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Physics Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoc Fellow - Imaging Physics

Houston, TX

$46.80K - $63.50K/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 ...

$40/hr

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Physics Research Associate to join our team to train AI models. You will measure the progress of these AI chatbots, evaluate their logic, and solve problems to ...

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Physics Postdoc information

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How much do physics postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 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 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 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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 10% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 80% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
[EOI] Postdoctoral Researcher at Polymathic AI: Solar Physics

[EOI] Postdoctoral Researcher at Polymathic AI: Solar Physics

New York University

New York, NY • On-site

$62.50K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


New York University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Center for Data Science at New York University (NYU) invites applications for postdoctoral researchers as part of the Polymathic AI initiative, focused on applications of AI to solar physics.
Our research focuses on building and understanding foundation models for science, and in particular modeling complex interconnected systems from astronomy, biology, fluid dynamics to solar physics. For this position, we are looking for postdoctoral researchers that will contribute to applying our research capabilities to solar physics. The overarching objective is to build large scale models of solar phenomena and apply them to important applications in solar physics and space weather research.
The selected postdoctoral candidates will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary team based in New York, spanning NYU and the Flatiron Institute, composed of machine learning researchers, engineers, and domain scientists. This collaborative environment offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting edge AI models, with a focus on generalization and interpretability, and advance AI for scientific discovery.
In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $62,500 - $125,000. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer.
Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in a relevant field

Expected skills/functions:
  • Experience with solar physics is an advantage, but is not a requirement
  • Engage in research and train large AI models for science
  • Generate new large scientific datasets
  • Develop and maintain complex codebases
  • Read literature and integrate research across AI and scientific domain

Application Instructions
Please follow instructions in the Interfolio application and upload the following documents:
  • CV
  • Two publications
  • Two references

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About New York University

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Since its founding in 1831, NYU has been an innovator in higher education, reaching out to an emerging middle class, embracing an urban identity and professional focus, and promoting a global vision that informs its 20 schools and colleges. Today, that trailblazing spirit makes NYU one of the most prominent and respected research universities in the world, featuring top-ranked academic programs and accepting fewer than one in eight undergraduates. Anchored in New York City and with degree-granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai as well as 12 study away sites throughout the world, NYU is a leader in global education, with more international students and more students studying abroad than any other US university.

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Year founded

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