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Physics Postdoc Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Physics Postdoc information

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$18

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How much do physics postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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:

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.

Faculty Position, Department of Radiation Oncology - Medical Physicist

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


St. Jude Children's Research Hospital rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 1,059 rated hospitals


Job description

SJCRH
The Department of Radiation Oncology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital an accomplished medical physicist to join its faculty. Academic rank will be determined based on the candidate's experience, academic record, and publication history.
St. Jude's Department of Radiation Oncology is dedicated to the research and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer, with expertise in brain, musculoskeletal, and solid tumors. We are especially interested in candidates with a strong interest in proton therapy and in developing innovative approaches to treatment targeting, treatment planning and delivery, and toxicity modeling.
This position offers exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with investigators across multiple St. Jude cancer center programs. The department is committed to supporting academic innovation and provides substantial resources for protected research time, research development, and scholarly productivity.
Department and Clinical Environment
The Department of Radiation Oncology includes:
• Six full-time medical physics faculty members
• One staff clinical physicist
• Four dosimetrists
• Two medical physics assistants
• A dedicated linear accelerator engineer
• Information systems and research staff, including research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and clinical research associates.
• Five full-time pediatric radiation oncologists
• Dedicated nursing, radiation therapy, and child life teams
As one of the largest pediatric radiation oncology programs in the world, the department treats approximately 300 children, adolescents, and young adults each year.
The department occupies approximately 45,000 square feet of clinical space, including dedicated areas for clinical care, treatment planning, radiation therapy, and sedation and anesthesia support.
Advanced Technology and Proton Therapy
Our clinical and research environment provides access to advanced imaging and radiation therapy technologies, including:
• Image-guided linear accelerator
• Spectral CT
• PET/CT
• 1.5T and 3.0T MRI systems dedicated to treatment planning and on-treatment assessment
• Advanced treatment planning and image-guidance capabilities
The Proton Therapy Center features a synchrotron, high-energy beam transport, two gantry treatment rooms, and a fixed-beam room. Each treatment room is equipped with high-precision patient positioning, volumetric image-guidance systems, and dedicated scanning nozzles.
The St. Jude Proton Therapy Center is the world's first proton therapy facility dedicated exclusively to the treatment of children with cancer, providing an unparalleled environment for clinical innovation and translational research in pediatric radiation therapy.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have:
• A PhD in medical physics, engineering, or related physical science
• Certification in radiation oncology physics by ABR, ABMP, or CCPM, or eligibility for certification, is highly desirable.
• A demonstrated record of academic productivity and publications commensurate with the proposed faculty rank
• Strong potential for collaborative research and academic contributions
Foreign equivalencies for these qualifications may be considered.
How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following materials directly online:
• Curriculum vitae
• A letter describing career plans, research interests, and academic goals.
• Names of three professional references
For more information:
Chia-ho Hua, PhD, DABR, FAAPM
Member
Director of Medical Physics Research
Department of Radiation Oncology
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place, Mail Stop 210
Memphis, TN 38105
901-595-3610
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

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