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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, 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.

Barge Design

Project Scientist IV

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Barge Design Solutions is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Project Scientist IV to join our Environmental & Natural Resources team in either the Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Tennessee, or ...

Munich Re

Principal Data Scientist - FCAS

Knoxville, TN · On-site +1

We are looking for an FCAS to join the American Modern Predictive Analytics team as a Principal Data Scientist and play a key leadership role in advancing pricing model strategy. American Modern ...

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How much do scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientist in Oak Ridge, TN is $47.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.44 and $48.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a scientist do?

A Scientist is a professional who conducts research to increase knowledge in a specific field, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental science. They design and perform experiments, analyze data, and publish their findings to advance understanding and solve real-world problems. Scientists may work in laboratories, universities, government agencies, or private industry. Their work often contributes to technological advancements, public health, and policy development.

What does a scientist do?

Scientists work in a remarkably diverse array of industries. Companies employ scientists to develop and improve products. Universities hire scientists to teach and do research in different disciplines; healthcare companies have a team of scientists working on medications, vaccines, and new treatments; and governments employ scientists to help with public projects. Scientists not only perform their specific job duties, but they contribute to the broader scientific community to increase knowledge of the physical world.

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

To thrive as a Scientist, you need a solid background in your scientific discipline, strong analytical skills, and typically at least a bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as MATLAB or R), and adherence to safety protocols are commonly required. Critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating and sharing findings. These skills ensure rigorous research, reliable results, and impactful contributions to scientific advancement.

What are some common challenges scientists face when working on multidisciplinary research teams?

Scientists often collaborate with experts from various fields, which can present challenges such as differing terminologies, research methodologies, and expectations. Navigating these differences requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from other disciplines. Successful multidisciplinary teamwork often leads to innovative solutions, but it also demands effective project management and regular coordination to ensure all team members are aligned toward shared goals.

What is the difference between Scientist vs Chemist?

AspectScientistChemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in science-related fieldsBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in chemistry or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, industry settingsLaboratories, manufacturing plants, research institutions
Industry UsageBroadly used across scientific research, academia, industryPrimarily in chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, quality control

While both Scientists and Chemists work in research and laboratory settings, Scientists have a broader scope across various scientific fields, whereas Chemists specialize specifically in chemistry. Chemists often focus on chemical reactions, compounds, and materials, while Scientists may work in multiple disciplines such as biology, physics, or environmental science. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their specific focus areas differ based on industry needs.

What jobs can you get with a scientist?

A scientist can work in various roles such as research scientist, laboratory technician, data analyst, or environmental consultant. These positions often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of scientific methods, and proficiency with tools like laboratory equipment or data analysis software.

What jobs do scientists have?

Scientists work in various fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and medicine. They conduct research, analyze data, and develop new theories or products, often working in laboratories, research institutions, or academic settings. Many scientists also collaborate with other professionals and require specialized skills and certifications depending on their area of expertise.
More about Scientist jobs

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Scientist jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Scientist job openings:

Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientist job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,931 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Senior Research Scientist

Ametek

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 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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