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Physics Postdoc Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Associate, Diagnostic Imaging & Machine Learning Be You. At Duke, we celebrate ... D. in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Medical Physics, Imaging ...

Postdoctoral Associate, Diagnostic Imaging & Machine Learning Be You. At Duke, we celebrate ... D. in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Medical Physics, Imaging ...

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Physics Postdoc information

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$5

$19

$24

How much do physics postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics postdoc in Raleigh, NC is $19.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.16 and $24.76 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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Physics Postdoc jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Physics Postdoc jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Infographic showing various Physics Postdoc job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,566 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.
Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke. Postdoctoral Associate, Diagnostic Imaging & Machine Learning
Be You.
At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As a Postdoctoral Associate in Diagnostic Imaging & Machine Learning, you will join an innovative research team dedicated to advancing next-generation medical imaging technologies. Your expertise in software development, machine learning, and imaging systems will help drive groundbreaking discoveries that improve healthcare and patient outcomes.
Working alongside faculty, researchers, engineers, and clinicians, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of diagnostic imaging through interdisciplinary collaboration and technical innovation.

Be Bold.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of machine learning, medical imaging, and software engineering. You will help develop advanced imaging solutions while building tools and technologies that support scientific discovery and clinical translation.
What You'll Do:
  • Advance the laboratory's diagnostic imaging research initiatives, with a strong emphasis on integrating machine learning methodologies into imaging workflows.
  • Design, develop, and optimize algorithms and software solutions that support imaging research and innovation.
  • Develop, maintain, and enhance software control systems and user interfaces for custom-built imaging devices.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of researchers, engineers, and clinicians to translate research concepts into practical imaging applications.
  • Support software project planning, execution, documentation, and lifecycle management activities.
  • Contribute to the evaluation, testing, and validation of imaging technologies and software systems.
  • Assist in preparing research findings for publications, presentations, grant proposals, and scientific dissemination activities.
  • Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in machine learning, software engineering, and medical imaging.
What You'll Bring:
  • Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Medical Physics, Imaging Sciences, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience with Python and C++ software development.
  • Experience managing software development projects and collaborating within research or technical teams.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience developing medical diagnostic imaging devices or related healthcare technologies.
  • Familiarity with machine learning applications in medical imaging.
  • Experience working with hardware-software integration and custom instrumentation.
  • Knowledge of research computing, image processing, and data analysis methodologies.

Choose Duke.
At Duke, you'll find more than a job. You'll discover a community of innovators, researchers, and professionals committed to improving lives through education, research, and healthcare. We foster an environment where curiosity is encouraged, collaboration is valued, and bold ideas are transformed into meaningful impact.
Whether you're advancing transformative technologies, pioneering new research discoveries, or mentoring the next generation of scientists, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting difference while growing your career at one of the world's leading research institutions.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.



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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

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10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US