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Nuclear Physics Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

$86K - $103K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Nuclear Engineer

Morocco, IN

$89K - $107K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Nuclear Engineer

Burlington, IN

$91K - $109K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Nuclear Engineer

Fremont, IN

$92K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Nuclear Engineer

Madison, IN

$90K - $108K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Nuclear Engineer

Marengo, IN

$89K - $107K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Nuclear Engineer

Peru, IN

$90K - $108K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Nuclear Engineer

Petersburg, IN

$92K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Nuclear Engineer

Hagerstown, IN

$91K - $109K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Nuclear Engineer

Richmond, IN

$88K - $105K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Nuclear Engineer

Albany, IN

$91K - $109K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Nuclear Engineer

Morristown, IN

$94K - $113K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Nuclear Engineer

Washington, IN

$84K - $101K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Nuclear Engineer

Pierceton, IN

$91K - $109K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ...

Showing results 21-40

Nuclear Physics information

See Indiana salary details

$37.1K

$109.5K

$147K

How much do nuclear physics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear physics in Indiana is $109,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,200.00 and $124,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is nuclear physics?

Nuclear physics is a branch of physics that studies the structure, properties, and behavior of atomic nuclei and the fundamental forces and particles involved. It explores phenomena such as radioactivity, nuclear reactions, and the interactions between protons and neutrons within the nucleus. Nuclear physics has many practical applications, including nuclear energy production, medical imaging (such as PET scans), and cancer treatments (radiation therapy). Researchers in this field use both experimental and theoretical approaches to understand nuclear matter and its role in the universe.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear physicist?

To thrive as a Nuclear Physicist, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, and data analysis, typically supported by a PhD in nuclear or particle physics. Familiarity with advanced laboratory equipment, simulation software, and programming languages such as Python or C++ is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help nuclear physicists stand out in research and collaborative environments. These skills and qualities are vital for conducting accurate experiments, interpreting complex data, and advancing scientific understanding in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by nuclear physicists in experimental research settings?

Nuclear physicists in experimental research often face challenges related to the complexity and precision required in experiments, such as maintaining the safety of high-energy equipment and minimizing experimental errors. They must also work with highly sensitive instruments and analyze large data sets, which requires strong technical skills and attention to detail. Collaboration is key, as projects typically involve multidisciplinary teams including engineers, technicians, and other scientists. Managing time effectively between laboratory work, data analysis, and reporting results is essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Nuclear Physics vs Nuclear Engineering?

AspectNuclear PhysicsNuclear Engineering
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, often with a PhD in physics or related fieldEngineering degree, often with a bachelor's or master's in nuclear engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesPower plants, medical facilities, research reactors
Industry UsageFundamental research, academic institutionsDesign, operation, and safety of nuclear systems

Nuclear Physics focuses on understanding atomic nuclei and fundamental particles, often in research settings. Nuclear Engineering applies this knowledge to develop and operate nuclear systems, such as reactors and medical equipment. While both fields require a strong background in physics and related credentials, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

Are nuclear physicists in high demand?

Nuclear physicists are in moderate demand, primarily in research institutions, government agencies, and specialized industries such as energy and healthcare. Employment opportunities depend on funding, technological advancements, and government projects, with strong skills in data analysis, programming, and laboratory techniques being valuable. Overall, the field offers stable employment but limited growth compared to other STEM careers.

What can you do with a nuclear physics degree?

A nuclear physics degree prepares individuals for careers in research, nuclear energy, medical physics, and radiation safety. Graduates often work in laboratories, power plants, or healthcare settings, utilizing skills in data analysis, modeling, and instrumentation. Advanced positions may require additional certifications or advanced degrees.

What jobs are there in nuclear physics?

Jobs in nuclear physics include research scientist, nuclear engineer, radiation safety officer, and nuclear technician. These roles often require advanced degrees in physics or engineering, knowledge of nuclear materials, and familiarity with safety protocols and specialized equipment. Employment can be found in research laboratories, government agencies, healthcare facilities, and the nuclear power industry.

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Physics jobs in Indiana?

For Nuclear Physics jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Nuclear Physics jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Nuclear Physics job openings:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Physics job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,531 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Post Doc Research Associate

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

314th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Post Doc Research Associate
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Data-Driven Physics, ML/AI, and Advanced Detector R&D
The High Energy Physics Group at Purdue University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary research program at the intersection of data-intensive physics with nuclear/particle aspects, advanced detector R&D, machine learning and AI and emerging computational methods in quantum computing.
The position is intended for an excellent and broadly interested postdoctoral researcher with strong computational and data-analysis expertise who is interested in applied problems across experimental physics. The successful candidate contributes to applied nuclear and particle physics research leveraging machine learning and AI for data analysis and detector development, as well as exploratory work in quantum algorithms, depending on background and interests.
Core responsibilities and research directions include:
  • Applied nuclear physics and spectroscopy, focusing on the analysis of data from photon spectrometer detectors recording nuclear collisions. A central component of this work is the development and application of machine-learning and AI techniques to identify weak, rare, or previously unknown nuclear transitions in complex spectral data.
  • Advanced computational and data-science methods, including modern ML/AI workflows for pattern recognition, clustering, anomaly detection, and inference in large and noisy datasets. Exploratory work in quantum algorithms and quantum annealing for physics-driven optimization problems is also part of the research portfolio.
  • Detector R&D for future facilities, leveraging Purdue's infrastructure for detector development. The group operates a center of excellence for composite manufacturing and simulation for detector mechanics and cooling, as well as in-house facilities for the design, development, and construction of silicon detectors.

There is an optional opportunity to contribute a limited fraction of effort to research within the CMS experiment at CERN, particularly were expertise in ML/AI, data analysis, or detector-related topics can synergize with ongoing efforts.
The postdoctoral researcher will work in a collaborative environment, mentor graduate and undergraduate students as appropriate, and contribute to publications and future research proposals.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in experimental particle physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, engineering, computer science, or a closely related field (by start date)
Strong background in data analysis, computing, and scientific programming
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research
Experience with machine learning / AI is highly desirable
Prior exposure to nuclear physics data, detector systems, or scientific instrumentation is an advantage but not required
Interest in interdisciplinary research spanning physics, computation, and advanced instrumentation
Appointment & Environment
Initial appointment for one year, renewable subject to performance and funding
Competitive salary and full benefits
Access to extensive computational, laboratory, and detector-development resources
A collaborative research environment with strong ties to national laboratories, international experiments, and interdisciplinary AI initiatives at Purdue
Application Process
The position is available starting immediately and applications will be considered until the position is filled. The appointment is initially for one year and renewable annually, subject to mutual satisfaction. The position will be based in West Lafayette, IN, although travel to other locations is expected for a number of short trips per year and/or extended periods of time.
Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a description of research interests (2 pages), and three letters of recommendation. Complete applications will be considered immediately. Please apply to link: https://careers.purdue.edu/job/Post-Doc-Research-Associate/35390-en_US/.
For information about the position, please contact Prof. Andreas Jung (anjung@purdue.edu ).

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