ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Particle Physicist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

AP Physics 2 Tutor

Laurel, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Bernoulli principle, Coulomb law, Faraday law, and wave-particle duality while preparing students for the AP Physics 2 examination. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled ...

Varsity Tutors

AP Physics 2 Tutor

Bowie, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Bernoulli principle, Coulomb law, Faraday law, and wave-particle duality while preparing students for the AP Physics 2 examination. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled ...

Varsity Tutors

AP Physics 2 Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Bernoulli principle, Coulomb law, Faraday law, and wave-particle duality while preparing students for the AP Physics 2 examination. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsParticle Physicist JobsParticle Physicist Jobs in Washington

Particle Physicist information

See Washington salary details

$44.7K

$107.4K

$256.5K

How much do particle physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for particle physicist in Washington is $107,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,800.00 and $126,800.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Particle Physicist jobs in Washington? For Particle Physicist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Particle Physicist jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Particle Physicist jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Particle Physicist jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Particle Physicist job openings:
Particle Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Particle Physicist job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,375 per year, or $51.6 per hour.
Detector Development Physicist

Detector Development Physicist

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site, Remote

$85K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Summary
NIST is seeking a Detector Development Physicist to join the Neutron Physics Group. This position involves conducting experimental work to advance fundamental research in neutron physics and measurement, specifically testing new designs for detecting low-energy charged particles.
This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
As a Detector Development Physicist, this role focuses on detecting low-energy charged particles.
The Candidate will:
  • Conduct experimental work to perform fundamental research in neutron physics and measurement.
  • Test new Time-Kinetic Induction Detectors (TKIDs) designed for the detection of low-energy charged particles, gather data from various sources in our current test facility, and analyze the data.
  • Document research findings and present them to project and group leaders in an organized manner.
  • Maintain Monte Carlo simulations of device-particle interactions and provide projections of device sensitivity.
  • Collaborate with research groups, technical teams, and external experts to coordinate efforts and resolve complex challenges.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment
  • Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications
Individual Occupational Requirements
Basic Requirements:
A. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics.
OR
B. Combination of education and experiencecourses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.
AND
In addition to the basic qualifications above, applicants must possess one of the following to qualify:
A. One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level (ZP-II at NIST).
Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Experience using Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detector.
  • Processing Monte Carlo simulation of low-energy particles, including 1 MeV and below.
  • Managing and operating Cryogenic systems.
  • Experience in digitizing waveform analysis and RF electronics.

OR
B. Master's or equivalent graduate degree
OR
C. Combination of education and experience
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.
If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration
Education
This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment.
Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application.
Additional information
This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!
  • We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
  • Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
  • You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
  • All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
  • A trial period may be required. The trial period is for the duration of the term appointment.
  • The initial appointment will be for 13 months.
  • This appointment may be extended up to six years without further competition.
  • The position may be non-competitive converted to a career or career-conditional appointment without further competition.

NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information, please visit our Careers website.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Apply