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Physics Research Jobs in San Ramon, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Substrate

Research Scientist, AI

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Research Scientist, AI Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems ... At the intersection of advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge physics, we are developing ...

Tabula

Research Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The core of our scientific work is the development of physics-based mathematical models of phage ... This is a research-oriented role for a computational physicist (or someone with an equivalent ...

KLA Corporation

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about optics/physics/math, eager to learn, and interested in developing expertise in advanced optical system R&D for semiconductor inspection and ...

Orbotech

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about optics/physics/math, eager to learn, and interested in developing expertise in advanced optical system R&D for semiconductor inspection and ...

KLA Corporation

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about optics/physics/math, eager to learn, and interested in developing expertise in advanced optical system R&D for semiconductor inspection and ...

Skild AI

Physics Simulation Scientist

San Mateo, CA

You'll partner closely with engineers scaling simulation scene generation and with ML researchers pushing the limits of sim-to-real transfer. The ideal candidate brings deep physics-simulation ...

Mercor

Physics PhD - Theoretical Expert

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$70 - $180/hr

About the job Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs ... Position: Physics PhD (Top 50 Program, US/UK/CA) Type: Contract Compensation: $70-$180/hour ...

PDF Solutions

Semiconductor R&D Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$120K - $180K/yr

D. (or equivalent research depth) in Physics, Applied Physics, or Materials Science, enjoys ambiguous R&D problems, designs clean experiments, and can drive an investigation from hypothesis through ...

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Physics Research information

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.

What are popular job titles related to Physics Research jobs in San Ramon, CA?

For Physics Research jobs in San Ramon, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Physics Research jobs in San Ramon, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Physics Research jobs in San Ramon, CA are:

What cities near San Ramon, CA are hiring for Physics Research jobs?

Cities near San Ramon, CA with the most Physics Research job openings:

Physics Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Research job openings in San Ramon, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Physics Research Expert - PhD

Mercor

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

$80 - $140/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: 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 verifiable derivations, code, and peer-reviewed references.
  • Decompose challenges into standalone checkpoint sub-problems requiring genuine physical reasoning.
  • Author Python answer templates with auto-grading functions for symbolic or numerical answers.
  • Audit submitted solutions for correctness, scope, and method soundness; deliver actionable feedback across iterations.
  • Adjudicate between parallel solver attempts and decide which solution becomes the golden reference.
  • Document chain-of-thought reasoning, error tolerances, equivalent symbolic forms, and verification test cases.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • PhD or postdoc in the relevant subfield (senior PhD student minimum).
  • Postdoc or junior professor in the relevant subfield (PhD minimum).
  • Full professor or industry research PI in the relevant subfield (senior postdoc or junior professor minimum).
  • Hands-on familiarity with at least two canonical methods of the target subfield, demonstrable through publications.
  • 3–5 representative publications (arXiv ID or DOI), ideally within the last ~5 years and in the target subfield.
  • Working proficiency with LaTeX, Python, Jupyter, and SymPy.
  • Strong written English (B2/C1/C2 minimum; native or near-native preferred).

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.