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Physics Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ametek

Senior Research Scientist

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

The Senior Research Scientist leads research and development activities related to semiconductor ... PhD required in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or ...

Ametek

Senior Research Scientist

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

The Senior Research Scientist leads research and development activities related to semiconductor ... PhD required in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or ...

IBM

NY · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Research Scientists at IBM drive the leading edge of quantum computing technologies with the ... Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics, or related experience in device ...

New

Chai Discovery, Inc

Research Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About the role We are hiring research scientists with outlier insight who can drive new avenues for ... Our team hails from physics, math, theoretical computer science, computational biology and related ...

IBM

Research Scientist

Yorktown, NY · On-site

Introduction Research Scientists at IBM drive the leading edge of quantum computing technologies ... Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics, or related experience in device ...

AMETEK, Inc.

Senior Research Scientist

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

The Senior Research Scientist leads research and development activities related to semiconductor ... PhD required in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or ...

Computational Physics, Inc.

Scientist-Research

IL · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is looking for a Full-Time Scientist-Research to support our customers remotely at NRL. Background We seek an early-to-mid career scientist to join a team at CPI and ...

KLA

Research Scientist

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

... Research Scientist to join our CTO group in Ann Arbor, Michigan! Requirements ... Background in semiconductor physics, optics, light matter interactions, and semiconductor ...

Orbotech

Research Scientist

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

... Research Scientist to join our CTO group in Ann Arbor, Michigan! Requirements ... Background in semiconductor physics, optics, light matter interactions, and semiconductor ...

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Physics Research Scientist information

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$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do physics research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Physics Research Scientist, you need advanced knowledge of physics principles, strong analytical skills, and typically a Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), and data analysis software is commonly required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with colleagues and presenting complex findings. These skills and qualifications are vital for advancing scientific understanding, securing research funding, and contributing meaningful discoveries to the field.

What are some common challenges physics research scientists face when working on collaborative projects?

Physics Research Scientists often work in interdisciplinary teams that may include engineers, technicians, and researchers from other scientific backgrounds. One common challenge is effectively communicating complex theoretical concepts to team members with different expertise, ensuring everyone is aligned on project goals and methodologies. Additionally, coordinating experiments and integrating various data sources can require strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Navigating these challenges successfully not only enhances project outcomes but also contributes to professional growth and the development of collaborative skills.

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

AspectPhysics Research ScientistPhysics Engineer
Required CredentialsMaster's or Ph.D. in Physics or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Physics, Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesIndustrial settings, R&D departments, manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government research, scientific institutionsTechnology companies, aerospace, defense, manufacturing

Physics Research Scientists focus on fundamental research and theoretical studies, often working in academic or government labs. Physics Engineers apply physics principles to develop practical solutions, products, or systems in industrial settings. While both roles require strong physics knowledge, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

Is physics research a good career?

Physics research is a specialized career that involves conducting experiments, developing theories, and analyzing data to advance scientific understanding. It often requires advanced degrees such as a Ph.D., strong analytical skills, and proficiency with laboratory tools and programming. While it can be intellectually rewarding and contribute to technological progress, it may also involve competitive funding environments and variable job stability.

What does a physics research scientist do?

A physics research scientist conducts experiments and studies to understand the fundamental principles of matter, energy, and the universe. They analyze data, develop theories, and use specialized tools like laboratory equipment and computer simulations, often working in academic, government, or industrial research settings. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of physics are essential for this role.
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Physics Research Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Senior Research Scientist

Ametek

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

AMETEK rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 161 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

The Senior Research Scientist leads research and development activities related to semiconductor radiation detector technology used in ORTEC gamma-ray spectroscopy and radiation measurement products. This role is responsible for advancing detector performance, semiconductor fabrication processes, and future technology capabilities while working closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, customers, suppliers, universities, and national laboratories.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Research:
  • Lead experimental programs focused on detector materials evaluation, device optimization, fabrication process improvement, and advanced detector concepts.
  • Develop and improve semiconductor fabrication methods, including: ion implantation, diffusion, wet chemical processing, etching, surface preparation, metallization, contact formation, passivation
  • Evaluate emerging detector materials, architectures, external research opportunities, and strategic partnerships that support ORTEC product strategy.
  • Represent ORTEC in technical reviews, scientific conferences, customer discussions, internal leadership reviews, and technology roadmap planning.

Process Development & Manufacturing Support:
  • Partner with manufacturing teams to improve detector yield, repeatability, reliability, throughput, process control, and final performance testing.
  • Collaborate with electronics, mechanical, cryogenic, software, systems, manufacturing, and quality teams to optimize complete detector systems.
  • Balance scientific innovation with manufacturability, quality, reliability, schedule, cost, and customer application requirements.

Scientific Analysis & Continuous Improvement:
  • Apply strong experimental design, data analysis, root-cause investigation, and evidence-based decision-making practices.
  • Maintain disciplined documentation, intellectual property protection, safety, quality, and continuous improvement standards.
  • Manage multiple research, process development, and product-support priorities simultaneously.

AI and Technology Enablement:
  • Demonstrate the ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and cost efficiency.
  • Identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.

Requirements
Education & Experience:
  • PhD required in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline.
  • Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in:
      • Semiconductor detector development
      • Semiconductor fabrication
      • Detector materials research
      • Radiation detection technology
      • Advanced semiconductor process development
  • Demonstrated experience with semiconductor fabrication and process techniques, including ion implantation, diffusion, wet chemical processing, etching, surface preparation, passivation, metallization, and contact formation.
  • Record of technical accomplishment through commercial product impact, patents, publications, conference presentations, funded research, or recognized scientific contributions preferred.

Technical Qualifications:
Detector Physics & Radiation Detection Expertise
  • Deep understanding of:
      • Semiconductor physics
      • HPGe and other semiconductor detector technologies
      • Gamma-ray interactions
      • Charge transport and trapping
      • Leakage mechanisms
      • Charge collection
      • Cryogenic operation
      • Detector performance characterization
  • Experience working with detector performance metrics, including: energy resolution, efficiency, capacitance, noise, long-term stability

Technical Leadership & Collaboration:
  • Strong communication and technical leadership skills with the ability to influence across R&D, manufacturing, quality, product management, sales, customer organizations, and external research partners.
  • Ability to mentor scientists, engineers, and technical staff in detector physics, semiconductor process development, experimental methods, and performance analysis.
  • Strong scientific judgment, technical curiosity, ownership mentality, and commitment to high-quality technical execution.

Preferred Experience:
  • Direct HPGe detector development.
  • Gamma-ray spectroscopy instrumentation.
  • Crystal growth or impurity control.
  • Detector modeling.
  • Regulated product development environments.
  • Collaboration with national laboratories, universities, or government agencies.

Working Environment
  • Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, product management, customers, suppliers, universities, and national laboratories.
  • Represent ORTEC externally through customer engagements, research collaborations, technical reviews, and scientific conferences.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required for customer, supplier, research, and conference activities.

About the Business Unit
Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, ORTEC is part of Advanced Measurement Technology (AMT) within the Materials Analysis Division of AMETEK, Inc. ORTEC is a global leader in the design and manufacture of precision radiation detectors, nuclear instrumentation, analysis software, and integrated measurement systems. Founded in 1960 by scientists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, ORTEC has built a long-standing reputation for technical excellence, reliability, and innovation in nuclear measurement solutions.
ORTEC's product portfolio includes high purity germanium (HPGe) radiation detectors, scintillation detectors, digital spectrometers, analysis software, and turnkey spectroscopy systems used across homeland security, nuclear safeguards, health physics, waste assay, radiopharmaceuticals, and scientific research applications. ORTEC solutions are trusted by government agencies, nuclear facilities, research laboratories, universities, and industrial customers worldwide.
Visit us online:
  • www.ametek.com
  • www.ortec-online.com
  • www.sunpowerinc.com
  • www.ameteksi.com
  • www.ortec-online.com/innoriid
  • www.amptek.com

Compensation
Employee Type: Salaried
Currency: USD
Salary Minimum: 145,000
Salary Maximum: 175,000
Incentive: No
Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.
For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.
AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers' most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500. Visit https://www.ametek.com/careers for more information.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.

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