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Physics Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoc Fellow - Imaging Physics

Houston, TX · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

A postdoctoral fellowship position is available in the Department of Imaging Physics in the laboratory of Chengyue Wu, PhD. Dr. Chengyue Wu's research interests focus on computational precision ...

The postdoc will work in the group of Prof. Karthik Ramanathan, primarily on the development of novel superconducting detectors for particle physics applications. These include qubit-based detectors ...

The postdoc will work on topics broadly related to direct and indirect probes of physics beyond the Standard Model, using analytical and computational approaches. The successful applicant will join ...

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Physics Postdoc information

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How much do physics postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics postdoc in the United States is $20.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $25.48 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 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.
More about Physics Postdoc jobs
What cities are hiring for Physics Postdoc jobs? Cities with the most Physics Postdoc job openings:
What states have the most Physics Postdoc jobs? States with the most job openings for Physics Postdoc jobs include:
Infographic showing various Physics Postdoc job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Postdoc Fellow - Imaging Physics

Postdoc Fellow - Imaging Physics

MD Anderson

Houston, TX • On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


MD Anderson Cancer Center rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 169 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 881 rated healthcare providers


Job description

A postdoctoral fellowship position is available in the Department of Imaging Physics in the laboratory of Chengyue Wu, PhD. Dr. Chengyue Wu's research interests focus on computational precision oncology, especially integrating computational/mathematical approaches with emerging biomedical imaging techniques to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of human cancers. Dr. Wu has extensive experience on developing and validating image processing methods and image-guided models for investigating tumor growth and treatment response, tumor-associated vasculature and microenvironment, and drug delivery. The lab is in a highly collaborative research environment with access to world-class resources, expertise, and data. Current projects seeking postdoctoral fellows include:
Image-guided computational modeling ("digital twins") to predict and optimize cancer (especially breast cancer) treatment response on a patient-specific basis.
Development of deep learning models, longitudinal image analysis, and multi-modality data integration to improve breast cancer early detection.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This postdoctoral fellow will engage in highly productive interdisciplinary research projects in image-guided precision oncology and personalized cancer healthcare. The fellow will expand their knowledge and skills in quantitative imaging, image analysis, artificial intelligence (AI)/deep learning technologies, mathematical biomechanical modeling, inverse problems, and uncertainty quantification. The fellow will have opportunities to contribute to ongoing research projects and will be encouraged to explore and develop new areas of research interest with guidance from the mentor. The fellow will be expected to work closely with research/clinical collaborators, communicate findings via reports, abstracts, presentations, and publications, and actively participate in seminars, conferences, and related academic endeavors.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should have earned a Ph.D. in one of the natural sciences, computer sciences, applied mathematics, engineering, or related fields or a medical degree. Experience with machine learning and deep learning techniques, mathematical modeling, or medical image analysis is preferred. Applicants do not need to be US citizens or permanent residents. This appointment is not part of a clinical training program; individuals holding an M.D. degree or equivalent are not permitted to engage in patient care activity.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
The trainee will be appointed for one year from the date of hire with an option to be renewed for up to three years.
POSITION INFORMATION
Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html


FACULTY MENTOR
Dr. Chengyue Wu


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