... Postdoctoral Research Fellow Employment Status Full-Time Position Type 12 month Position ... PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science, received no later than 6 years before the initial ...
... Postdoctoral Research Fellow Employment Status Full-Time Position Type 12 month Position ... PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science, received no later than 6 years before the initial ...
Postdoctoral Fellow to lead a lab demonstration of a highly-multiplexed heterodyne interferometer fo
Ann Arbor, MI · On-site +1
$47K - $65K/yr
Description Professors John Monnier (Astronomy) and Steven Cundiff (Physics) are currently recruiting for a postdoctoral research fellow position. This is a one-year appointment to start in late Fall ...
Postdoctoral Fellow to lead a lab demonstration of a highly-multiplexed heterodyne interferometer fo
Ann Arbor, MI · On-site +1
$47K - $65K/yr
Description Professors John Monnier (Astronomy) and Steven Cundiff (Physics) are currently recruiting for a postdoctoral research fellow position. This is a one-year appointment to start in late Fall ...
Postdoctoral Researcher - AWRI (Adjunct Salaried)
Muskegon, MI · On-site
$60K/yr
Develop, use, and refine process-based models of lake physics and biogeochemistry * Employ appropriate statistical analyses to evaluate empirical observations and model outputs * Contribute to lab ...
Postdoctoral Researcher - AWRI (Adjunct Salaried)
Muskegon, MI · On-site
$60K/yr
Develop, use, and refine process-based models of lake physics and biogeochemistry * Employ appropriate statistical analyses to evaluate empirical observations and model outputs * Contribute to lab ...
Postdoctoral Researcher - AWRI (Adjunct Salaried)
Muskegon, MI · On-site
$60K/yr
Develop, use, and refine process-based models of lake physics and biogeochemistry * Employ appropriate statistical analyses to evaluate empirical observations and model outputs * Contribute to lab ...
Postdoctoral Researcher - AWRI (Adjunct Salaried)
Muskegon, MI · On-site
$60K/yr
Develop, use, and refine process-based models of lake physics and biogeochemistry * Employ appropriate statistical analyses to evaluate empirical observations and model outputs * Contribute to lab ...
Physics Postdoc information
See Michigan salary details
$4.61 - $6.21
0% of jobs
$6.21 - $7.81
0% of jobs
$7.81 - $9.41
0% of jobs
$9.41 - $11.01
24% of jobs
$11.08 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$11.01 - $12.61
16% of jobs
$12.61 - $14.21
0% of jobs
$14.21 - $15.81
0% of jobs
$15.81 - $17.41
0% of jobs
$17.41 - $19.01
0% of jobs
The median wage is $19.39 / hr.
$19.01 - $20.61
40% of jobs
$20.61 - $22.21
19% of jobs
$4
$17
$22
How much do physics postdoc jobs pay per hour?
What is a Physics Postdoc?
What is the difference between Physics Postdoc vs Physics Research Scientist?
| Aspect | Physics Postdoc | Physics Research Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | PhD in Physics or related field | PhD in Physics or related field |
| Work Environment | Academic labs, universities, research institutions | Research labs, industry, government agencies |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Primarily academia and research institutions | Industry, government, private sector |
| Common Search & Comparison | Yes | Yes |
Physics Postdocs are typically early-career researchers working in academic or research settings, focusing on gaining experience and publishing. Physics Research Scientists often hold more permanent roles in industry or government labs, with broader responsibilities and less emphasis on training. While both roles require a PhD in Physics, their work environments and career paths differ significantly.
What are some common challenges faced by Physics Postdocs when transitioning to independent research?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physics Postdoc, and why are they important?

X-ray Studies of Quantum Materials Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Mount Pleasant, MI • On-site
Full-time
Posted 28 days ago
Central Michigan University rating
6.3
Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
464th of 544 rated colleges and universities
Job description
Position Information
Posting Number
F-1019
Position Title
X-ray Studies of Quantum Materials Postdoctoral Research Fellow
College/Unit
College of Science and Engineering
Home Department
Department of Physics
Employee Group
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Employment Status
Full-Time
Position Type
12 month
Position Classification
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Position Begin Date
02/01/2026
Position End Date
07/31/2026
Position Summary
A postdoctoral position is available starting February 1, 2026, in the Physics Department at Central Michigan University. We are seeking an enthusiastic scientist to work in the field of structural characterization of quantum materials using x-ray scattering techniques and structure modeling.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science, received no later than 6 years before the initial appointment. ABD candidates may be considered, provided the degree is conferred by the start date of the appointment.
- Experience in in-house and synchrotron x-ray scattering experiments on complex materials using Rietveld and atomic pair distribution function techniques.
- Ability to test and refine atomistic structure models against experimental x-ray scattering data.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Solid-state synthesis experience.
- Computer programming skills.
- Ability to implement artificial intelligence in crystal structure studies.
Message to Applicants
Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU's mission, vision, and leadership standards.
You must submit an online application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.
Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
About the Department
The CMU Physics Department offers B.S., B.S. in Ed., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in physics and participates in the interdisciplinary Ph.D. in the Science of Advanced Materials. The department houses active research programs in several areas, including computational condensed matter and chemical physics and experimental condensed matter and materials physics.
To learn more about the department, click here.
Posting Begins
01/07/2026
Posting Ends
Open Until Filled
Yes
Type of Recruitment
External
About CMU
Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.
We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, master's, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.
CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.
Central is home to 17 men's and women's Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.
CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. It's part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the state's largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.
Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions - Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more - are within easy reach of the city's central location in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.
EEO Statement
CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.
If you wish to see "Know Your Rights " posters, please click here.
CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a matter.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMU's Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of Education's Assistant Secretary, or both.
CMU's Title IX Coordinator can be reached at:
Phone: 989-774-3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: titleix@cmich.edu
What Central Michigan University employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Central Michigan University
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Mount Pleasant, MI, US
Year founded
1892