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Physics Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Physics Expert - Professor / Principal Investigator Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote Job ... Current or former Associate Professor, Full Professor, Chair Professor, Principal Investigator, or ...

... Physics or Radiation Protection + 4 years related experience -or- Bachelor's degree + 6 years related work experience -or- Associates degree in engineering technology, chemistry, radiation protection ...

... Physics or Radiation Protection + 4 years related experience -or- Bachelor's degree + 6 years related work experience -or- Associates degree in engineering technology, chemistry, radiation protection ...

... Physics or Radiation Protection + 4 years related experience -or- Bachelor's degree + 6 years related work experience -or- Associates degree in engineering technology, chemistry, radiation protection ...

... Physics or Radiation Protection + 4 years related experience -or- Bachelor's degree + 6 years related work experience -or- Associates degree in engineering technology, chemistry, radiation protection ...

... Physics or Radiation Protection + 4 years related experience -or- • Bachelor's degree + 6 years related work experience -or- • Associates degree in engineering technology, chemistry, radiation ...

Postdoctoral Researcher

Swarthmore, PA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

We invite applications for an experimental research postdoctoral position in the Smith Materials Lab led by Associate Prof. Hillary Smith in the Physics Department at Swarthmore College. The Smith ...

$57K - $57K/yr

We are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join our Digital Insights team within the ... The position will sit at the intersection of first-principles physics, advanced CFD, and machine ...

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Physics Associate information

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$46

How much do physics associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics associate in Pennsylvania is $21.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.06 and $24.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physics associate?

A Physics Associate is a professional who assists in conducting research, experiments, and data analysis in the field of physics. They often work in academic, government, or private research settings to support scientific investigations. Responsibilities may include setting up laboratory equipment, analyzing experimental results, and contributing to research papers. This role typically requires a degree in physics or a related field and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a physics associate working in a research laboratory?

As a Physics Associate in a research laboratory, your daily tasks often include preparing and setting up experiments, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining laboratory equipment, and assisting senior physicists or researchers with ongoing projects. You may also be expected to document results, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure all procedures adhere to lab safety protocols. Collaboration with team members is frequent, especially when interpreting complex findings or coordinating larger research efforts. This hands-on role offers continuous learning opportunities and the chance to directly contribute to scientific advancements within an engaging, team-oriented environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the physics associate position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physics Associate, you generally need a strong background in physics or a related science, supported by at least a bachelor’s degree and hands-on laboratory experience. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as MATLAB or Python), laboratory instruments, and sometimes certifications in safety protocols are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are important because they enable Physics Associates to contribute accurately to research projects, collaborate efficiently, and maintain high safety and data integrity standards.

Can you get an associate's degree in physics?

Yes, an associate's degree in physics is available and typically takes about two years to complete at community colleges or technical schools. This degree provides foundational knowledge in physics and related skills, which can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or entry-level technical roles in science and engineering fields.

What can I do with a physics associate?

A physics associate degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as laboratory technician, research assistant, or technical support in scientific and industrial settings. It also provides foundational skills useful for further education or certifications in fields like engineering, data analysis, or technical sales.

What jobs are associated with physics?

Jobs associated with physics include roles such as physicist, research scientist, data analyst, and engineering technician. These positions often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of scientific tools and methods, and a background in physics or related fields. Common work environments include laboratories, research institutions, and technology companies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physics jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Physics jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Physics Associate jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Physics Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Physics Associate job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,485 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Physics Expert - Remote

Philadelphia, PA • Remote

$80 - $160/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Physics Expert – Professor / Principal Investigator

Role Type: Contractor
Location: Remote

Job Overview

We are seeking established Physics Professors and Principal Investigators to provide high-level scientific expertise for a project focused on advancing next-generation AI systems. In this role, you will apply deep subject-matter expertise to evaluate competing physics arguments, assess technical reasoning, and provide authoritative judgments on complex or ambiguous scientific questions.

The ideal candidate brings a strong record of independent research, scholarly impact, and scientific leadership. No prior AI experience is required—your physics expertise, research judgment, and ability to evaluate complex scientific reasoning are what matter most.

Scope of Work
  • Adjudicate contested or competing physics arguments, solutions, and interpretations within your area of expertise.
  • Compare alternative approaches to complex physics problems and explain which approach is stronger, under what assumptions, and within which applicable regimes.
  • Identify and articulate meta-level criteria for evaluating the robustness, validity, and scientific soundness of competing solutions.
  • Assess key assumptions, approximations, limitations, failure modes, and breaking points within technical arguments.
  • Provide calibrated expert judgments, distinguishing established conclusions from genuine uncertainty, unresolved questions, or active areas of research.
  • Draft rigorous, defensible written evaluations suitable for review by senior physicists and research professionals.
  • Use technical tools such as LaTeX, SymPy, Python, and Jupyter to verify calculations, test assumptions, or compare technical claims where appropriate.
  • Clearly explain when a question remains unresolved within the field and identify the relevant scientific considerations.
  • Contribute expert feedback and domain-level reasoning to support AI model training, evaluation, and improvement.
Required Skills
  • Physics Mastery
  • Expert Judgment in Ambiguous Cases
  • Meta-Level Reasoning
  • Research Leadership
  • Defensible Written Articulation
  • Scientific Analysis
  • Technical Evaluation
  • Research Communication
  • Critical Thinking
Preferred Qualifications
  • PhD in Physics with demonstrated expertise and scholarly impact in a specific physics subfield.
  • Current or former Associate Professor, Full Professor, Chair Professor, Principal Investigator, or Research Group Leader with a strong record of independent research leadership.
  • Active or recent research experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • High Energy Physics
    • Mathematical Physics
    • Biophysics
    • Statistical Physics
    • Condensed Matter Physics
    • AMO / Quantum Optics
    • Gravitation
    • Cosmology
    • Astrophysics
    • Quantum Information
    • Optical Properties of Materials
  • 3–5 recent representative publications in the target research area, with arXiv or DOI references available.
  • Experience supervising PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, or equivalent research leadership in an industry setting.
  • Proficiency with LaTeX, SymPy, Python, and Jupyter; candidates should be prepared to indicate any gaps in experience with these tools.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate nuanced scientific judgments clearly and rigorously.
  • Demonstrated ability to distinguish between established scientific knowledge, reasonable interpretations, and genuinely unresolved questions.