation and commercialization pathways.
  • Experience supporting research collaborations in academia, industry, or similar organizations.
  • Service-minded with strong stakeholder management and communication skills including oral and writing skills.
  • Experience working in a matrix organization with primary responsibility for success while relying on a team of resources which are not direct reports.
  • Thrive in cross-functional teams with competing priorities and incomplete information.

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency
  • Business Development - Advanced
  • Commercialization Expertise - Advanced
  • Market and Opportunity Analysis - Advanced
  • Project Management - Advanced
  • Partner Relationship Management - Advanced
  • Stakeholder Engagement - Advanced
  • Interpersonal Skills General - Advanced
  • Negotiation - Advanced
  • Proposal Development and Writing - Advanced
  • Data Management and Analysis - Advanced

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.
Classified Title: Business Development Lead
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Corporate Partnerships Specialist, Materials & Physics (optics, electronics, quantum) (Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures)
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PH
Starting Salary Range: $116,600 - $204,000 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F/8:30am-5pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/Krieger School of Arts & Sciences
Department name: Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures
Personnel area: Academic and Business Centers

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876

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