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Physics Postdoctoral Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

YO AI Labs

Physics Expert - Remote

Seattle, WA · Remote

$80 - $160/hr

Physics Expert - Professor / Principal Investigator Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote Job ... Experience supervising PhD students, postdoctoral researchers , or equivalent research leadership ...

YO AI Labs

Physics Expert - Remote

Seattle, WA · Remote

$80 - $160/hr

Physics Expert - Professor / Principal Investigator Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote Job ... Experience supervising PhD students, postdoctoral researchers , or equivalent research leadership ...

Uw

Research Scientist/Engineer 3

Seattle, WA · On-site

Mentorship and Training (25%) 1. Train and mentor junior researchers, including postdoctoral ... Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Physics or related field and 4 years of relevant ...

All JobsPhysics Postdoctoral JobsPhysics Postdoctoral Jobs in Seattle, WA

Physics Postdoctoral information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$28.5K

$67.2K

$95K

How much do physics postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics postdoctoral in Seattle, WA is $67,168.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,800.00 and $75,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physics postdoctoral?

Physics postdoctorals, often called postdoctoral researchers or 'postdocs,' are individuals who have completed a Ph.D. in physics and are engaged in temporary research positions, usually at universities or research institutions. These positions allow them to deepen their expertise, conduct independent or collaborative research, and publish findings under the supervision of established scientists. Postdocs often use this period to build their professional network, enhance their research skills, and prepare for permanent academic or industry roles. The duration of a postdoctoral appointment typically ranges from two to five years.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physics postdoctoral?

To thrive as a Physics Postdoctoral researcher, you need an advanced degree (typically a PhD in physics or a related field), a strong background in research methodology, and expertise in your area of specialization. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as MATLAB or Python), laboratory instrumentation, and scientific publishing platforms is commonly required. Critical thinking, collaboration, and effective scientific communication are essential soft skills for success in multidisciplinary research teams. These competencies are vital for driving innovative research, producing publishable results, and advancing your academic or scientific career.

What are some common challenges faced by physics postdoctoral researchers when transitioning to independent research?

Physics Postdoctoral researchers often encounter challenges such as securing funding for independent projects, balancing collaboration with established faculty while building their own research identity, and managing the expectations of publishing significant results within limited contract periods. Adapting to a new institution's culture and resources, as well as developing leadership skills to mentor junior researchers, are also typical hurdles. Proactively seeking mentorship, networking within the scientific community, and staying updated on grant opportunities can help address these challenges and support a successful transition to independent research.

What is the difference between Physics Postdoctoral vs Physics Research Scientist?

AspectPhysics PostdoctoralPhysics Research Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Physics or related fieldPhD in Physics or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, universities, research institutionsResearch labs, government agencies, industry
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutionsResearch organizations, industry R&D
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Physics Postdoctoral roles are typically temporary research positions in academic or research settings, focusing on developing expertise and publishing research. Physics Research Scientists often hold more permanent roles in research organizations or industry, with broader responsibilities including project management and applied research. While both require a PhD in Physics, the main difference lies in job stability and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Physics Postdoctoral jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Physics Postdoctoral jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Physics Postdoctoral jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Physics Postdoctoral jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Physics Postdoctoral jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Postdoctoral job openings in Seattle, WA 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 $67,168 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar - PIONEER

University of Washington

Seattle, WA • On-site

$5.7K - $6.5K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

University Of Washington School Of Medicine rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
Postdoctoral Scholar on the PIONEER Experiment
The Department of Physics at the University of Washington invites applications for a post-doctoral scholar position starting in Winter 2026. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to forefront research at the Center for Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics (CENPA) in alignment with the NSAC 2023 Long Range Plan for Nuclear Science. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment on the UW Seattle campus, collaborating closely with scientists, engineers, technicians, and students at CENPA.
This position is primarily associated with the PIONEER experiment, a next-generation rare pion decay spectrometer, which aims to test flavor universality up to the PeV scale. The University of Washington's group, led by Quentin Buat, David Hertzog and Peter Kammel, is developing the active target and the calorimeter, employing cutting edge detector technologies (LGADs & LYSO) and fast electronics. Our team also carries a host of simulations to prototype the experiment and develop the event reconstruction of the experiment.
The base salary range for this position will be $5705-$6500 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
The position is a full-time, 12-month (one-year) appointment, which may be extended (upon successful performance), subject to funding and mutual agreement. The Postdoctoral Scholar title is limited to five years, including postdoctoral experience(s) at UW and other institutions.
Postdoctoral Scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
About CENPA
CENPA is a DOE Office of Nuclear Physics Center of Excellence, dedicated to advancing research in fundamental symmetries and neutrinos with an emphasis on discovering physics beyond the Standard Model. The Center hosts a broad program including LEGEND, He6-CRES, Project 8, Selena, PIONEER, and others. Our professional engineering and technical teams provide world-class expertise in instrumentation, prototyping, detector development, and experiment execution. For more information about CENPA and its research programs, please see the CENPA Annual Reports.
Qualifications
The successful applicant should have a Ph.D., or foreign equivalent, by the time they start at the University of Washington.
Application Instructions
Applications should be submitted in Interfolio and consist of a cover letter, a CV with list of publications, a research statement, and three letters of recommendation. Applications received by December 15, 2025, will receive full consideration. All applications received will be reviewed until the position is closed. For questions about the position, please contact Prof. Quentin Buat (qbuat@uw.edu).

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