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Research Physicist Jobs in California (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 ...

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Contribute to research proposals for further development and applications Requirements

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Contribute to research proposals for further development and applications Requirements

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Contribute to research proposals for further development and applications Requirements

Solomon Page

Travel Physicist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As a Physicist, you will focus on research efforts in the appointed specialized field. You will report research findings and contribute to and assist with technical research papers. Job Details:

Praxis, Inc.

Theoretical Physicist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

This will be an early scientist in our most fundamental research function, working directly with ... A physics PhD with genuine theoretical depth in a relevant subfield, such as quantum thermodynamics ...

New

LLNL

Senior Laser Modeling Physicist

Livermore, CA · On-site

Direct and guide research, design, and enhancement or development of state-of-the-art laser systems including elements that are frequently not well defined and often involve uncertain factors.

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Research Physicist information

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$39K

$93.6K

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How much do research physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for research physicist in California is $93,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research physicist?

A Research Physicist studies physical phenomena to develop new theories, conduct experiments, and apply scientific principles to solve complex problems. They work in various fields, including quantum mechanics, materials science, and nuclear physics, often in academic, government, or industrial settings. Their responsibilities include designing experiments, analyzing data, publishing findings, and developing new technologies.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a research physicist?

To thrive as a Research Physicist, you need an advanced degree in physics or a closely related field, a strong foundation in experimental or theoretical methods, and excellent analytical skills. Expertise in scientific computing tools like MATLAB, Python, or specialized simulation software, as well as experience operating advanced laboratory instruments, are often required. Effective communication, curiosity, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities distinguish top candidates. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing experiments, interpreting complex data, and successfully collaborating on innovative research projects.

What opportunities for career advancement are available to research physicists?

Research Physicists often begin their careers in postdoctoral or entry-level research positions and can progress to senior researcher, project leader, or principal investigator roles within academic, government, or industry settings. Advancement often comes with increased responsibility for managing research projects, supervising junior staff, and securing funding through grants. Many experienced Research Physicists may also move into research management, become university professors, or transition to specialized roles in R&D, patent analysis, or technical consulting. Professional growth is supported by ongoing publication, collaboration, and skill development in emerging technologies.

How much do research physicists get paid?

Research physicists typically earn a median annual salary of around $125,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $70,000 to over $200,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced degrees, specialized skills, and working in industry or government labs can influence compensation levels.

Is there a demand for research physicists?

Research physicists are in demand in industries such as aerospace, defense, energy, and technology, where their expertise in experimental and theoretical physics is valuable. Employment opportunities often require advanced degrees and proficiency with specialized tools like simulation software and laboratory equipment. Job growth is steady, especially in research institutions, government labs, and private sector R&D departments.

What do research physicists do?

Research physicists investigate 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 advanced microscopes, particle accelerators, and computer simulations to conduct their studies and contribute to scientific knowledge.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Physicist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Research Physicist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Physicist jobs in California?

For Research Physicist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Physicist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Physicist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Research Physicist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Research Physicist job openings:

Research Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Physicist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,563 per year, or $45 per hour.

Physics Research Expert - PhD

Mercor

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

$80 - $140/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 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.