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Physics Phd Optics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QCi

Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Optics

Hoboken, NJ · On-site

$126K/yr

Required Skills and Experience - PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field with a focus on theoretical quantum optics. - Deep expertise in quantum optics ...

Qunett

Quantum Memory Physicist

Boston, MA · On-site

PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field * Hands-on ... Experience constructing and operating laser-based experimental systems, including optical alignment ...

Qunett

Quantum Memory Physicist

Boston, MA

PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field * Hands-on ... Experience constructing and operating laser-based experimental systems, including optical alignment ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Desired * PhD in electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, or related fields. * Expertise in optical spectroscopy, gas kinetics, and data processing. * Experience in laser gain dynamics

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO

Desired * PhD in electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, or related fields. * Expertise in optical spectroscopy, gas kinetics, and data processing. * Experience in laser gain dynamics

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Desired * PhD in electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, or related fields. * Expertise in optical spectroscopy, gas kinetics, and data processing. * Experience in laser gain dynamics

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Madison, WI

$130K - $211K/yr

PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Madison, WI · On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...

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Physics Phd Optics information

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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.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Optics

Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Optics

Quantum Computing Inc.

Hoboken, NJ • On-site

$126K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Location : Hoboken, NJ
Department : Technology, R&D
Reports to : CTO
About Us
Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the world today. QCi products are designed to operate at room temperature and low power at an affordable cost. The Company's portfolio of core technology and products offer unique capabilities in the areas of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cyber security as well as remote sensing applications.
Position Description
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Optics to join our research and development team focused on QCi's entropy quantum computing solutions. This position is structured as a one-year contract, with the opportunity for extension based on satisfactory performance and mutual consent by both parties. The role emphasizes theoretical modeling and simulation of quantum photonic devices and systems and requires strong expertise in quantum optics. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with both the high-performance computing application team and the entropy computing hardware team to advance QCi's next-generation computational technologies.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and apply theoretical models of quantum photonic devices and systems relevant to entropy quantum computing.
- Perform simulations of optical components, integrated photonic circuits, and light matter interactions to guide device design.
- Explore new architectures in quantum optics that enhance the efficiency and scalability of entropy-based computing solutions.
- Contribute to algorithm-hardware co-design by identifying opportunities where photonic implementations provide competitive advantages.
- Explore and develop quantum algorithms compatible with entropy computing in collaboration with the scientific computing group at QCi.
- Publish and present research outcomes in journals and conferences.
Required Skills and Experience
- PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field with a focus on theoretical quantum optics .
- Deep expertise in quantum optics, including fields such as quantum coherence, entanglement, cavity/circuit QED, or nonlinear optics.
- Strong background in mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of photonic or quantum systems.
- Proficiency in scientific programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++.
- Demonstrated research record with publications in leading journals.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across interdisciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with quantum information science, quantum computing, or related computational approaches.
- Experience with integrated photonics, waveguide-based systems, or light-matter interaction models.
- Knowledge of statistical physics approaches to open quantum systems and noise modeling.
- Industry, government, or academic R&D experience in quantum technologies.
- Experience mentoring junior researchers or working in collaborative project teams.
Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above. Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

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