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Spectroscopy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pace

Principal Scientist- NMR Spectroscopy

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

This is a full-time, onsite, Principal Scientist - NMR Spectroscopy position located in Research Triangle Park (RTP) Morrisville, NC, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Compensation: $110 ...

Colgate

NJ · On-site

$124 - $180/hr

Senior Principal Scientist - Spectroscopy (Hybrid). Location: Piscataway, New Jersey. Travel: up to 10% of time. Responsibilities * Design and validate analytical protocols for active and critical ...

Colgate

NJ · On-site

$140 - $200/hr

Principal / Senior Principal Scientist - Spectroscopy Established in 1806 as a small soap and candle business in New York City, Colgate-Palmolive is now a truly global company with products sold in ...

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How much do spectroscopy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for spectroscopy in the United States is $91,957.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a spectroscopy professional do?

Daily responsibilities for a spectroscopy professional often include preparing and analyzing samples, calibrating and maintaining spectroscopic instruments, recording and interpreting data, and reporting findings to supervisors or project teams. You may also be involved in developing new analytical methods, troubleshooting equipment issues, and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety standards. Collaboration with colleagues from research, quality control, or engineering departments is common, fostering a multidisciplinary environment. This variety of tasks keeps the work engaging and provides ample opportunities to expand technical expertise and problem-solving skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed for spectroscopy?

To thrive in a spectroscopy role, you need a strong background in chemistry or physics, excellent analytical skills, and experience with quantitative analysis methods. Familiarity with spectroscopic instruments like FTIR, NMR, or mass spectrometers, as well as proficiency in data analysis software and possibly relevant certifications, is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication elevate performance in this position. These skills enable accurate data interpretation, reliable experiment execution, and collaboration in research or industrial settings.

What can you do with spectroscopy?

Spectroscopy is used in jobs to analyze the composition and structure of materials by measuring their interaction with different types of electromagnetic radiation. Professionals in this field work in laboratories, research institutions, or manufacturing settings, utilizing instruments like spectrometers to conduct experiments and gather data for applications such as chemical analysis, quality control, and environmental monitoring.

What is spectroscopy?

A Spectroscopy job involves the study and analysis of how matter interacts with electromagnetic radiation. Professionals in this field use various spectroscopic techniques, such as UV-Vis, infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectrometry, to identify and characterize chemical substances. These roles are common in industries like pharmaceuticals, environmental science, forensics, and material research. Responsibilities may include operating and maintaining spectroscopic instruments, interpreting spectral data, and developing new analytical methods.

What careers use spectroscopy?

Spectroscopy is used in careers such as analytical chemists, physicists, materials scientists, and laboratory technicians. These professionals work in industries like pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, food safety, and research laboratories, often utilizing specialized instruments and techniques to analyze substances and materials.
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Spectroscopy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spectroscopy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 59% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,957 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Applied Spectroscopy Scientist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 73 rated research

Job description

Description
Do you love to apply complex scientific concepts to real world applications?
Are you searching for meaningful work in remote sensing and applied spectroscopy?
Are you hoping to join a dynamic and innovative team?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are seeking a motivated experienced scientist or engineer to help us advance our work in remote sensing, applied spectroscopy, material characterization, and novel EO/IR instrumentation. As a member of the Optics and Photonics Group, your work will help inform decision makers in the defense community to solve our nation's critical challenges. You will contribute to system modeling and model validation through real world data collection, data analysis and prototype system development. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who enjoy working hands-on in the lab and in the field. We are passionate about applying optics and photonics technology to high-impact next-generation applications in sensing, communications, kinetic effects and non-kinetic warfare.
As an applied spectroscopy scientist...
  • Your primary responsibilities will include identifying and executing technical courses of action to meet mission requirements. This may include modeling, data analysis, hardware development, and laboratory and field experimentation.
  • You will mentor and train other staff members to continue building world class expertise.
  • You will support the design, modeling, and testing of advanced optics and photonics systems, including EO/IR sensors, radiometric measurements, applied spectroscopy, and material characterization in laboratory and operational environments.
  • You will work with systems engineers across the lab to understand mission requirements and research ways to improve them.
  • You will make an impact by detailing work into formal and informal technical reports, including presentations, conference proceedings, and journal articles.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a B.S. or M.S. degree in electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, optics, or a related field.
  • Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the development, application, and characterization of spectroscopic measurement systems and optical instrumentation.
  • Possess strong teaming skills and have demonstrated experience working across multidisciplinary teams to solve complex problems.
  • Have strong oral and written communication skills and experience communicating key information to stakeholders through formal briefings and reports.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret, level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, chemistry, optics or a related field.
  • Have 10+ years of experience in the development, application, and characterization of spectroscopic measurement systems and optical instrumentation.
  • Have experience in optical alignment, laser diagnostics and system prototyping.
  • Have developed and fielded EO/IR sensors and systems
  • Have field test experience and an interest in travel.
  • Have modeling and simulation experience using MODTRAN, HITRAN, HITEMP or similar spectroscopic database.
  • Hold an active Secret or higher level security clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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