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Research Physicist Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Medical Physicist

Providence, RI · On-site

$188K - $311K/yr

Conducts and participates in departmental research and development projects and in teaching ... Provides radiation oncology physics teaching for physicians, medical physicists, residents and ...

Medical Physicist

Providence, RI · On-site

$179K - $296K/yr

Conducts and participates in departmental research and development projects and in teaching ... Provides radiation oncology physics teaching for physicians, medical physicists, residents and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research Physicist information

See Rhode Island salary details

$38.7K

$92.8K

$221.8K

How much do research physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for research physicist in Rhode Island is $92,843.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,800.00 and $109,700.00 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 cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Research Physicist jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Research Physicist job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Physicist job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,843 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

$188K - $311K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Brown University Health rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

534th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

SUMMARY Reports directly to Medical Physicist-in-Chief or Associate Chief Medical Physicist, Department of Radiation Oncology, for clinical practice and administrative duties and responsibilities. In collaboration with other professional and support staff: Establishes adequate protocols to ensure accurate patient dosimetry Measures and characterizes radiation to determine delivered dose Consults with physicians regarding treatment planning Develops, maintains and directs radiotherapy and radiosurgery quality assurance programs Conducts and participates in departmental research and development projects and in teaching activities for residents and students. Division of workload will be approximately 75% clinical, 20% research and teaching, and 5% administrative.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers, and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate RESPONSIBILITIES Develops equipment specifications for radiation therapy and radiosurgery equipment, brachytherapy, simulation, and radiation detection Plans and specifies shielding designed to protect patients, workers, and the general public from radiation incident to radiotherapy and radiosurgery treatment and evaluates the installed shielding Develops procedures and participates in the initial acceptance, evaluation, and commissioning of equipment used for external-beam therapy, radiosurgery, brachytherapy, simulation, treatment planning, and radiation detection, and their associated computer systems, algorithms, data, and output Develops procedures and participates in the continuing evaluation of radiation therapy and radiosurgery treatment, brachytherapy, simulation, and radiation detection equipment Provides evidence of compliance with regulatory and accreditation agency rules and recommendations for equipment used in radiation therapy and radiosurgery treatment, brachytherapy, simulation, and radiation detection Develops and/or evaluates, in collaboration with physicians, policies and procedures related to the appropriate therapeutic use of radiation Develops and/or evaluates, in collaboration with physicians, imaging techniques that pertain to simulation, treatment planning, and treatment delivery for radiotherapy and radiosurgery procedures Develops and/or evaluates, in collaboration with physicians and dosimetrists, dosimetric plans for the treatment of patients undergoing radiation therapy Reviews radiation oncology and radiosurgery dosimetry information noted in patient records Participates in the management of staff responsible for treatment planning, machine maintenance and repair, and other physics support staff Develops other medical applications of physics as appropriate to safely carry out radiotherapy and radiosurgery procedures Performs research, prepares scientific publications, and pursues funding to support the academic development of medical physics at Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University Medical School Provides radiation oncology physics teaching for physicians, medical physicists, residents, and other departmental support staff and students Participates in scientific meetings and professional societies to exchange information and enhance professional expertise Provides institutional consultation for program development in radiation oncology Performs other duties and responsibilities as required MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BASIC KNOWLEDGE MS or PhD degree in physics or medical physics Appropriate Board Certification Qualifications sufficient for a faculty appointment at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University at the faculty rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Full Professor Interpersonal skills to teach and supervise students and to interact with other members of the professional and support staffs Knowledge and skills to provide care to patients with consideration of the aging process, human development stages, and cultural patterns at each step of the radiotherapy process EXPERIENCE Demonstrated experience working with medical physicists, radiation oncologists, and other health care professionals in a Radiation Oncology Department WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Exposed to low-level radiation Wears badge to monitor exposure Able to maneuver and setup dosimetric phantoms for radiation measurements Travels to sites of meetings and conferences SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY Provides supervision and shall be available for consultation to other physicists, dosimetrists, and radiation therapists as required.

Pay Range $188,635.20 - $311,272.00 Location Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Work Type M-F 8:00am - 5:00pm Work Shift Day Daily Hours 8 hours Driving Required No Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Apply


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