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How much do soft condensed matter physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for soft condensed matter physics in the United States is $17.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.86 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Soft Condensed Matter Physics vs Materials Scientist?

AspectSoft Condensed Matter PhysicsMaterials Scientist
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, PhD often preferredMaterials science or engineering degree, often with PhD
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, academiaIndustrial labs, manufacturing, research & development
Industry UsageFundamental research, academia, specialized industriesProduct development, materials innovation, manufacturing

Soft Condensed Matter Physics focuses on understanding the physical properties of soft materials like polymers, colloids, and biological materials through fundamental research. Materials Scientists apply this knowledge to develop and improve materials for practical applications in industry. While both roles require a strong background in physics or materials science, Soft Condensed Matter Physicists often work in academic or research settings, whereas Materials Scientists are more industry-oriented.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Soft Condensed Matter Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Soft Condensed Matter Physicist, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, and materials science, usually supported by a Ph.D. in physics or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB or COMSOL), experimental techniques, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration and communication skills help distinguish top performers in this area. These skills and qualities are essential for advancing research, interpreting complex phenomena, and contributing to multidisciplinary teams in both academic and industrial settings.

What are some common collaborative projects or interdisciplinary opportunities for professionals in soft condensed matter physics?

Professionals in soft condensed matter physics often collaborate with researchers in materials science, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Such interdisciplinary projects may involve studying the properties of polymers for medical devices, analyzing colloidal suspensions in food science, or developing new materials for energy storage. Working in this field typically means being part of a diverse research team, attending cross-disciplinary meetings, and contributing your expertise to broader scientific challenges. These collaborations not only enrich your research experience but also open up varied career paths in both academia and industry.

What is soft condensed matter physics?

Soft condensed matter physics is a branch of physics that studies materials which are easily deformed by external forces, thermal fluctuations, or internal stresses. These materials include liquids, polymers, gels, foams, colloids, and biological materials like membranes and proteins. Unlike hard condensed matter (such as metals and crystals), soft matter systems exhibit complex behavior due to their intermediate order and sensitivity to environmental conditions. Research in this field helps us understand the physical principles behind everyday materials and biological processes.
More about Soft Condensed Matter Physics jobs
What cities are hiring for Soft Condensed Matter Physics jobs? Cities with the most Soft Condensed Matter Physics job openings:
What states have the most Soft Condensed Matter Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for Soft Condensed Matter Physics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Soft Condensed Matter Physics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Soft Condensed Matter Physics jobs are:
Soft Condensed Matter Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Soft Condensed Matter Physics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Locum Tenens, 5% Internship, 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,126 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Assistant Professor in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics

Assistant Professor in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics

New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, NM • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

New Mexico State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

335th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department Contact: Marisela Chavez, 575-646-3831, marisech@nmsu.edu
Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants
Advertising Summary: The Department of Physics at New Mexico State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics beginning in Fall 2027.
We seek outstanding candidates who will develop a vigorous externally funded research program and contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education.
New Mexico State University is a Carnegie R1 research university located in Las Cruces, a vibrant city in southern New Mexico known for its outstanding climate, affordable cost of living, rich cultural diversity, outdoor recreation opportunities, and proximity to major national laboratories and research facilities.
Position Details
Position Title: Assistant Professor in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
College/Division: Arts and Sciences College
Department: 331500-PHYSICS
Location: Las Cruces
Offsite Location (if applicable):
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: 85,082 to commensurate with qualifications
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
FLSA Status: Exempt
Bargaining Unit Announcement:
Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable
Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)
If Not a Standard Work Schedule:
Job Duties and Responsibilities: The Department of Physics at NMSU has active research programs in condensed matter physics and nuclear physics.
The successful candidate will join a growing experimental condensed matter and quantum materials effort with access to modern thin-film synthesis, optical characterization, and low-temperature measurement infrastructure.
Existing facilities include:
• Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS)
• Four-circle X-ray diffraction (XRD)
• Low-temperature spectroscopic ellipsometry and infrared ellipsometry
• Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and laser-assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy (laser-MBE)
• Single-crystal growth facilities
• High-pressure measurements in a diamond anvil cell
• Other on campus shared facilities
Collaborative opportunities exist with national laboratories including:
• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Sandia National Laboratories
• Air Force Research Lab
Research Areas of Interest
We encourage applications from candidates working broadly in experimental condensed matter physics and materials physics, including but not limited to:
• Semiconductor quantum physics
• Novel forms of magnetism and superconductivity
• Emergent phenomena at material surfaces and interfaces
• Topological quantum materials
• Spintronic, superconducting, and nanoelectronic devices
• Advanced electrical, optical, and spectroscopy characterization
Candidates whose research leverages, complements, and expands existing departmental strengths are especially encouraged to apply.
Teaching Responsibilities
The successful candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction in physics, including introductory and advanced laboratory courses.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:• Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field by the time of appointment
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in research and teaching
Equivalent Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:• Postdoctoral research experience
• Strong publication record
• Potential to secure external research funding
• Potential to establish external research collaborations
• Experience mentoring students in research
Applicants should submit:
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae with full publication list
• Research statement (5 pages, including plans for building lab facilities and leveraging existing infrastructure at NMSU physics)
• Teaching statement (2 pages)
• Contact information for at least three references
Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, applications should be received by December 12, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. For further information or questions please contact the chair of the search committee, Prof. Ludi Miao at lmiao@nmsu.edu
Special Certification/Licensure:
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.
Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

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