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Physics Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weekday AI

Physics Research Collaborator (Part-time)

$80 - $110/hr

We are seeking accomplished Physics Research Collaborators to help improve AI models that reason across advanced areas of physics at the level of active researchers-not textbooks. This role is ideal ...

Mercor

Physics Research Expert - PhD

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$80 - $140/hr

Research Physics Expert Type: Contract Compensation: $80-$140/hour Location: Remote Commitment: ~10 hours/week Role Responsibilities * Solve research-level physics challenges end-to-end with ...

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How much do physics research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics research in the United States is $32.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Physics Research vs Physics Teaching?

AspectPhysics ResearchPhysics Teaching
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, advanced degrees often PhDPhysics degree, teaching certification may be required
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesClassrooms, schools, universities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch labs, academia, government agenciesSchools, colleges, universities
Common Search & Comparison IntentResearch methods, career paths, research opportunitiesTeaching methods, job requirements, career options

Physics Research focuses on conducting experiments, developing theories, and advancing scientific knowledge in physics. Physics Teaching involves instructing students, developing curricula, and communicating complex concepts. While both careers require a physics background, research emphasizes experimentation and discovery, whereas teaching centers on education and mentorship.

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

To thrive as a Physics Researcher, you need a solid background in physics, advanced mathematics, and analytical problem-solving, typically supported by a master's or doctoral degree in physics or a related field. Proficiency with data analysis software (such as MATLAB or Python), simulation tools, and laboratory instrumentation is essential. Critical thinking, perseverance, and effective scientific communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with peers and sharing findings. These skills enable researchers to design rigorous experiments, interpret complex data, and contribute meaningful advances to the field.

What does a physics researcher do?

A physics researcher investigates the fundamental principles of matter, energy, and the universe through experiments, observations, and theoretical modeling. They often work in laboratories or academic settings, using tools like telescopes, particle accelerators, or computer simulations, and typically require strong analytical skills and a background in physics or related fields.

What is physics research?

Physics research involves the systematic investigation of the fundamental laws of nature, matter, energy, and their interactions. Physicists use experiments, observations, and mathematical modeling to explore everything from subatomic particles to the structure of the universe. Research in physics can be theoretical or experimental and often leads to new technologies, medical advances, and a deeper understanding of the physical world. Physics researchers typically work in academic institutions, government labs, or private industry.

How do physics researchers typically collaborate with other scientists and departments?

Physicists in research positions often work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including engineers, computer scientists, and specialists in related scientific fields. Collaboration is key, as many research projects require expertise beyond physics, such as advanced data analysis or specialized equipment development. Regular meetings, joint experiments, and shared publications are common, and physicists may also coordinate with administrative staff for grant writing and compliance. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and often leads to opportunities for professional growth and networking.
More about Physics Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Physics Research jobs? Cities with the most Physics Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Physics Research jobs? The most popular types of Physics Research jobs are:
What states have the most Physics Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Physics Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Physics Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Physics Research jobs are:
Physics Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,577 per year, or $32 per hour.

Physics Research Collaborator (Part-time)

Weekday AI

Remote

$80 - $110/hr

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

This role is for one of our clients
Compensation: $80 - $110 per hour
Join a leading AI research initiative developing the next generation of AI systems for scientific reasoning. We are seeking accomplished Physics Research Collaborators to help improve AI models that reason across advanced areas of physics at the level of active researchers-not textbooks.
This role is ideal for researchers with expertise in fields such as theoretical physics, condensed matter physics, quantum information, particle physics, high-energy theory, astrophysics, cosmology, atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics, plasma physics, biophysics, statistical and computational physics, or mathematical physics. Your research experience will directly contribute to building AI systems capable of solving complex scientific problems with greater accuracy and rigor.
This is a remote, part-time engagement requiring up to 20 hours per week.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
  • Review and evaluate physics research papers for scientific accuracy, originality, and significance.
  • Design and review challenging physics problems used to train and evaluate advanced AI models.
  • Assess AI-generated solutions involving:
    • Analytical derivations
    • Physical mechanism prediction
    • Numerical simulations
    • Experimental design
    • Scientific literature interpretation
  • Identify reasoning errors and conceptual gaps that experienced physics researchers would readily recognize.
  • Provide detailed, evidence-based written feedback to improve AI model performance.
  • Collaborate with fellow researchers and project teams to ensure consistency and quality across evaluation tasks.
Required Qualifications
We're seeking researchers who demonstrate several of the following:
  • First-author or co-first-author publications in leading journals such as:
    • Physical Review Letters (PRL)
    • Physical Review X (PRX)
    • Reviews of Modern Physics
    • Nature Physics
    • Nature
    • Science
    • PNAS
    • Nature Communications
    • Physical Review A/B/C/D/E
    • Physics Letters B
    • Journal of High Energy Physics (JHEP)
    • The Astrophysical Journal
    • Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS)
    • Quantum
    • Communications Physics
  • PhD or postdoctoral training from a globally recognized institution in Physics or a related STEM discipline.
  • Recipient of prestigious fellowships or research awards such as:
    • NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
    • Hertz Fellowship
    • DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship
    • DOE Early Career Award
    • Sloan Research Fellowship
    • Packard Fellowship
    • Simons Investigator or Junior Fellowship
    • Hubble, Einstein, Sagan, or Kavli Fellowship
    • Marie Curie (MSCA)
    • Fulbright
    • Rhodes Scholarship
    • Marshall Scholarship
    • Gates Cambridge Scholarship
    • Schmidt Science Fellowship
    • NSF CAREER Award
    • APS Fellowship
    • Or equivalent internationally recognized awards
  • Named inventor on patents, founder of a research spin-out, or Principal Investigator/Co-Investigator on funded research grants.
  • Medalist (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO).
  • Current or recent experience in an active research role, including:
    • PhD Candidate
    • Postdoctoral Researcher
    • Faculty Member
    • Instructor
    • Principal Scientist
    • Industry Researcher
  • Outstanding senior PhD students and recent graduates with exceptional publication records are strongly encouraged to apply. Demonstrated research excellence is valued more than years of experience.
Engagement Details
  • Schedule: Part-time (up to 20 hours per week)
  • Work Arrangement: Fully Remote
  • Compensation: Competitive and based on research experience, publications, and credentials.
  • Duration: Ongoing, subject to project requirements and performance.
Why Join?
  • Help shape the future of AI-powered scientific reasoning.
  • Apply your research expertise to real-world AI evaluation challenges.
  • Collaborate with a network of distinguished researchers across multiple physics disciplines.
  • Influence the development of AI systems capable of solving frontier scientific problems.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to providing equal opportunities and reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.
Contract Details
  • Independent contractor engagement.
  • Fully remote with flexible working hours.
  • Project duration may be extended, shortened, or concluded based on project needs and performance.
  • Weekly payments for approved work completed.
  • Please note that H1-B and STEM OPT sponsorship is not available for this engagement.

Apply