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Senior Physicist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Senior Physicist, Quantum Memory R&D

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$126K - $181K/yr

As a Senior Physicist, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum technologies to solve the world's most complex problems.

Jobtailor

Senior Medical Physicist

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Provide physics consultation to radiation oncology personnel and radiation oncologists * Verify the department treatment planning system routinely * Collaborate with Information Services and manage ...

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$35.9K

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$205.6K

How much do senior physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior physicist in Tennessee is $86,046.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior physicist?

Senior Physicists are highly experienced scientists who conduct advanced research in physics, often leading teams and projects in academic, government, or industrial settings. They apply complex theories, design experiments, and analyze data to make discoveries or solve practical problems. In addition to research, they may mentor junior staff, publish findings, and contribute to strategic planning. Senior Physicists typically hold a Ph.D. in physics or a related field and have several years of research experience. Their expertise is crucial in driving innovation and advancing knowledge in physical sciences.

How does a senior physicist typically collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on research projects?

Senior Physicists often work closely with professionals from engineering, computer science, and materials science to address complex research questions. Collaboration usually involves coordinating experimental design, sharing data analysis methodologies, and integrating diverse expertise to interpret results. This teamwork enhances the depth and impact of research findings, and strong communication skills are essential for aligning project goals and timelines. Senior Physicists may also mentor junior researchers and facilitate knowledge transfer between team members, contributing to a productive and innovative research environment.

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

To thrive as a Senior Physicist, you need deep expertise in physics, advanced mathematical skills, and typically a Ph.D. in physics or a related field. Familiarity with specialized software for simulations and data analysis, such as MATLAB or Python, and experience with laboratory instrumentation are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, leadership, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for driving scientific innovation, managing research projects, and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Senior Physicist vs Physicist?

AspectSenior Physicist
CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Physics, extensive experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, industry, academia
ResponsibilitiesLeading projects, advanced research, mentoring
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, government agencies

The main difference between a Senior Physicist and a Physicist is experience level and responsibility. Senior Physicists typically have more years of experience, lead projects, and mentor junior staff, whereas Physicists are often entry- to mid-level professionals conducting research and experiments. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Senior Physicists are expected to take on leadership roles within their organizations.

Is being a senior physicist a high paying job?

Senior physicists typically earn high salaries due to their advanced expertise, experience, and specialized skills in research, development, or industry applications. Compensation varies by industry, location, and sector, but senior roles generally offer above-average pay compared to entry-level positions in physics-related fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physicist jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Physicist jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Physicist jobs in Tennessee?

For Senior Physicist jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Physicist jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Physicist jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Senior Physicist jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Senior Physicist job openings:

Senior Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Physicist job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,046 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Senior Physicist, Quantum Memory R&D

IonQ

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Location: Chattanooga, TN (Onsite)
Travel: Up to 10%, domestic or international.
Job ID:  1789

The Role: 

IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ's computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution.

We are looking for a Senior Physicist for development of IonQ's silicon vacancy (SiV) quantum memory platform. As a Senior Physicist, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum technologies to solve the world's most complex problems. 

In this role, you will be an integral part of the commercialization process for IonQ's SiV quantum memories, with applications across quantum computing, networking, and sensing. You will develop and mature key electrical and optical subsystems for defect-center based quantum memory nodes. Example projects include development and integration of new hardware for integration with SiV memory nodes, and working with IonQ customers and collaborators to implement and test new applications and use-cases for quantum networks and memories.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with IonQ's industry, government, and academic partners, as well as internal teams, to implement new use-cases and applications using the SiV quantum memory platform 
  • Evaluate and test new hardware (e.g. pair sources, sensors, etc.) for compatibility with SiV memory nodes, for example, to add new capabilities to the network, or to enable new distributed applications
  • Coordinate with other teams internally at IonQ and/or with external vendors to develop or improve memory system subcomponents and software as needed

Requirements:

  • PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or closely related field
  • Work in quantum optics and quantum computing (ideally previous work with single photons and/or gate-based quantum systems)
  • Experience designing and testing complex opto-mechanical and opto-electronical setups
  • Experience in implementing applications and use-cases using quantum hardware

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with defect center and/or solid-state qubits
  • Experience in optically-mediated entanglement protocols between qubits
  • Experience in writing software for lab environments (preferred language: Python)

The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site. 

Apply