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Physics Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Health Physics Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$31.28 - $56.39/hr

About the Job MedStar Health is looking for a Health Physics Assistant to join our team at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital! Join one of the largest healthcare systems in the Baltimore ...

R-01570Carleton College invites applications for a tenure-track position in experimental physics (Assistant Professor of Physics) that would normally begin September 1, 2027. Applications received by ...

Carleton College invites applications for a tenure-track position in experimental physics (Assistant Professor of Physics) that would normally begin September 1, 2027. Applications received by Sept ...

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Physics Assistant information

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How much do physics assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics assistant in the United States is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physics assistant?

Physics Assistants are individuals who support physics instructors, professors, or researchers in a variety of settings such as universities, laboratories, or educational outreach programs. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with laboratory setup, helping students understand physics concepts, grading assignments, and supporting research activities. They often act as a bridge between students and instructors, providing additional guidance and clarification as needed. Physics Assistants play a key role in creating a productive learning environment and ensuring that experiments and demonstrations run smoothly.

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

To thrive as a Physics Assistant, you need a solid understanding of physics concepts, laboratory techniques, and typically a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with lab equipment, data analysis software (like MATLAB or Python), and safety protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you support experiments and assist researchers. These skills ensure experiments are conducted accurately, data is reliable, and teamwork in research settings is effective.

What are some common challenges faced by physics assistants when supporting laboratory classes, and how can they be addressed?

Physics Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple student questions simultaneously, troubleshooting experimental setups, and ensuring lab safety. It can be demanding to provide individualized help while keeping the class on track. To address these challenges, clear communication, strong organizational skills, and a solid understanding of the experiments are essential. Collaborating closely with instructors and proactively preparing for each lab session can help Physics Assistants effectively support both students and faculty.

What is the difference between Physics Assistant vs Physics Laboratory Technician?

AspectPhysics AssistantPhysics Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certificationAssociate's degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, educational institutionsResearch labs, educational institutions, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, research, and educational sectorsResearch institutions, universities, government labs
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for support roles in physics labsMore technical, hands-on role in lab operations

The main difference between a Physics Assistant and a Physics Laboratory Technician lies in their responsibilities and technical focus. Physics Assistants typically support research and educational activities, while Physics Laboratory Technicians handle more technical and operational tasks within labs. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are found in academic and research settings, but their specific duties vary based on the level of technical expertise needed.

How do you become a physics assistant?

To become a physics assistant, candidates typically need at least a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with scientific tools; some positions may require prior research experience or a master's degree. Certification is not usually required but can enhance job prospects in certain institutions.
More about Physics Assistant jobs

What cities are hiring for Physics Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Physics Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Physics jobs?

The most popular types of Physics jobs are:

What states have the most Physics Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Physics Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Physics Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,407 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Medical Physics Assistant

Memphis, TN • On-site


St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 1,064 rated hospitals

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


$17.25 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The World's Best Stop at Nothing
There's a reason St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is consistently ranked on Glassdoor's "Best Places to Work" list. Actually, there are more than 6,500 reasons. At our world-class pediatric research hospital, every one of our 6,500 professionals shares our commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children we serve. There's a unique bond when you are part of a team that will stop at nothing to advance the treatments and cures of pediatric catastrophic diseases. The result is a collaborative, positive environment where all employees, regardless of their role, receive the resources, support, and encouragement to advance and grow their careers.
About the Department
St. Jude is seeking a qualified Medical Physics Assistant to join the Department of Radiation Oncology, one of the world's leading pediatric radiation oncology programs.
Our multidisciplinary team includes:
  • Six full-time medical physics faculty members
  • One staff clinical physicist
  • Four dosimetrists
  • Two medical physics assistants
  • A dedicated linear accelerator engineer
  • Research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, clinical research associates, and information systems staff.
  • Five full-time pediatric radiation oncologists
  • Dedicated nursing, radiation therapy, and child life teams

The department treats approximately 300 children, adolescents, and young adults each year in a clinical environment encompassing approximately 45,000 square feet of dedicated space for patient care, treatment planning, radiation therapy, and sedation and anesthesia support.
Advanced Technology & Proton Therapy
This position offers the opportunity to work in an advanced clinical and research environment with state-of-the-art imaging and radiation therapy technologies, including:
  • Image-guided linear accelerator systems
  • Spectral CT
  • PET/CT
  • 1.5T and 3.0T MRI systems dedicated to treatment planning and on-treatment assessment
  • Advanced treatment planning and image-guidance technologies

The St. Jude Proton Therapy Center features a synchrotron, high-energy beam transport, two gantry treatment rooms, and a fixed-beam treatment room. The center incorporates high-precision patient positioning, volumetric image guidance, and dedicated scanning nozzles.
As the world's first proton therapy facility dedicated exclusively to treating children with cancer, the center provides an exceptional environment for clinical innovation, advanced medical physics, and translational research in pediatric radiation therapy.
Position Summary
The Medical Physics Assistant performs routine quality assurance and radiation physics services under the direction of a qualified Medical Physicist.
The position supports both photon and proton therapy programs, including treatment system and imaging equipment quality assurance, patient-specific QA, and the collection and processing of treatment-related data.
The Medical Physics Assistant also contributes to the maintenance of physics equipment, organization of radiation physics and quality assurance documentation, implementation of radiation safety practices, and departmental quality improvement and quality control initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform routine medical physics services under the direction of a qualified Medical Physicist, including photon and proton treatment machine QA, imaging system QA, and patient-specific QA.
  • Collect, process, and maintain treatment-related data.
  • Assist with the maintenance and organization of medical physics equipment.
  • Organize and maintain documentation related to radiation physics, equipment calibration, and quality assurance.
  • Assist with implementation and maintenance of radiation safety protocols.
  • Support departmental quality improvement initiatives and quality control programs, including implementation and reporting.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional goals.
  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Required Education & Training
  • Bachelor's degree in physical sciences or a related field required.
  • Bachelor's degree in medical physics preferred.
  • Master's degree in medical physics preferred.

Preferred Experience
  • Two or more years of relevant experience preferred.
  • Direct experience in proton therapy preferred.
  • Experience performing routine quality assurance or physics services involving photon and/or proton therapy equipment is highly desirable.

Why St. Jude?
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children and is internationally recognized for excellence in pediatric oncology research and care.
At St. Jude, families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Our culture is built on collaboration, respect, scientific excellence, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of children and their families.
Life in Memphis
Located in Memphis, Tennessee, this position offers the opportunity to live in a city celebrated for its music, food, parks, biking trails, and diverse neighborhoods.
Memphis offers short commutes and a cost of living below the national average. Tennessee also has no state individual income tax, and relocation assistance is available.
Join the Mission
If you are enthusiastic about medical physics, radiation therapy, advanced technology, and improving outcomes for children with cancer, St. Jude offers an extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with experts in a highly collaborative clinical and research environment.
Bring your expertise to a team that stops at nothing to advance cures and treatments for pediatric catastrophic diseases.
Apply today to join St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as a Medical Physics Assistant in the Department of Radiation Oncology.
Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $29.00 - $50.50 per hour for the role of Medical Physics Assistant.
Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.


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