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Neutron Scattering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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$23

$70

$99

How much do neutron scattering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for neutron scattering in California is $70.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57.40 and $82.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is neutron scattering?

A Neutron Scattering job involves using neutron beams to study the atomic and molecular structures of materials. Scientists or engineers in this field work at research facilities with neutron sources, such as reactors or spallation sources, to conduct experiments in physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science. They design experiments, analyze data, and develop new techniques to advance scientific understanding. These roles are common in research institutions, universities, and national laboratories.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in neutron scattering research?

A typical day in neutron scattering research often involves preparing and setting up experiments, operating neutron instruments, and analyzing data using specialized software. Researchers frequently collaborate with visiting scientists, technical support teams, and cross-disciplinary colleagues to plan or optimize experiments. There is also a significant focus on interpreting results, troubleshooting equipment issues, and contributing to academic publications or presentations. The work is dynamic and intellectually stimulating, with a blend of hands-on laboratory activities and data-driven research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in neutron scattering, and why are they important?

To thrive in a neutron scattering role, you generally need a strong background in physics, materials science, or a related field, often supported by a PhD or significant laboratory experience. Familiarity with neutron sources and detectors, data analysis software (such as Mantid or Python), and radiation safety certification is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication are key soft skills for success in multidisciplinary research environments. Mastery of these skills is crucial to designing experiments, analyzing complex data, and contributing effectively to scientific discovery and innovation.

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Neutron Scattering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Neutron Scattering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,575 per year, or $70.5 per hour.

Research Scientist, Materials Characterization

Periodic Labs

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$225K - $325K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

About Periodic Labs
We're an AI and physical sciences company building state-of-the-art models to accelerate breakthroughs across materials, energy, and beyond. Backed by world-class investors and growing rapidly, we operate at the pace the frontier requires. Our team brings deep expertise, genuine ownership, and an insatiable drive to push the boundaries of what's scientifically possible.
About the Role
Join a world-class team of scientists and engineers pushing the boundaries of materials research in a groundbreaking lab where AI and automation unlock discoveries at unprecedented speed and scale. As a Research Scientist within the Periodic Labs experimental effort, you bring AI predictions into reality through physics and measurement science. In this role, you will both develop new material characterization approaches and be part of the team developing autonomous discovery loops.
This is a senior, hands-on role. You will own the design and execution of high-fidelity property measurements, drive the development of high-throughput characterization schemes, and collaborate closely with AI, automation, and materials science teams to build feedback loops that accelerate discovery. You will set the standard for measurement quality and data integrity across the lab.
What You'll Do
  • Develop and perform high-fidelity thermodynamic, transport, and spectroscopic measurements of materials, including electronic, magnetic, and thermal properties
  • Design and implement rapid property measurement schemes to scale up the material characterization process and feed AI-guided discovery pipelines
  • In collaboration with the AI team, implement automated data analysis and reasoning pipelines for screened materials; contribute to feedback loop design between measurement and prediction
  • In collaboration with the engineering team, develop autonomous systems for property characterization leveraging robotics and programmable instrumentation
  • Evaluate, procure, and commission new instrumentation; develop custom measurement setups where commercial solutions are insufficient
  • Define and enforce data standards, metadata schemas, and documentation practices to ensure measurement outputs are reproducible and reusable
  • Uphold and contribute to lab safety standards, particularly around cryogenic systems, high-field magnets, and hazardous materials

You Will Thrive in This Role If You Have
  • PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or related field, with 5+ years of hands-on experience in physical property characterization
  • Deep, demonstrated expertise in electronic and magnetic property measurements, including resistivity, Hall effect, magnetometry, and heat capacity
  • Strong background in cryogenic measurements and low-noise techniques, including lock-in methods, shielding/grounding, and precision instrumentation
  • Strong track record of highly impactful research demonstrated by publications in top-tier journals and/or inventions, and recognized leadership in the field
  • Proficiency with data analysis (e.g., Python/Jupyter, familiarity with instrument SDKs a plus) and disciplined data management practices
  • Excellent scientific writing, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and strong ownership of experiment quality
  • Ability to communicate measurement requirements and findings clearly to AI, engineering, and materials science collaborators

Especially Strong Candidates May Also Have
  • Experience with automation of physical property measurement platforms (e.g., PPMS, MPMS, custom rigs)
  • Experience with the computational prediction and experimental characterization design loop
  • Experience with spectroscopic characterization techniques such as ARPES, neutron scattering, or optical spectroscopy
  • Experience with lab buildout, instrument commissioning, and process safety
  • Experience handling and managing data at scale, including LIMS or similar data infrastructure
  • Previous work at national laboratories or large-scale user facilities

Mechanics
Minimum education: Bachelor's degree or similar experience
Employment type: Full-time, 12-month term
Location: Our lab is located in Menlo Park and we prefer folks to be located in Menlo Park or San Francisco but can be flexible based on role
Compensation: $225,000-325,000 + equity
Visa sponsorship: Yes, we sponsor visas.
We're building a team of the world's best - the scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers who don't just follow the frontier, they define it. If you're driven to bring AI to life in the physical world and make discoveries that have never been made before, you belong here.

Apply