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Physics Phd Optics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applied Physics

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

... PhD. Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience * Experience fabricating, designing, or fielding ...

Applied Physics

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

... PhD. Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience * Experience fabricating, designing, or fielding ...

Applied Physics

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

... PhD. Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience * Experience fabricating, designing, or fielding ...

Applied Physics

Experimental Physicist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

PhD in physics, quantum optics, quantum information or equivalent combination of education and related experience * Advanced knowledge in circuit quantum electrodynamics and quantum control theory

Applied Physics

Experimental Physicist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

PhD in physics, quantum optics, quantum information or equivalent combination of education and related experience * Advanced knowledge in circuit quantum electrodynamics and quantum control theory

Applied Physics

Experimental Physicist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

PhD in physics, quantum optics, quantum information or equivalent combination of education and related experience * Advanced knowledge in circuit quantum electrodynamics and quantum control theory

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Physics Phd Optics information

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$11K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do physics phd optics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics phd optics in the United States is $61,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physics PhD specializing in Optics, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physics PhD in Optics, you need an advanced understanding of optical physics, mathematical modeling, and experimental design, typically supported by a doctoral degree in physics or a related field. Expertise with technical tools such as lasers, spectrometers, simulation software (e.g., MATLAB, COMSOL), and familiarity with laboratory protocols is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you present complex research and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. These competencies enable you to drive innovation, contribute valuable research, and solve practical challenges in academia or industry.

What is the difference between Physics Phd Optics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhysics Phd OpticsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Physics or Optics, research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, relevant experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, industry R&DProduct development, manufacturing, design teams
Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, optics companiesOptics and photonics product companies, tech firms

Physics Phd Optics roles focus on research, theoretical work, and advanced experimentation, often in academia or R&D labs. Optical Engineers typically work on designing, testing, and implementing optical systems in commercial or industrial settings. While both roles require strong optics knowledge, Physics Phd Optics emphasizes research and development, whereas Optical Engineers focus on practical application and product development.

What types of interdisciplinary collaboration can a Physics PhD specializing in Optics expect in a typical research or industry setting?

As a Physics PhD specializing in Optics, you will frequently collaborate with experts from engineering, computer science, and material science, depending on the project's focus. For example, in research environments, you might work with electrical engineers on photonics devices or with computer scientists on computational imaging. In industry, collaboration with product development teams, quality assurance, and manufacturing specialists is common, especially when transitioning prototypes to commercial products. These interdisciplinary interactions are essential for problem-solving, innovation, and ensuring that your optics expertise is effectively integrated into practical applications.

What is a Physics PhD in Optics?

A Physics PhD in Optics is an advanced doctoral degree focused on the study of light, its properties, and its interactions with matter. This specialization covers topics such as lasers, fiber optics, quantum optics, and imaging systems. Graduates often conduct original research, contribute to scientific knowledge, and work in academia, research labs, or industries like telecommunications and photonics. Earning a PhD in this field typically involves coursework, comprehensive exams, and the completion of a dissertation based on independent research.
Infographic showing various Physics Phd Optics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,160 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Scientist: Senior Quantum Optics, Atomic Physics Scientist

Scientist: Senior Quantum Optics, Atomic Physics Scientist

Nanobiosym

Cambridge, MA

$100K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Please fully fill out our online application and upload your cover letter and resume or your application will not be considered.

Description of Company:

Nanobiosym stands at the forefront of transforming personalized medicine, breakthrough technologies, and global healthcare delivery. Founded by a distinguished MIT- and Harvard-trained Physician and Physicist, Nanobiosym develops pioneering platform technologies that leverage cutting-edge advances in physics, biomedicine, and nanotechnology.
As the first-ever recipient of the XPRIZE for healthcare and the winner of multiple prestigious peer-reviewed research awards, Nanobiosym is expanding its world-class team as it transitions into a global commercial enterprise.
Senior Quantum Optics, Atomic Physics Scientist
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Optical Physicist with deep expertise in experimental and applied optics. Ideal candidates will possess a PhD (or equivalent experience) in Experimental Physics, Optical Physics, Atomic Physics (Advanced Instrumentation, Signal to noise optimization), Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of hands-on research experience.
Key Technical Qualifications
  • Extensive, hands-on optical bench expertise, including the design, construction, alignment, and maintenance of complex optical setups involving advanced laser sources.
  • Strong foundation in optical physics, with proven ability to model, analyze, troubleshoot, and refine sophisticated optical systems.
  • Experience in quantum optics and atomic physics, such as laser-matter interactions, single-molecule imaging, precision measurement techniques, advanced detection systems, or atomic-scale instrumentation (preferred).
  • Demonstrated experience in laser trapping and laser cooling for cold atoms or related precision laser-based manipulation applications (preferred).
  • Optical tweezers design and operation is required.
  • Mastery of high-precision optical alignment across multiple degrees of freedom.
  • Advanced programming proficiency in LabVIEW and MATLAB.
  • Strong competence in data acquisition, signal processing, and statistical analysis.
  • Experience working with acousto-optic modulators/deflectors and other high-precision photonics components.
  • Expertise in signal-to-noise optimization, including vibration isolation methodologies and noise-reduction strategies.
  • Additional experience with mechanical CAD, machine shop tools, and opto-mechanical design is a strong plus.
Professional Attributes
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple parallel projects within a fast-paced startup environment.
  • Demonstrates a proactive, solution-driven mindset with a strong "can-do" attitude.
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Thrives in an interdisciplinary environment working alongside physicists, engineers, biologists, entrepreneurs, and senior executives

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