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Research Physicist Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Research Physicist information

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$41.8K

$100.2K

$239.5K

How much do research physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for research physicist in Oregon is $100,236.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,400.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a research physicist make?

Research physicists typically earn a median annual salary of around $125,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $70,000 to over $180,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills, such as proficiency with scientific software and research tools, can influence compensation, especially in academia, government, or private industry.

What is the highest paid physicist?

The highest paid physicists are often those working in industry, such as in aerospace, defense, or technology sectors, where salaries can exceed $150,000 annually. Senior researchers, physics directors, or those with specialized skills in quantum computing or nuclear physics tend to earn the highest compensation.

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.

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 familiarity with laboratory tools and programming. While it can be intellectually rewarding, job stability and salary levels vary depending on funding, industry, and location.

What is a Research Physicist job?

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 does a research physicist do?

A research physicist 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 advanced microscopes, particle accelerators, and computer simulations to develop new scientific knowledge. Their work supports technological advancements and requires strong analytical skills and a background in physics or related fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Research Physicist position, and why are they important?

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 are popular job titles related to Research Physicist jobs in Oregon? For Research Physicist jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Research Physicist jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Research Physicist job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Physicist job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 24% Internship, 52% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, 18% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,236 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

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Re-posted 10 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The Department of Radiation Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University is seeking a board-certified or board-eligible faculty medical physicist. This appointee will join a team of 15 physicists and 10 dosimetrists, plus trainees. Successful candidates are expected to contribute to the clinical, research, and educational missions of the physics section, Department, and School of Medicine.

Reporting to the Vice Chair & Director of Physics, the appointee will provide technical expertise and clinical support in patient treatment planning, therapy machine/radioactive sources calibration, radiation safety, and new technology research and clinical implementation. The appointee must have a strong clinical background, excellent communication skills, and a strong interest in academic medical physics. Teaching responsibilities include the OHSU Clinical Medical Physics and physician residency programs, developing and teaching within the OHSU Medical Physics graduate courses, and supervising MS and PhD students' research.

Function/Duties of Position

The duties of this position are consistent with AAPM PP 1-J and MPPG 10.a and include:

  • Responsible for the systematic measurement, documentation, and assurance of the physical and dosimetric aspects of all radioactive sources and/or radiation producing equipment used in Radiation Medicine.
  • Performs acceptance testing and commissioning of all treatment-related equipment. This includes calibration of all radiation producing sources and maintenance of all information for their appropriate use.
  • Maintains a comprehensive quality assurance program that ensures patients are provided tumor localization, radiation treatment, and dose distributions as prescribed. This includes assurance of the accuracy of treatment unit parameters.
  • In collaboration with team, responsible for the development of treatment plans, acquisition and storage of data for treatment plans, calculation of dose distributions and machine settings for treatment delivery. Provides consultation to the Radiation Oncologist, and translates the desired treatment plan into a set of instructions for radiation therapists to execute.
  • Participates and becomes competent in the physics support for Brachytherapy.
  • Ensures that all local and national regulations and accreditation requirements as relating to medical physics are met and maintained. Serves as the radiation safety officer (designee) for the facility or as a member of the institution's Radiation Safety Committee.
  • Provides technical oversight of personnel (including, but not limited to, radiation therapists, medical dosimetrists, and service engineers). Establishes training and competency requirements and monitors maintenance of competencies for clinical medical physics tasks.
  • Provides institutional consultation on the development of clinical programs that utilize medical physics.
  • Participates in clinical education and training programs as needed to provide appropriate clinical training and supervision required for students. Provides formal and informal radiation physics training for all members of the care team necessary for safe and effective care of patients and employee safety.
  • Participates in informatics technology resource management. Develops and manages a quality assurance program for data transfer between clinical systems in radiation oncology.
  • Initiates and/or collaborates on related clinical development, clinical innovation or translational research projects.
  • Performs some organization and administration skills in the clinical, educational or research practice of Radiation Oncology Physics.
Required Qualifications
  • M. Sc. or equivalent degree in medical physics, radiological physics, or related field
  • Completion of a CAMPEP accredited clinical medical physics residency program or at least four years of broad clinical experience
  • Certification or board-eligible in therapeutic radiological physics by the American Board of Radiology, American Board of Medical Physics, or Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently & within a team, prioritizing team success
Preferred Qualifications
  • PhD in medical physics
  • Demonstrated ability to develop/implement new technologies
  • Experience with existing technology at OHSU (listed in the Department Overview)
  • Complementary research skills and interests to those currently within the physics group that support normal tissue toxicity reduction and/or online adaptive radiotherapy
  • Evidence of working with diverse communities in service, teaching, or research 
Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

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Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887