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Physicist Phd Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, quantum sensing, precision measurement, or related field * Practical experience with atom-based inertial and/or gravitational sensors, atom interferometry, or ...

PhD in atomic, optical, AMO, quantum physics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience; typically 5+ years of relevant post-PhD experience or comparable experience leading complex ...

PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, quantum sensing, precision measurement, or related field * Practical experience with atom-based inertial and/or gravitational sensors, atom interferometry, or ...

PhD in atomic, optical, AMO, quantum physics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience; typically 5+ years of relevant post-PhD experience or comparable experience leading complex ...

WI ยท On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Knowledge of radiation oncology and related technology standards and protocols normally acquired through completion of a master's degree or PhD in medical or radiological physics from an AAPM ...

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Physicist Phd information

See Wisconsin salary details

$39.9K

$95.7K

$228.6K

How much do physicist phd jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for physicist phd in Wisconsin is $95,691.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,600.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a physicist PhD worth it?

A physicist with a PhD often has access to advanced research, academic, and specialized industry roles that require high-level expertise. While earning a PhD involves significant time and financial investment, it can lead to higher salaries and more competitive job opportunities in research, academia, and technical fields.

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 academia, research institutions, government labs, and industry sectors such as technology, engineering, and data analysis. They often find roles requiring advanced analytical skills, problem-solving, and familiarity with scientific tools and programming. Job prospects improve with relevant experience, publications, and networking within specialized fields.

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 cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Physicist Phd jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Physicist Phd job openings:

Infographic showing various Physicist Phd job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,691 per year, or $46 per hour.

Staff Quantum Sensor Physicist

Infleqtion

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the world's most challenging problems. The company harnesses neutral atom quantum technology to build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. From fundamental physics to leading edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables "quantum everywhere" through our ecosystem of devices and platforms. We are recruiting for a Staff Quantum Sensor Physicist to help translate customer needs into practical architectures and devices for deployable atom-based inertial and gravitational sensors.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities outlined below include essential functions of the role. Depending on business needs, this role may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

  • Participates in and/or leads research and development projects involving atom interferometry, atom-based inertial and gravitational sensing, cold-atom systems, laser systems, vacuum systems, controls, and quantum sensing systems
  • Translates customer needs, use cases, and specifications into practical quantum sensor architectures, requirements, error budgets, trade studies, operating concepts, and development plans
  • Leads or supports development from concept and architecture phases all the way through test, operation, and eventual deployment
  • Develops and maintains physics models, simulations, calculations, and error budgets to guide architecture decisions, performance estimates, and identification of technical risks
  • Evaluates sensor concepts against real-world and deployed-system constraints including sensitivity, bandwidth, dynamic range, SWaP-C, environmental robustness, manufacturability, reliability, cost, schedule, and technical risk
  • Works with electrical, mechanical, software, firmware, vacuum, laser, and controls engineering teams to develop requirements, guide design trades, and convert physics concepts into buildable and operable instrument designs
  • Participates in proposal development and customer technical discussions, including practical work scope, risks, system concepts, and deployment consideration.
  • Communicates project findings and progress to both internal stakeholders and external customers

Requirements

  • PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, quantum sensing, precision measurement, or related field
  • Practical experience with atom-based inertial and/or gravitational sensors, atom interferometry, or closely related AMO or precision-measurement hardware
  • Strong practical judgment in balancing physics performance against constraints such as reliability, operability, integration complexity, usability, cost, schedule, SWaP-C, environmental robustness, and technical risk
  • Experience designing, building, integrating, testing, operating, and debugging complex hardware and software systems
  • Experience developing models, simulations, calculations, and/or error budgets to inform instrument designs
  • Ability to work effectively with engineering teams on optical, mechanical, electrical, software, firmware, vacuum, laser, controls, packaging, and instrument-operation challenges
  • Professional-level communication skills, including the ability to share technical information clearly with technical and non-technical staff, leadership, and customers
  • Ability to travel domestically and potentially internationally up to 10%
  • Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship
Additional Preferred Qualifications:
  • Direct experience with atom interferometry, cold-atom gravimetry, gravity gradiometry, quantum inertial sensing, Bose Einstein condensates, or optical lattices
  • Experience building, testing, operating, or deploying practical AMO/quantum systems, including fieldable sensors, transportable instruments, or robust laboratory prototypes
  • Experience with cold or ultracold atoms, Bose-Einstein condensates, MOTs, optical lattices, or related technologies
  • Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs or performance goals into implementable system architectures, requirements, engineering trades, and test approaches
  • Experience writing proposals, leading technical work, serving as a Principal Investigator (PI) or technical lead, and/or working directly with customers
  • 2+ years of post-PhD experience in a postdoctoral role, quantum-related industry, precision measurement, or related hardware development environment

NOTE

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations for quantum computing technology. Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers. We ask that candidates be able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in-person). Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements.

TRAVEL

Up to 10% travel may be required.

Notice to Recruitment Agencies:

Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Benefits

The targeted salary range for this role is $166,000 to $256,000 on an annualized basis plus eligibility to participate in our annual incentive plan.

In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:

  • 100% company paid Employee coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short/Long Term Disability insurance programs
  • Employer funded Health Savings Account
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) Matching Programs
  • Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Flexible Healthcare Savings Account
  • Paid FMLA Leave
  • Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
  • Employer Assistance Program
  • Student Loan Repayment

Equal Opportunity

Here you have freedom to embrace your whole self: who you love, your gender identity and expression, skin color, age, appearance, disability, neurodiversity, DNA, military/veteran status, citizenship, and other factors that make up who you are. Your uniqueness is valued, welcomed, and appreciated here. We are dedicated to providing a positive workplace and base all employment decisions on your qualifications, performance, merits, as well as business needs. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

If this opportunity interests you and you fit the job description, please submit an application. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability, please feel free to contact us at hr@coldquanta.com.