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Physics Research Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Inova

Radiation Physicist

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Designs, and performs research projects and promotes research outputs. * Provides educational activities to medical school students, dosimetry students, therapy students, and medical physics ...

Phase2 Technology

Scientist, Senior

Springfield, VA · On-site

$99 - $225/hr

Leverage advanced and specialized physics research expertise to test and analyze physical phenomena, conduct and shape R&D programs, and to support S&T client challenges. Apply advanced skills ...

Inova Health System

Radiation Physicist

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$200K - $327K/yr

Designs, and performs research projects and promotes research outputs. * Provides educational activities to medical school students, dosimetry students, therapy students, and medical physics ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Scientist, Senior

Springfield, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Leverage advanced and specialized physics research expertise to test and analyze physical phenomena, conduct and shape R&D programs, and to support S&T client challenges. Apply advanced skills ...

Phase2 Technology

Scientist, Senior

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$99 - $225/hr

Leverage advanced and specialized physics research expertise to test and analyze physical phenomena, conduct and shape R&D programs, and to support S&T client challenges. Apply advanced skills ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Scientist, Senior

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Leverage advanced and specialized physics research expertise to test and analyze physical phenomena, conduct and shape R&D programs, and to support S&T client challenges. Apply advanced skills ...

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Physics Research information

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.

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.

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.

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 does a physics researcher do?

A physics researcher investigates the fundamental principles of matter, energy, and the universe through experiments, data analysis, and theoretical modeling. They often work in laboratories or academic settings, using tools like telescopes, particle accelerators, or computer simulations to advance scientific understanding.

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

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Physics Research jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Physics Research jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Physics Research jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Physics Research job openings:

Physics Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Research job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Scientific Software Engineer / Computational Physicist

aqua IT

Springfield, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a Scientific Software Engineer / Computational Physicist to support a research and development program focused on remote sensing, physics-based modeling, and scientific algorithm development.

This role requires a strong background in scientific programming and applied physics. An initial focus will be evaluating an existing scientific codebase originally developed in MATLAB and later converted to Python. The engineer will assess both the software implementation and underlying physics to determine whether models and calculations accurately represent the intended physical phenomena.

The ideal candidate can independently review scientific code, understand the governing physics and mathematical models, identify questionable assumptions or implementations, and develop or improve computational approaches to support ongoing R&D efforts.

Key Responsibilities

  • Review, debug, validate, and improve scientific Python code, including functionality converted from legacy MATLAB.
  • Evaluate whether computational models accurately represent the intended physics, mathematical assumptions, and governing equations.
  • Identify errors or inconsistencies in scientific models, numerical implementations, and MATLAB-to-Python conversions.
  • Work with physics-based models involving areas such as heat transfer, fluid dynamics, radiative processes, and material properties.
  • Develop and evaluate algorithms supporting remote sensing, infrared sensing, spectral analysis, and related R&D efforts.
  • Apply numerical modeling and optimization techniques to scientific and engineering problems.
  • Translate physical principles, mathematical models, and scientific research into computational implementations.
  • Develop validation approaches and evaluate model and algorithm performance, sensitivity, uncertainty, and limitations.
  • Document and communicate technical findings, methodologies, assumptions, and recommendations.

Required Qualifications

  • B.S. in a STEM discipline with 10+ years of relevant experience, or M.S. in STEM with 6+ years of relevant experience.
  • Strong scientific programming experience in Python.
  • Experience with remote sensing.
  • Experience with numerical modeling, scientific computing, simulation, or scientific algorithm development.
  • Strong background in physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate scientific software and the underlying physical or mathematical models.
  • Knowledge of optimization techniques, such as particle swarm optimization.
  • Active TS/SCI with willingness to obtain a CI Poly.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with MATLAB, particularly scientific or physics-based applications.
  • Experience with infrared remote sensing and/or spectral analysis.
  • Knowledge of flight dynamics.
  • Experience with GitLab and Git CLI.
  • Experience reviewing, comparing, converting, or validating MATLAB and Python scientific implementations.