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Professional Research Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Air Force

$74K/yr

... Schedule Professional and Scientific Positions. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Degree: physics; or related ... And consist of plans, organizes, directs and participates in experimental and theoretical research ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$74K/yr

... Schedule Professional and Scientific Positions. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Degree: physics; or related ... And consist of plans, organizes, directs and participates in experimental and theoretical research ...

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How much do professional research physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional research physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Professional Research Physicist vs Research Scientist?

AspectProfessional Research PhysicistResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degree in physics (Ph.D.) often requiredMaster's or Ph.D. in relevant field, depending on specialization
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesResearch institutions, industry R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in academia, government, and specialized research firmsBroadly in academia, industry, and private sector R&D

The main difference between a Professional Research Physicist and a Research Scientist lies in their titles' typical usage and focus. Professional Research Physicists often work in highly specialized physics research roles, frequently requiring advanced degrees and working in government or academic settings. Research Scientists may have similar qualifications but work across a broader range of scientific disciplines and industries. Both roles involve conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific knowledge, but the title 'Professional Research Physicist' emphasizes a specialized physics focus.

What cities are hiring for Professional Research Physicist jobs? Cities with the most Professional Research Physicist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Physicist jobs? The most popular types of Research Physicist jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Research Physicist jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Research Physicist jobs include:
Professional Research Physicist jobs near you
NIST PREP Quantum Networking Research Physicist

NIST PREP Quantum Networking Research Physicist

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$78K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
RESEARCH TITLE: Quantum Networking Research Physicist
Overview: The Information Technology Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified candidates for the position of research physicist. The position will be for performing advanced quantum optical experiments within the Quantum Information Groups (QIG) Quantum Communication and Networking Project. The researcher will be tasked with independently developing and implementing the phase/polarization stabilization and recovery processes compatible with optical fiber-based quantum networks in very challenging conditions (such as long distance, lossy and noisy aerial fibers). The researcher will also be tasked with implementing Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) experiments across quantum network nodes for entanglement distribution along with the required node synchronization over the network. US citizenship is preferred.
Duties
  • Independently develop processes for phase and polarization recovery compatible with optical fiber-based quantum networks in very challenging conditions.
  • Performing advanced quantum optics and quantum networking experiments.
  • Produce high-quality publications based on research and results present at internal and external meetings and conferences.

Required Skills, Expertise and Qualifications
  • US citizenship is preferred.
  • A PhD degree in Physics with 3 or more years of relevant experimental experience.
  • Expertise in Quantum Optics, Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information Systems (QIS) including a fundamental understanding of the mechanics of polarized light transmission through optical fibers at the classical and single photon level.
  • Ability to build complex and extensive quantum optical experiments.
  • Ability to develop deployable tools needed for advanced quantum networking experiments.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills and strong presentation skills.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004161

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