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National Physics Lab Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

... Lab locations. LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to ... physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements ...

National Physics Lab information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$5

$19

$24

How much do national physics lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for national physics lab in Baton Rouge, LA is $19.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $24.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between National Physics Lab vs Physicist?

AspectNational Physics LabPhysicist
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) in physics or related fieldsRequires a degree in physics; advanced degrees often preferred for research roles
Work EnvironmentResearch laboratories, government agencies, or academic institutionsResearch labs, universities, government agencies, or private industry
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment research institutions, national labs, scientific agenciesAcademic institutions, research organizations, private sector companies

The National Physics Lab is a specific research institution focused on applied physics research and development, often employing physicists. A physicist is a professional working in various settings, including labs, academia, or industry, conducting research or applied work in physics. While the lab employs physicists, the roles differ in scope: the lab is an organization, whereas a physicist is a professional working within or outside such institutions.

What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for National Physics Lab jobs? Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most National Physics Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various National Physics Lab job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,072 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

General Computing Intern

Caltech

Livingston, LA • On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled General Computing Intern to join its team.
LIGO's General Computing Intern will work in-person, on-site at the LIGO Livingston Observatory for approximately 10-15 hours per week. This is a great opportunity for a student to work with the General Computing team at a cutting-edge science facility and to learn to collaborate with teammates both in-person and at remote LIGO Lab locations.
LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory's mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach.
For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at www.ligo.caltech.edu
This position is located in Livingston, LA and requires the intern to work on-site and in-person with the observatory team for up to 15 hours per week throughout the year and not just during the summer.
Essential Job Duties
The intern will:
  • Work with senior staff to provide technical support and assistance to LIGO staff on their laboratory-provided computers and software.
  • Work with senior staff to provide software installation and removal as needed, as well as e-mail, anti-virus, anti-malware configuration assistance for users.
  • Prepare documentation of procedures for such software and configuration assistance.
  • Work with senior staff to perform diagnosis of hardware issues on user's computers.
  • Assist with system backups and restoration, and operating system updates to solve user's issues.
  • Perform printer maintenance such as toner replacement and clearing of paper jams.
  • Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications
  • Enrollment as student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or related field of study.
  • At least two years of baccalaureate-level course work in Computer Science or related field of study.
  • Ability to work up to 15 hours/week during the semester, additional hours/week are available during summer break.
  • Working knowledge of Windows or Macintosh operating systems.
  • Some experience with network configuration on Windows or Macintosh systems.
  • Familiarity with different Internet browsers and office productivity software.
  • Good interpersonal communication skills.
  • Good problem resolution skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in a networked, multi-user computer environment.
  • TCP/IP configuration knowledge and experience troubleshooting wired and wireless network connections.
  • Experience with computer hardware such as building a PC and trouble-shooting and replacing components.
  • Experience with system restorations from backups and upgrading operating system versions.
  • Proven ability to troubleshoot and identify problems.

Required Documents
  • Cover Letter that summarizes your relevant experience from work or school, as well as why you would like to work at LIGO.
  • Resume.

Hiring Range
$19.00 - $22.00 per hour
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
Disability Accommodations
Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.
If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.
Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.