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Physics Lab Assistant Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

... and external lab resources. You'll also contribute technical expertise to customer-facing ... MS or PhD in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, plus relevant ...

Cryo-EM Specialist

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

... lab support as needed. May assist with purchasing laboratory equipment. * Other duties may also be ... Bachelor's degree in structural biology, biophysics, physics, biochemistry, chemistry or ...

Nanofabrication Intern - Fall 2026

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

Materials our AI predicts and our lab synthesizes must ultimately be validated through thin films ... Run or assist with etch processes such as wet etching, plasma etching, RIE, ICP-RIE, or other dry ...

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (EE), or a related technical field (Physics ... lab equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, etc.) * Experience engineering fault-tolerant ...

The incumbent will also assist in other related research activities and administrative tasks ... D. degree in physics, neuroscience, psychology or related field * Also considered: M.A. or M.S ...

Showing results 21-40

Physics Lab Assistant information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$12

$24

$36

How much do physics lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics lab assistant in Berkeley, CA is $24.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $28.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physics lab assistant?

A Physics Lab Assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing equipment, setting up experiments, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They assist students and researchers by maintaining lab instruments, recording data, and troubleshooting technical issues. Their role is essential in ensuring a smooth and organized lab environment.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a physics lab assistant?

As a Physics Lab Assistant, your daily tasks may include preparing laboratory equipment, setting up experiments, monitoring experiments during lab sessions, and assisting students or researchers with technical issues. You are often responsible for keeping the lab organized, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and recording or analyzing experimental data. Collaboration is common, as you’ll work closely with supervisors, faculty, and students to support laboratory activities. This hands-on role provides valuable experience for those interested in scientific research, teaching, or pursuing further studies in physics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physics lab assistant?

To thrive as a Physics Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of physics principles, laboratory procedures, and safety protocols, often supported by coursework or a degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data collection software, and occasionally OSHA or lab safety certifications is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are key soft skills that distinguish top candidates. These abilities ensure accurate experiment execution, reliable data collection, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

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For Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Physics Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Physics Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Physics Lab Assistant job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,565 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Research Engineer, Semiconductor

Periodic

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$220 - $300/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

About Periodic Labs

We’re an AI and physical sciences company building state-of-the-art models to accelerate breakthroughs across materials, energy, and beyond. Backed by world-class investors and growing rapidly, we operate at the pace the frontier requires. Our team brings deep expertise, genuine ownership, and an insatiable drive to push the boundaries of what’s scientifically possible.

About the Role

As a Research Engineer, Semiconductor, you’ll own device-level validation of our materials work, taking novel thin-film stacks from deposition through patterned test vehicles to measure electrical performance. You’ll design and run short-loop experiments that demonstrate how materials and interfaces translate into device behavior, leveraging both internal and external lab resources. You’ll also contribute technical expertise to customer-facing engagements, and this role blends deep hands‑on capability with the flexibility to work across teams and partners to solve hard materials problems.

What You’ll Do
  • Design, fabricate, and characterize short-loop device test vehicles that demonstrate material and device performance against clear electrical targets.

  • Build patterned devices end-to-end using photolithography, direct‑write laser lithography, or e‑beam lithography, integrated with deposition, etch, and metrology.

  • Deposit thin-film stacks with engineered, complex interfaces using PVD, PLD, MBE, and ALD/CVD techniques.

  • Perform electrical characterization on probe stations, and design and build custom measurement test benches where commercial tools fall short.

  • Connect materials and interface properties to device outcomes, feeding insights back into film‑stack and process development.

  • Contribute technical expertise to customer‑facing engagements, translating customer needs into experimental plans and results.

  • Document experimental methodology, results, and learnings to feed both internal knowledge and AI training infrastructure.

You Will Thrive in This Role If You Have
  • MS or PhD in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, plus relevant industry experience.

  • Semiconductor industry experience in device development or process integration, background at an IDM, foundry, or memory manufacturer strongly preferred.

  • Strong command of device physics and integration flows, with a track record of demonstrating device performance in short-loop test vehicles.

  • Hands‑on fabrication experience spanning lithography (photo, laser direct‑write, or e‑beam), thin‑film deposition, etch, and metrology.

  • A deep understanding of how materials selection and interface quality drive device performance.

  • Proficiency in probe‑station device measurement, plus the ability to architect and assemble custom electrical test setups.

  • A strong condensed matter physics foundation, spintronics, magnetic materials, or quantum phenomena, is a plus.

  • Working knowledge of emerging memory and logic device architectures is a plus.

  • Startup‑ready mindset: able to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, ambiguous environment while implementing industry‑standard best practices.

Mechanics
  • Minimum education: Master’s degree with relevant experience

  • Location: Menlo Park, CA

  • Compensation: $220k - $300k + equity

  • Visa sponsorship: Yes, we sponsor visas and will do everything we can to assist in this process with our legal support.

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