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How much do physics postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics postdoc in Tennessee is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.35 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physics postdoc?

A Physics Postdoc, or postdoctoral researcher in physics, is an individual who has completed their Ph.D. in physics and is engaged in further research, typically at a university or research institute. Postdocs work under the supervision of a principal investigator and contribute to ongoing projects, often publishing their findings in scientific journals. The role is intended to provide advanced training and experience, preparing postdocs for independent research careers, academia, or industry positions. Physics postdoc positions are usually temporary, lasting from one to three years.

What is the difference between Physics Postdoc vs Physics Research Scientist?

AspectPhysics PostdocPhysics Research Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Physics or related fieldPhD in Physics or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, universities, research institutionsResearch labs, industry, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutionsIndustry, government, private sector
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

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 kind of physics postdoc jobs are in demand?

Physics postdoc jobs in demand typically focus on areas such as condensed matter physics, quantum information, astrophysics, and materials science. These roles often require strong research skills, experience with advanced laboratory equipment or computational tools, and a PhD in physics or a related field. Funding for projects in these areas is generally stable, and positions are available in academia, national laboratories, and industry research centers.

What are some common challenges faced by physics postdocs when transitioning to independent research?

Physics Postdocs often encounter challenges such as securing funding for independent projects, balancing research with teaching or mentoring duties, and building a professional network. Navigating the shift from working under a principal investigator to developing their own research agenda requires strong grant writing and project management skills. Collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams and maintaining work-life balance are also important considerations during this stage of career development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physics postdoc, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physics Postdoc, you need a PhD in physics or a related field, strong analytical and research skills, and expertise in your area of study. Familiarity with advanced simulation software, programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), and experience with laboratory equipment or data analysis tools are often required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective collaboration and communication skills help you contribute to research teams and share findings. These skills are essential for advancing scientific knowledge, publishing impactful research, and succeeding in highly competitive academic or research environments.
What are popular job titles related to Physics Postdoc jobs in Tennessee? For Physics Postdoc jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Physics Postdoc jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Physics Postdoc jobs in Tennessee are:
Physics Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Postdoc job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,876 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Two Tenure-Track Faculty Positions in Quantum Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy - UT Chat

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) invites applications for two tenure-track faculty positions in Physics to help build a new interdisciplinary PhD and undergraduate program in Quantum Information Science and Engineering. The positions will be at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level, pre-tenure, beginning January 1 or August 1, 2027. One of the tenure-track positions requires a strong experimental background with particular emphasis on quantum sensing and networking, while the other is open to any area of Quantum Information Science that aligns with the needs of the Physics Department (theoretical or experimental).
Senior candidates are encouraged to apply for our Governor's Chair position (separate search). UTC is also in the process of hiring Research Faculty to support our Quantum Center. The UTCQC is an integral part of the rapidly emerging quantum techno-economic ecosystem in Chattanooga that includes the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC). UTC's focus is on use-inspired R&D in QISE and on offering QISE educational programs at all levels.
Qualifications
Tenure-Track Position Description:
  • Educational Requirement: A Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field, completed by the start date.
  • Research Experience: Postdoctoral research experience is strongly preferred.
  • Teaching Experience: Prior teaching experience is advantageous.
  • Assistant or Associate: level at hire is negotiable, based on experience.
  • Teaching: Deliver a broad range of QISE and general physics courses at the undergraduate and graduate level.
  • Research: Establish and maintain a productive research program involving both undergraduate and graduate students. Opportunities for collaboration exist within the campus community, including the UTC Quantum Center, and with external institutions such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the CQC.
  • Instructional Modalities: Engage in various teaching methods, including online instruction, to support UTC's strategic goals.

Application Instructions
Application Process:
Applicants must submit a single PDF file electronically through the UTC Faculty Career Site. The PDF file should be named in the format "First name Last name Application" (e.g., Jane Smith Application) and must include:
  • A letter of interest.
  • Current curriculum vitae (include names, titles, and email addresses for three professional references on the last page).
  • Undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
  • A one-page statement of teaching philosophy.
  • A description of research interests, including research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students (no more than three pages).

Application Deadlines:
Complete applications received by September 8, 2026, will receive full consideration. Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled.
Department Highlights:
  • Faculty Composition: The department comprises 8 faculty members and 3 staff.
  • Student Body: Approximately 30 physics majors enrolled across four academic tracks (Physics, Biophysics, Quantum, and STEM Education).
  • Experiential Learning: Renowned for high-quality undergraduate education and research opportunities and a nationally-recognized chapter in the Society of Physics Students.
  • Quantum Network Infrastructure: UTC is distinguished as the first university globally to have a permanent node on a commercial fiber-optic metro-scale quantum network infrastructure in downtown Chattanooga.

For more information about the department and its programs, please visit the Department of Physics and Astronomy | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
For inquiries regarding the position, please contact the department at CHPH@utc.edu.
About the University and the City of Chattanooga:
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is in the heart of one of Tennessee's largest and most dynamic cities. As a national model for metropolitan universities, UTC collaborates with its many regional partners to offer an experiential learning environment with outstanding teaching scholars in 128 undergraduate degree programs and 55 graduate programs-at both the master's and doctoral levels. UTC and Chattanooga-nationally recognized for its downtown redevelopment and wealth of outdoor recreation-are inextricably linked, and the University is central to the workforce and economic development efforts of the region and the state.
Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Engineering and Computer Science; Health, Education and Professional Studies; Nursing; and the Honors College are home to an array of award-winning programs from Nursing to Computer Science, Entrepreneurship to Veteran Student Support. Innovation is a strategic focus, and UTC research and development in smart city technology is an industry leader. UTC is the first and only university in the country with access to a managed, commercial quantum computing network, and we are introducing an artificial intelligence initiative involving entities across campus and engaging partners throughout the region.
From our deep ties to the city of Chattanooga to our national reputation for innovation and hands-on learning, UTC stands out as a university where students thrive, faculty inspire, and partnerships create real impact.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility at (423) 425-5824. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility at (423) 425-5760.

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