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Physics Phd Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Senior Research Scientist

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

PhD required in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline. * Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in:

Senior Research Scientist

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

PhD required in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline. * Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in:

PhD required in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline. * Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in:

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Physics Phd information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$10.5K

$58.5K

$90.3K

How much do physics phd jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics phd in Oak Ridge, TN is $58,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $61,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physics PhD?

A Physics PhD job typically involves advanced research, problem-solving, and analytical work in academia, industry, or government. Common roles include research scientist, data analyst, professor, and engineer in fields like aerospace, biotech, finance, and energy. These jobs require expertise in mathematical modeling, programming, and experimental techniques. Many Physics PhDs work on cutting-edge technologies, simulations, and theoretical advancements that drive innovation in science and engineering.

What types of projects or research areas can physics PhDs expect to work on?

Physics PhDs often work on a broad range of projects, such as experimental and theoretical research in condensed matter, quantum mechanics, astrophysics, or materials science, depending on the employer and area of specialization. You may be involved in designing and conducting experiments, developing simulations, publishing findings, and collaborating with other scientists or engineers. Many positions offer opportunities to lead interdisciplinary teams or participate in cutting-edge technology development. The day-to-day work is often dynamic, with tasks varying between data analysis, grant preparation, presentations, and mentorship. Over time, there are strong opportunities for career advancement to roles such as principal investigator, research director, or technical lead in academia, government, or industry.

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

To thrive as a Physics PhD, you need advanced expertise in physics concepts, analytical problem-solving abilities, and a doctoral degree in physics or a closely related field. Strong proficiency with data analysis software (such as MATLAB, Python, or LabVIEW), scientific instrumentation, and publication or grant-writing systems is typically required. Excellent communication, perseverance, and the ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams set top candidates apart. These skills are essential for driving research, contributing to innovation, and succeeding in both academic and industry settings.

Are physics PhDs employable?

Physics PhDs are highly employable in various fields including academia, research, data analysis, engineering, and technology. They develop skills in problem-solving, quantitative analysis, and technical communication, which are valued across many industries. Job prospects often depend on specialization, experience, and additional skills such as programming or laboratory techniques.

Do physics PhD students get paid?

Physics PhD students often receive stipends or assistantships that provide a salary or financial support during their studies, typically in exchange for research or teaching duties. The amount and source of funding vary by institution and program, but paid positions are common in graduate physics programs. These stipends help cover living expenses while students focus on their research and coursework.

Is a physics PhD worth it?

A physics PhD prepares individuals for careers in research, academia, and industry, often requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills. While it can lead to high-level positions, the degree involves significant time and financial investment, and job prospects vary depending on specialization and market demand.

What job categories do people searching Physics Phd jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Physics Phd jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Physics Phd jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Physics Phd job openings:

Infographic showing various Physics Phd job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,472 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

R&D Associate - Performance Portability for Coupled Physics Applications

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary research environment to support development and performance improvements of hardware-portable scientific software.

  • Participate in the development of Kokkos and Cabana libraries for HPC-targeted particle-based simulation.

  • Develop software design patterns to ensure the sustainability of research software and follow team planning, documentation, verification, and validation processes.


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 121 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16901
Level: RP02
Overview:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
The Computational Coupled Physics (CCP) Group within the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division (CSED), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an R&D Associate to support performance portable software for applications in coupled physics applications. The successful candidate will have a strong background in modeling and simulation of physical phenomena, especially structural and fluid mechanics on contemporary high-performance hardware. Primary tasks will include development and performance improvements for hardware-portable scientific software and participation in development of underlying libraries for performance portability. A strong background in particle based and statistical modeling is preferred. Competency in programming across hardware types, especially for GPUs across multiple hardware vendors, as well as experience in software sustainability and design patterns is expected.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary research environment consisting of computational scientists, computer scientists, experimentalists, and engineers/physicists conducting basic and applied research in support of the Laboratory's missions.
  • Participate in the development of Kokkos, a C++ performance portability library.
  • Participate in the development of Cabana and CabanaPD, which are HPC targeted libraries for particle-based simulation.
  • Develop software design patterns that are applicable to a wide variety of HPC applications and ensure sustainability of research software.
  • Follow team planning, documentation, verification and validation, and development.
  • Author peer reviewed papers, technical papers, reports and proposals for internal and external release as well as represent the organization by giving technical presentations in large public forums.
  • Engage with the broader community for computational methods, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and real-world coupled physics applications.
  • Deliver on ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Basic Qualifications:
  • A PhD degree in mechanical engineering, mathematics, physics or a relevant engineering field with emphasis on computational modeling and simulations.
  • Expertise in the development and application of multi-physics simulations and performance portability libraries.
  • Experience with accelerator programming models such as CUDA, HIP, SYCL, OpenMP, MPI, etc.
  • Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills, a proven publication record, and effective interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated expertise in multi-physics simulations using particle-based simulations
  • Demonstrated expertise in design and implementation of multi-physics codes for mechanics and fluid mechanics
  • Demonstrated expertise in performance portable development or strong background in multiple accelerator programming models
  • Experience with the Kokkos C++ library
  • Experience with multi-physics simulations on high-performance computing (HPC) hardware
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Technical Questions:
Alex Plotkowski (plotkowskiaj@ornl.gov), Bruno Turcksin (turcksinbr@ornl.gov)
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
Special Requirements:
  • Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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