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Physicist Phd Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

micro1 AI

Physics Modeling Expert - Remote

Washington, DC · Remote

$80 - $140/hr

Physics Expert (PhD / Postdoc) Role Type: Contractor. Location: Remote micro1 is engaging Physics Experts (PhD / Postdoc) to contribute deep scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills to a high ...

micro1 AI

Physics Modeling Expert - Remote

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$80 - $140/hr

Physics Expert (PhD / Postdoc) Role Type: Contractor. Location: Remote micro1 is engaging Physics Experts (PhD / Postdoc) to contribute deep scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills to a high ...

The US Oncology Network

Medical Physicist

Rockville, MD · On-site

$208K - $320K/yr

Master's degree or PhD in Medical Physics or a related field. * Board certification or eligibility in therapeutic medical physics from the ABR. * Experience working Varian equipment. * Strong ...

USA JOBS

SENIOR HEALTH PHYSICIST

Rockville, MD · On-site

$156K/yr

If you have multiple degrees (e.g., BS, MS, PhD) please submit transcripts for each degree. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the ...

US Oncology Inc.

Medical Physicist

Rockville, MD · On-site

$208.04 - $320.06/hr

Master's degree or PhD in Medical Physics or a related field. * Board certification or eligibility in therapeutic medical physics from the ABR. * Experience working Varian equipment. * Strong ...

The US Oncology Network

Medical Physicist

Rockville, MD · On-site

$208K - $320K/yr

Master's degree or PhD in Medical Physics or a related field. * Board certification or eligibility in therapeutic medical physics from the ABR. * Experience working Varian equipment. * Strong ...

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All JobsPhysicist Phd JobsPhysicist Phd Jobs in Reston, VA

Physicist Phd information

See Reston, VA salary details

$41.1K

$98.6K

$235.6K

How much do physicist phd jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for physicist phd in Reston, VA is $98,630.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,400.00 and $116,500.00 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 are popular job titles related to Physicist Phd jobs in Reston, VA?

For Physicist Phd jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Physicist Phd jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Physicist Phd jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Physicist Phd jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Physicist Phd job openings:

Physicist Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physicist Phd job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,630 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Experimental Atomic Physicist

Computational Physics Inc

Washington, DC • On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is looking for an Experimental Atomic Physicist to support our customers at the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO).

Background

The USNO is responsible for the creation, dissemination and maintenance of precise time and navigation products for the Department of Defense and other customers. CPI is seeking an Experimental Physicist with a background in atomic, molecular or optical physics to support next‑generation atomic clock development at USNO. The successful candidate will support the work of the Clock Development division on optical lattice clocks and cold‑atom beam optical clocks based on alkaline earth atoms. The new Physicist will work with a team of CPI contractors and USNO Scientists to develop robust solutions for high‑uptime optical clocks and the infrastructure for their integration into the USNO timescale.

Most work for this position will be completed on-site at USNO in Washington, D.C.; occasional travel to conferences within and outside of the continental United States may be required based on the needs of the customer. Relocation assistance is available. The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance upon hiring, an active clearance is not required at the time of application. The new Physicist will work closely with other CPI contractors and federal employees in the Precise Time Department, providing periodic updates to the Clock Development Division Chief.

Basic Qualifications
  • PhD in Experimental Atomic Physics or similar field
  • At least 6 years of experimental physics experience, this can include relevant work toward an advanced degree.
  • Data analysis using Python or similar programming language
  • Familiarity with lasers, optics and atomic spectroscopy
  • Familiarity with feedback control theory and electronics
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Desired Qualifications
  • Atomic clocks
  • Laser cooling and trapping of alkaline‑earth atoms
  • Diode lasers and optical frequency combs
  • Hands‑on experience with python‑based experimental control (e.g. ARTIQ)

Candidate must obtain a SECRET clearance upon hiring. U.S. citizenship is required for DoD contracts.

Benefits
  • 401(k), Profit Sharing and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Disability insurance (short‑term and long‑term)
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement

CPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

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