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Physics Research Associate 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 ...

Virginia Tech

Research Associate

Blacksburg, VA

Research Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537382 Work type: Research Faculty ... Biophysics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or related fields. Substantial programming experience.

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How much do physics research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics research associate in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Physics Research Associate vs Physics Laboratory Technician?

AspectPhysics Research AssociatePhysics Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's or Ph.D. in Physics or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in physics or lab technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, industry R&DUniversity labs, research facilities, technical support roles
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, private research firmsEducational institutions, research labs, manufacturing companies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for research roles requiring advanced degreesCompared for technical support roles in physics labs

The Physics Research Associate typically holds advanced degrees and engages in experimental or theoretical research in academic or industry settings. In contrast, the Physics Laboratory Technician usually has technical certifications and supports laboratory operations, maintenance, and data collection. Both roles are essential in physics research environments but differ mainly in educational requirements and job responsibilities.

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 Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Physics Research Associate jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Physics Research Associate jobs?

For Physics Research Associate jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Post Doc Research Associate

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Purdue University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Purdue Universityexternal

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

315th of 633 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Post Doc Research Associate
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Data-Driven Physics, ML/AI, and Advanced Detector R&D
The High Energy Physics Group at Purdue University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary research program at the intersection of data-intensive physics with nuclear/particle aspects, advanced detector R&D, machine learning and AI and emerging computational methods in quantum computing.
The position is intended for an excellent and broadly interested postdoctoral researcher with strong computational and data-analysis expertise who is interested in applied problems across experimental physics. The successful candidate contributes to applied nuclear and particle physics research leveraging machine learning and AI for data analysis and detector development, as well as exploratory work in quantum algorithms, depending on background and interests.
Core responsibilities and research directions include:
  • Applied nuclear physics and spectroscopy, focusing on the analysis of data from photon spectrometer detectors recording nuclear collisions. A central component of this work is the development and application of machine-learning and AI techniques to identify weak, rare, or previously unknown nuclear transitions in complex spectral data.
  • Advanced computational and data-science methods, including modern ML/AI workflows for pattern recognition, clustering, anomaly detection, and inference in large and noisy datasets. Exploratory work in quantum algorithms and quantum annealing for physics-driven optimization problems is also part of the research portfolio.
  • Detector R&D for future facilities, leveraging Purdue's infrastructure for detector development. The group operates a center of excellence for composite manufacturing and simulation for detector mechanics and cooling, as well as in-house facilities for the design, development, and construction of silicon detectors.

There is an optional opportunity to contribute a limited fraction of effort to research within the CMS experiment at CERN, particularly were expertise in ML/AI, data analysis, or detector-related topics can synergize with ongoing efforts.
The postdoctoral researcher will work in a collaborative environment, mentor graduate and undergraduate students as appropriate, and contribute to publications and future research proposals.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in experimental particle physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, engineering, computer science, or a closely related field (by start date)
Strong background in data analysis, computing, and scientific programming
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research
Experience with machine learning / AI is highly desirable
Prior exposure to nuclear physics data, detector systems, or scientific instrumentation is an advantage but not required
Interest in interdisciplinary research spanning physics, computation, and advanced instrumentation
Appointment & Environment
Initial appointment for one year, renewable subject to performance and funding
Competitive salary and full benefits
Access to extensive computational, laboratory, and detector-development resources
A collaborative research environment with strong ties to national laboratories, international experiments, and interdisciplinary AI initiatives at Purdue
Application Process
The position is available starting immediately and applications will be considered until the position is filled. The appointment is initially for one year and renewable annually, subject to mutual satisfaction. The position will be based in West Lafayette, IN, although travel to other locations is expected for a number of short trips per year and/or extended periods of time.
Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a description of research interests (2 pages), and three letters of recommendation. Complete applications will be considered immediately. Please apply to link: https://careers.purdue.edu/job/Post-Doc-Research-Associate/35390-en_US/.
For information about the position, please contact Prof. Andreas Jung (anjung@purdue.edu ).

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