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Physicist Phd Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Physicist Phd information

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$37.1K

$89K

$212.7K

How much do physicist phd jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for physicist phd in Iowa is $89,047.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,400.00 and $105,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physicist PhD?

Physicist PhDs are individuals who have earned a doctoral degree (PhD) in physics, demonstrating advanced knowledge and research skills in the field. They typically conduct original research in areas such as quantum mechanics, condensed matter physics, or astrophysics, and contribute to scientific understanding through experiments, theory, or computational work. Many Physicist PhDs work in academic, government, or industry settings, applying their expertise to solve complex scientific and technological problems. Their work often includes publishing research, teaching, and collaborating with other scientists.

What are some common interdisciplinary collaborations that a physicist PhD might engage in, and how do these collaborations impact daily work?

Physicist PhDs often collaborate with professionals from fields like engineering, computer science, materials science, and biology, depending on their research focus. These interdisciplinary partnerships can involve joint experiments, data analysis, and developing new technologies or methodologies. Such collaborations enrich daily work by exposing physicists to diverse perspectives and innovative approaches, while also requiring strong communication and project management skills. Working across disciplines can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and broaden career opportunities within both academia and industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physicist PhD, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physicist PhD, you need advanced knowledge of physics concepts, strong analytical skills, and a doctoral degree in physics or a related field. Proficiency with scientific programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), laboratory equipment, and data analysis software is typically required. Critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration are vital soft skills for presenting research and working in multidisciplinary teams. These competencies enable physicists to drive scientific discovery, clearly convey complex ideas, and contribute valuable insights to their field.

What is the difference between Physicist Phd vs Materials Scientist?

AspectPhysicist PhdMaterials Scientist
Required credentialsPhD in Physics, advanced research experienceTypically a PhD in Materials Science or related field
Work environmentResearch labs, academia, government agenciesIndustrial labs, manufacturing, research institutions
Industry usageFundamental research, academia, government projectsProduct development, materials testing, quality control

Physicist Phd and Materials Scientist both hold advanced degrees and conduct research, but physicists focus on fundamental physical principles, while materials scientists specialize in material properties and applications. Their work environments and industry applications differ, with physicists often in academia or government labs, and materials scientists in industry settings.

Are physics PhDs employable?

Physics PhDs are highly employable in various fields such as academia, research institutions, government labs, and industry sectors like technology, engineering, and data analysis. Success often depends on additional skills like programming, experimental techniques, and communication, as well as networking and postdoctoral experience.

Is a physicist PhD worth it?

A physicist with a PhD often has access to advanced research, academic, and specialized industry roles that require deep expertise. While earning a PhD involves significant time and financial investment, it can lead to higher earning potential and opportunities in research, development, and academia compared to those with only a bachelor's or master's degree.

What jobs can a physicist PhD get?

A physicist with a PhD can pursue careers in research and development, academia, data analysis, engineering, and scientific consulting. They often work in laboratories, universities, government agencies, or private industry, utilizing skills in problem-solving, mathematical modeling, and experimental design.

What job categories do people searching Physicist Phd jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Physicist Phd jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Physicist Phd jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Physicist Phd job openings:

Infographic showing various Physicist Phd job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,047 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

DEPT OF RADIOLOGY - CLINICAL IMAGING PHYSICIST

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

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Job description

DEPT OF RADIOLOGY - CLINICAL IMAGING PHYSICISTRequisition # 75982Position Basics
Type of Position OTHER Advertising Ends on: Extended Until Position is Filled Advertising Started on: Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 College: Carver College of Medicine Department: Radiology
Salary
Salary: Commensurate
Position Details
Full/Part Time Status: Full Time Position Description:

Diagnostic Medical Physicist, Faculty

Department of Radiology

Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

The University of Iowa

Instructor Position Available

The Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine invites applications for a Diagnostic Medical Physicist for a faculty appointment within the Department of Radiology.

Candidates with a Ph.D. will be eligible for the non-tenure clinical track at the rank of assistant, associate or full professor, and candidates with a M.S. will be eligible as a faculty instructor.. The position is a 1.0 FTE.

The Diagnostic Medical Physicist will support Radiology department by performing evaluations of MRI and CT imaging protocols and image quality while maintaining patient safety, accreditation requirements, and relevant practice standards. Additional responsibilities include assessment of MRI Safety in collaboration with the MR Safety Officer; CT radiation safety; advancement of procedures necessary to ensure image quality; development and direction of quality assurance programs; and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

This role will provide support to University of Iowa Healthcare facilities including University of Iowa Healthcare, Medical Center Donwtown, Medical Center North Liberty and Iowa River Landing, with limited regional travel.

Clinical Physics responsibilities for both MRI and CT clinical support, education, and research and translation.

1. Monitor and provide technical support for CT and MR imaging of patients that require physics monitoring including and ensuring that novel MR imaging methods are performed according to institutional policies and guidelines.

2. Assist in establishing institutional policies and guidelines regarding the safe and effective use of MR imaging equipment.

3. Assist in customizing CT and MR imaging hardware and/ or software while ensuring conformity with regulatory constraints and institutional policies and guidelines.

4. Trouble-shoot clinical issues with CT and MR imaging equipment such as assessment of image artifacts and problems affecting clinical image quality.

5. Serve as liaison and point of contact for coordination between CT and MR imaging equipment vendors and clinical services, to ensure that the MR imaging equipment is properly and routinely serviced and maintained.

6. Contribute technical input to inform decision making regarding purchasing new CT and MR imaging equipment.

7. Oversee MR and CT imaging equipment quality service program including performing required acceptance testing of new imaging equipment and conducting Quality Assurance/ Quality Control of existing imaging equipment. This will also include overseeing activities required for maintaining accreditation, direct clinical and research staff in the performance of routine QA/ QC procedures.

6. Assist in developing clinical and research imaging protocols.

7. Address other issues, as directed by the Medical Directors and CT and MRI Modality managers.

Teaching or Research MRI Physics Responsibilities:

1. Serve as an institutional subject matter expert regarding diagnostic medical physics.

2. Educate and train clinical and research faculty, staff, and trainees the basic principles of medical physics, radiation safety and MR safety assessment.

3. Develop and maintain tools and infrastructure to facilitate departmental and core research initiatives.

For more information, please see: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/radiology/

To apply: Please see requisition #75982 at http://jobs.uiowa.edu/jobSearch/index.php

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

About the Department of Radiology:

The Department of Radiology includes 69 staff physicians, 22 PhD researchers, 27 fellows, and 36 residents. The Radiology enterprise expands across four campuses throughout the Iowa City corridor. We also serve Stead Family Children's Hospital located at the Medical Center University campus, as well as several UI urgent cares, clinics, and additional affiliates. Our enterprise operates 12 clinical CT scanners including two Alpha photon-counting scanners , 14 clinical MR scanners including 3T machines and one 3T PET/MRI (BiographOne), and the first Siemens Free.Max MR to be housed in an Emergency Department in the United States.We also have a robust industry partnership with Siemens for clinical equipment and research GE MRI scanners at the MRRF.

The Department of Radiology plays an integral role in the Iowa Institute of Biomedical Imaging (IIBI), a collaboration of nearly 100 faculty and staff within the colleges of Engineering, Medicine, and Liberal Arts (https://www.iibi.uiowa.edu). The facility includes 3T, 3T head only and 7T research scanners.

The Department of Radiology consistently ranks highly in the Blue Ridge Institute NIH rankings, having received over $10 million in NIH funding last year. We host nine research labs and have 37 active phase I and phase II clinical trials.

About the University of Iowa Health Care:

2020 rankings of "Best Employers for Diversity," Forbesranked UI Health Care No. 47overall among large employers nationwide and No. 10 in its Healthcare & Social category.

The University of Iowa is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the state and has a large number of very active clinical and research programs. The Iowa Institute for Biomedical Imaging was formed in 2007 as an acknowledgement of a long tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration at the University of Iowa. The IIBI reflects a strong institutional support for biomedical imaging and image analysis along with translational medical research. The IIBI brings together more than 40 faculty members from the colleges of medicine and engineering within the University Iowa.

The University of Iowa Health Care is a state-of-the-art 800 bed tertiary care center that annually admits more than 36,000 patients for in-patient hospital care. In fiscal year 2017, we received nearly 60,000 emergency department visits. We are a Level 1 certified Trauma Center, the only one in Eastern Iowa. We represent more than 200 outpatient clinics and care areas and accommodated just over one million clinic visits at our main campus and community and outreach clinics. UIHC is HIMSS level 7 certified in both inpatient and outpatient care as well as a 2014 HIMSS Enterprise Davies Award Recipient.

UIHC is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and regional referral center. The UIHC Stead Family Children's Hospital opened in 2017and is Iowa's only comprehensive children's hospital. It is listed as one of the U.S. News & World Report 2020-21 Best Children's Hospitals.

Education Requirement:

Required Qualifications:

  • M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Medical Physics or equivalent; and
  • Either one of the following Board Certification or Board eligible:

(i) American Board of Medical Physics eligible or certified

(ii) American Board of Radiology -Medical Physics eligible or certified

(iii) American Board of Radiology's International Medical Physics Graduates Alternate Pathway (IMPGAP) certified or eligible immediately upon starting the position (https://www.theabr.org/medical-physics/initial-certification/international-medical-graduates).

Desirable Qualifications:
  • Experience with clinical imaging, and classroom teaching.
  • Experience with MRI scanning for patients with implants and devices.
  • Experience with MRI Safety for low-field MRI.
  • Experience with PET/MRI systems.
  • A track record of successfully executing complex clinical projects such as commissioning new clinical services.
  • Working knowledge of radiation measurements, diagnostic test equipment and procedures, as well as routine imaging protocol assessment.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and critical thinking skills.


Online Application Required Documents
Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Interest

To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.

Contact Information
Contact: Mason S Garcia - mason-garcia@uiowa.edu
Cmed-Radiology
Pappajohn Pavilion
140 Hawkins Drive
3984-B JPP
Iowa City, IA 52242
Department URL: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/radiology/

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu, to inquire or discuss accommodation needs.

Prospective employees may review the University Campus Security Policy and the latest annual crime statistics by contacting the Department of Public Safety at 319/335-5022.


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