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Physics Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Washington University of St. Louis

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 Pennsylvania State University

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 ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Eberly College of Science, Department of Physics at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking to fill one Postdoctoral Researcher position in the area of Neutrino Physics

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How much do physics postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 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.
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Physics Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Postdoc job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Postdoctoral Appointee - Medium Energy Physics

Postdoctoral Appointee - Medium Energy Physics

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site

$70K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

The Medium Energy Physics (MEP) group at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for multiple experimental postdoctoral researcher positions. Depending on your background, your portfolio may include work at Jefferson Lab, the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) program, detector research and development, and applications of AI in nuclear physics. Applications received by Tuesday, November 4 will receive full consideration.

Key Responsibilities

  • AI-ready data and analysis for the ePIC Barrel Imaging Calorimeter and our Jefferson Lab program

  • Support for the PRad-II and X17 experiments scheduled to run in CY26

  • Lead role in our MCP-PMT R&D program, with emphasis on device characterization and QA

You may combine these focus areas with other ongoing projects in our group.

About Argonne and the MEP Group

Argonne National Laboratory, situated near Chicago, is a prominent multidisciplinary science and engineering research center. The Medium Energy Group in the Physics Division, comprises eight staff members, two engineers, and postdocs and students. Our program spans electron-scattering experiments at Jefferson Lab in Hall A, B, and C, including CLAS12 and SoLID. We have led SeaQuest and are involved in SpinQuest at Fermilab and the MUSE experiment at PSI. Our hardware program includes the ePIC Barrel Imaging Calorimeter, and instrumentation R&D such as a polarized lithium-ion source for EIC, superconducting nanowire particle detectors and pixelized MCP-PMTs.

Position Requirements

  • Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in experimental nuclear or particle physics or a related field

  • Match at least one of the following profiles:

    • Experience with modern AI methods for nuclear physics or high-energy physics detector data; or

    • Hands-on work with PMTs, SiPMs, or MCP-PMTs (test-beam or bench characterization experience is a plus); or

    • Prior experience working on Jefferson Lab or RHIC experiments

  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Application Materials

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Cover Letter describing research experience and fit for the role

  • Contact information for three references to be sent to Kaitlin Raimondi atPHYHR@anl.gov

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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