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Physics Research Intern Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

Physics Research Intern information

What is a physics research intern?

Physics Research Interns are students or recent graduates who work under the supervision of professional physicists to gain hands-on experience in scientific research. They assist with experiments, data analysis, literature reviews, and sometimes the development of scientific equipment or software. These internships are typically part of educational programs and can take place in universities, research laboratories, or industry settings. The goal is to provide interns with practical skills and insights into the research process, preparing them for future careers in physics or related fields.

What types of projects and daily tasks can I expect as a physics research intern?

As a Physics Research Intern, you'll typically assist with experimental setups, data collection, and analysis under the guidance of senior researchers. Your daily tasks may include running simulations, preparing samples, maintaining lab equipment, and reviewing scientific literature. Collaboration is common, as you'll often work closely with graduate students, postdocs, or faculty members. These experiences provide valuable exposure to the research process and can help you develop both technical and teamwork skills crucial for a career in physics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physics research intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physics Research Intern, a solid foundation in physics, mathematics, and scientific research methods is essential, typically supported by progress toward a relevant undergraduate or graduate degree. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as MATLAB or Python), laboratory equipment, and sometimes simulation tools is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns stand out in collaborative research environments. These skills ensure accurate data interpretation, successful experimentation, and productive teamwork, all of which are crucial for meaningful scientific contributions.

What is the difference between Physics Research Intern vs Physics Laboratory Assistant?

AspectPhysics Research InternPhysics Laboratory Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in physics or related fieldOften students or entry-level with basic physics knowledge
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, or corporate R&D departmentsUniversity labs, academic institutions, or research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, tech companiesUniversities, colleges, research centers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for research experience and internship rolesCompared for lab support and technical assistance roles

The main difference is that a Physics Research Intern focuses on conducting research projects, data analysis, and gaining hands-on experience in physics research. In contrast, a Physics Laboratory Assistant typically supports lab operations, maintains equipment, and assists with experiments. Both roles are valuable for physics students but differ in responsibilities and scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physics Research jobs in Nevada?

The most popular types of Physics Research jobs in Nevada are:

What are popular job titles related to Physics Research Intern jobs in Nevada?

For Physics Research Intern jobs in Nevada, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Physics Research Intern job openings in Nevada as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Electrical Engineer (Protection)

USAJOBS - Search

Boulder City, NV • On-site

$71K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

This position is part of the WAPA-DSW-Desert Southwest The primary purpose of this position is to develop and implement studies, plans, and programs related to engineering design, construction, and operation of an electrical transmission system. If selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) are at the discretion of the supervisor and are not guaranteed.
**THIS IS NOT A REMOTE POSITION.**Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy.
Applicants must meet the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the 0800 Series:
Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions. 2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all inclusive.)
To qualify at the GS-7: In addition to meeting the IOR for the 0800 series, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-5 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. This experience includes all the following:

  • Applying basic engineering knowledge and judgment in the selection, interpretation, and application of relevant rules, standard procedures, or precedents.
  • Researching and specifying equipment or devices for which design criteria are standardized or well established by applying standard engineering practices, components, and circuit design approaches.
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: One (1) year of graduate-level education or Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A) See NOTE under the EDUCATION section.
OR
A combination of education and experience to successfully perform the duties of the position.

To qualify for the GS-9: In addition to meeting the IOR for the 0800 series, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-7 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. This experience includes all the following:

  • Applying practical knowledge of electrical engineering concepts, principles, and methodology to perform routine engineering projects related to power systems operations, transmission planning, and/or power systems reliability, and
  • Performing design calculations and circuit analysis.

OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Master's degree or Master's or equivalent graduate degree, if related.
OR
A combination of education and experience as described above to successfully perform the duties of the position.
To qualify for the GS-11: In addition to meeting the IOR for the 0800 Series, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. This experience includes all the following:

  • Performing duties in design, installation, maintenance, and commissioning of system protection relays and their associated planning, design, maintenance, repair and construction activities.
  • Performing protective relay setting development and coordination.
  • Performing project coordination and developing task order design scopes of work.

OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, if related.
OR
A combination of education and experience as described above to successfully perform the duties of the position.

To qualify for the GS-12: In addition to meeting the IOR for the 0800 series, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. This experience includes all the following:
  • Processing relay settings or drawings for development in transmission systems.
  • Assisting in the operation or maintenance work practices associated with major electrical apparatus, protective relays, and/or outdoor substation equipment, metering equipment, and communication systems.
  • Serving as a project leader and technical expert on system protection and metering issues, including additions, replacements, and modifications to equipment and facilities.
To qualify for the GS-13: In addition to meeting the IOR for the 0800 series, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. This experience includes all the following:
  • Calculating protective relay settings for high voltage transmission systems (up to 500 kV) and/or coordinating with utilities or performing event analysis.
  • Serving as a project leader and technical expert on system protection and metering issues, including additions, replacements, and modifications to equipment and facilities.
  • Having compliance responsibility for the use of NERC, WECC/MRO reliability standards or CIP standards.
See NOTE on "experience" under the ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section.Education:

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. Unofficial transcripts denoting a degree was awarded or conferred is acceptable; however, the formal transcripts must be provided before a final offer of employment is rendered.
NOTE: S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.
Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Applicants must have a grade-point average of:
3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
Grade-point averages are to be rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9.

Employment Type: OTHER