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Particle Physicist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TAE

Experimental Plasma Physicist

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

The successful candidate will join the Radiation and Energetic Particle Physics Team in the Applied Plasma Physics Division under the guidance of the Lead Scientist. * Develop and refine diagnostic ...

TAE

Accelerator Physicist - Medical Beams

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Operate particle accelerators and optimize their performance. * Assist with troubleshooting and maintenance of the accelerator systems, interacting with quality and service engineers. * Support ...

Fuse

Computational Physicist

San Leandro, CA · On-site

Implement and analyze particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations for plasma interactions and beam dynamics ... D. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. * Strong ...

Causal Labs

Strategy & Operations

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Our founding team has built and deployed AI against the physical world in robotics, drug discovery, and particle physics at institutions like DeepMind, Waymo, Cruise, Insitro, Nabla Bio, and CERN. We ...

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All JobsParticle Physicist JobsParticle Physicist Jobs in California

Particle Physicist information

See California salary details

$39K

$93.6K

$223.5K

How much do particle physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for particle physicist in California is $93,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Particle Physicist vs Nuclear Physicist?

AspectParticle PhysicistNuclear Physicist
Required credentialsPhysics degree, PhD often preferredPhysics or nuclear engineering degree, PhD often preferred
Work environmentResearch labs, universities, large collidersNuclear facilities, research reactors, laboratories
Industry usageHigh-energy physics, fundamental particlesNuclear energy, radiation, nuclear safety

Particle Physicists focus on understanding fundamental particles and forces at high-energy colliders, often working in large research facilities. Nuclear Physicists study atomic nuclei, nuclear reactions, and applications in energy and medicine. While both roles require advanced physics knowledge and similar credentials, their work environments and research focus differ significantly.

What jobs can you get with a particle physics degree?

Particle physics graduates can pursue careers as research scientists at national laboratories or universities, working on experiments and data analysis. They also find roles in data analysis, software development, and engineering in industries such as aerospace, medical imaging, and technology companies, often utilizing skills in programming, problem-solving, and complex data interpretation.

What does a particle physicist do?

A particle physicist studies the fundamental particles and forces that make up matter and the universe. They conduct experiments using large particle accelerators, analyze data, and develop theories to understand subatomic phenomena. The role often requires strong skills in physics, mathematics, and programming, along with advanced degrees such as a Ph.D.

What is the average salary of a particle physicist?

The average salary of a particle physicist in the United States typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior physicists or those working at major research institutions may earn higher salaries, especially with advanced degrees and specialized skills in data analysis and experimental design.

Is particle physics a good career?

Particle physics is a specialized field within physics that involves research at universities, laboratories, and research institutions, often requiring advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. It offers opportunities for research, data analysis, and collaboration but can be highly competitive and may involve irregular hours and funding challenges. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those passionate about fundamental science and discovery.
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What job categories do people searching Particle Physicist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Particle Physicist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Particle Physicist jobs? Cities in California with the most Particle Physicist job openings:
Particle Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Particle Physicist job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,563 per year, or $45 per hour.

Physics PhD - String Theory Expert

Mercor

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$70 - $90/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Physics PhD Experts (String theory, QFT, Particle physics & Nuclear physics)
Type: Contract
Compensation: $70–$90/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Develop challenging problems in String theory, Quantum Field theory, particle physics, or nuclear physics to inform AI innovation.
  • Collaborate with AI labs to create high-quality data for large language models.
  • Evaluate and improve AI model outputs using domain expertise.
  • Work independently and asynchronously to meet task deadlines.
  • Contribute 4-6 tasks weekly, each requiring several hours of rigorous work.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • PhD in Physics with specialization in String theory, Quantum Field theory, particle physics, or nuclear physics.
  • Graduate degree from US/UK/Canada/Western Europe.
  • High attention to detail.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent proficiency in English.

Start Date

  • February; applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.