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Research Scientist Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Ametek

Senior Research Scientist

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

The Senior Research Scientist leads research and development activities related to semiconductor radiation detector technology used in ORTEC gamma-ray spectroscopy and radiation measurement products.

Ametek

Senior Research Scientist

Oak Ridge, TN

$94K - $120K/yr

The Senior Research Scientist leads research and development activities related to semiconductor radiation detector technology used in ORTEC gamma-ray spectroscopy and radiation measurement products.

AMETEK, Inc.

Senior Research Scientist

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The Senior Research Scientist leads research and development activities related to semiconductor radiation detector technology used in ORTEC gamma-ray spectroscopy and radiation measurement products.

FC Renew

Senior Scientist

Knoxville, TN · Hybrid

$87K - $119K/yr

Our research and development is currently supported and funded by the U.S. Army, U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and LaunchTN. We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist ...

FC Renew

Senior Scientist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

Our research and development is currently supported and funded by the U.S. Army, U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and LaunchTN. We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist ...

Launch Tennessee

Senior Scientist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Our research and development is currently supported and funded by the U.S. Army, U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and LaunchTN. We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist ...

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Research Scientist information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$48.3K

$124.4K

$166.4K

How much do research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for research scientist in Oak Ridge, TN is $124,398.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,800.00 and $165,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research scientist?

Research Scientists are professionals who conduct experiments and investigations to increase knowledge in a specific field, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or social sciences. They design studies, analyze data, and publish their findings in scientific journals. Research Scientists often work in academic institutions, government agencies, or private industry, contributing to advancements in technology, healthcare, and understanding of the natural world. Their work is critical for developing new products, improving processes, and solving complex scientific problems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Scientist, you need a solid background in scientific research methods, data analysis, and subject-specific expertise, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a PhD or MSc. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (like R or SPSS), and research documentation tools is often required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with colleagues and presenting findings. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure rigorous, innovative research and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

How do research scientists typically collaborate with other departments or teams within an organization?

Research Scientists often work closely with cross-functional teams, including data analysts, engineers, and product managers, to ensure that their findings are effectively integrated into practical applications. Collaboration may involve regular meetings, joint planning sessions, and sharing experimental results to guide decision-making. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches the research process but also helps align scientific efforts with organizational goals, fostering innovation and impactful outcomes.

Do research scientists get paid a lot?

Research scientists' salaries vary depending on their field, experience, education level, and location. In general, they earn competitive wages, with those in specialized or high-demand areas often earning higher salaries, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals, technology, or government research. Advanced degrees and skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, or programming can also influence earning potential.

What degree do you need for a research scientist?

A research scientist typically needs at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. Many roles, especially in academia or advanced research, require a Ph.D. and strong skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, or specialized tools.
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Research Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Scientist job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,398 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Senior Research Scientist

Ametek

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

AMETEK rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

The Senior Research Scientist leads research and development activities related to semiconductor radiation detector technology used in ORTEC gamma-ray spectroscopy and radiation measurement products. This role is responsible for advancing detector performance, semiconductor fabrication processes, and future technology capabilities while working closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, customers, suppliers, universities, and national laboratories.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Research:
  • Lead experimental programs focused on detector materials evaluation, device optimization, fabrication process improvement, and advanced detector concepts.
  • Develop and improve semiconductor fabrication methods, including: ion implantation, diffusion, wet chemical processing, etching, surface preparation, metallization, contact formation, passivation
  • Evaluate emerging detector materials, architectures, external research opportunities, and strategic partnerships that support ORTEC product strategy.
  • Represent ORTEC in technical reviews, scientific conferences, customer discussions, internal leadership reviews, and technology roadmap planning.

Process Development & Manufacturing Support:
  • Partner with manufacturing teams to improve detector yield, repeatability, reliability, throughput, process control, and final performance testing.
  • Collaborate with electronics, mechanical, cryogenic, software, systems, manufacturing, and quality teams to optimize complete detector systems.
  • Balance scientific innovation with manufacturability, quality, reliability, schedule, cost, and customer application requirements.

Scientific Analysis & Continuous Improvement:
  • Apply strong experimental design, data analysis, root-cause investigation, and evidence-based decision-making practices.
  • Maintain disciplined documentation, intellectual property protection, safety, quality, and continuous improvement standards.
  • Manage multiple research, process development, and product-support priorities simultaneously.

AI and Technology Enablement:
  • Demonstrate the ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and cost efficiency.
  • Identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.

Requirements
Education & Experience:
  • PhD required in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline.
  • Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in:
      • Semiconductor detector development
      • Semiconductor fabrication
      • Detector materials research
      • Radiation detection technology
      • Advanced semiconductor process development
  • Demonstrated experience with semiconductor fabrication and process techniques, including ion implantation, diffusion, wet chemical processing, etching, surface preparation, passivation, metallization, and contact formation.
  • Record of technical accomplishment through commercial product impact, patents, publications, conference presentations, funded research, or recognized scientific contributions preferred.

Technical Qualifications:
Detector Physics & Radiation Detection Expertise
  • Deep understanding of:
      • Semiconductor physics
      • HPGe and other semiconductor detector technologies
      • Gamma-ray interactions
      • Charge transport and trapping
      • Leakage mechanisms
      • Charge collection
      • Cryogenic operation
      • Detector performance characterization
  • Experience working with detector performance metrics, including: energy resolution, efficiency, capacitance, noise, long-term stability

Technical Leadership & Collaboration:
  • Strong communication and technical leadership skills with the ability to influence across R&D, manufacturing, quality, product management, sales, customer organizations, and external research partners.
  • Ability to mentor scientists, engineers, and technical staff in detector physics, semiconductor process development, experimental methods, and performance analysis.
  • Strong scientific judgment, technical curiosity, ownership mentality, and commitment to high-quality technical execution.

Preferred Experience:
  • Direct HPGe detector development.
  • Gamma-ray spectroscopy instrumentation.
  • Crystal growth or impurity control.
  • Detector modeling.
  • Regulated product development environments.
  • Collaboration with national laboratories, universities, or government agencies.

Working Environment
  • Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, product management, customers, suppliers, universities, and national laboratories.
  • Represent ORTEC externally through customer engagements, research collaborations, technical reviews, and scientific conferences.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required for customer, supplier, research, and conference activities.

About the Business Unit
Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, ORTEC is part of Advanced Measurement Technology (AMT) within the Materials Analysis Division of AMETEK, Inc. ORTEC is a global leader in the design and manufacture of precision radiation detectors, nuclear instrumentation, analysis software, and integrated measurement systems. Founded in 1960 by scientists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, ORTEC has built a long-standing reputation for technical excellence, reliability, and innovation in nuclear measurement solutions.
ORTEC's product portfolio includes high purity germanium (HPGe) radiation detectors, scintillation detectors, digital spectrometers, analysis software, and turnkey spectroscopy systems used across homeland security, nuclear safeguards, health physics, waste assay, radiopharmaceuticals, and scientific research applications. ORTEC solutions are trusted by government agencies, nuclear facilities, research laboratories, universities, and industrial customers worldwide.
Visit us online:
  • www.ametek.com
  • www.ortec-online.com
  • www.sunpowerinc.com
  • www.ameteksi.com
  • www.ortec-online.com/innoriid
  • www.amptek.com

Compensation
Employee Type: Salaried
Currency: USD
Salary Minimum: 145,000
Salary Maximum: 175,000
Incentive: No
Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.
For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.
AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers' most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500. Visit https://www.ametek.com/careers for more information.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.

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