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Research Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As our Product Research Physicist focusing on the control of neutral-atom systems, you will own the deep understanding of what it takes to control neutral-atom platforms - and how to scale them, from ...

Physicist

Beavercreek, OH

$110K - $160K/yr

Riverside Overview Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to ... Position Overview Riverside Research's Applied Mathematics and Physics Solutions (AMPS) group is ...

Physics Research Expert - PhD

San Francisco, CA ยท 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 ...

Physicist

Amityville, NY ยท On-site

$99K - $177K/yr

The Physicist will play a key role in supporting research, development, and problem-solving across a variety of technical projects. This individual will apply principles of physics to design, test ...

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How much do research physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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.

Are research physicists in high demand?

Research physicists are in moderate demand, primarily in academia, government labs, and certain industries like aerospace and technology. Employment growth is steady but varies by specialization and geographic location, with advanced degrees and technical skills often required.

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 proficiency with research tools and programming. While it can be intellectually rewarding and offer opportunities in academia, industry, and government, it may also involve competitive funding and job stability considerations.

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 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.
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What cities are hiring for Research Physicist jobs?

Cities with the most Research Physicist job openings:

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

The most popular types of Research Physicist jobs are:

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The top employers for Research Physicist jobs are:

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States with the most job openings for Research Physicist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Research Physicist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Product Research Physicist

Quantum Machines

Boston, MA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description
Quantum Machines is a global leader in hybrid control systems for quantum computing, a field on the verge of exponential growth. Our innovative hardware and software offer a groundbreaking approach to controlling quantum computers, scaling from individual qubits to arrays of thousands. At the heart of QM is a passionate, ambitious team committed to transforming the construction and operation of quantum computers. Our deep understanding of customer needs drives us to deliver unmatched solutions in this revolutionary field.
As our Product Research Physicist focusing on the control of neutral-atom systems, you will own the deep understanding of what it takes to control neutral-atom platforms - and how to scale them, from the analog perspective and the control flow all the way to large systems running quantum error correction. You will turn that insight into the requirements, architecture, and delivery of an outstanding control solution.
Key Responsibilities
  • Build and maintain a deep, end-to-end understanding of the control requirements of neutral-atom platforms - atoms in optical tweezers and lattices - across state preparation, gating, and readout.
  • Characterize the control requirements of neutral-atom experiments across both the analog signal chains that drive the qubits and the real-time control flow that orchestrates them.
  • Define how control scales from a handful of qubits to large systems running quantum error correction, identifying the analog, digital, and architectural bottlenecks along the way.
  • Support the translation of these insights into clear product requirements and reference architectures, and work with hardware, firmware, and software teams to shape the design and delivery of an outstanding control solution.
  • Validate proposed solutions against the physics - through modeling, simulation, and engagement with experimental platforms - and benchmark them against real neutral-atom control needs.
  • Engage with customers, partners, and the broader neutral-atom community to ground our roadmap in real requirements and emerging directions in the field.

Requirements
  • PhD in quantum physics or a closely related field.
  • 3+ years of experimental quantum physics and/or computing.
  • Track record of excellent scientific achievements.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; excellent presentation skills.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills; a self-driven individual with a high level of independence and discipline.
  • Hands-on experimental background with neutral-atom systems strongly preferred.