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Spectroscopy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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Spectroscopy information

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$36.5K

$92K

$174K

How much do spectroscopy jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 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 are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in spectroscopy?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Spectroscopy position, and why are they important?

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 is a Spectroscopy job?

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.

More about Spectroscopy jobs
What cities are hiring for Spectroscopy jobs? Cities with the most Spectroscopy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Spectroscopy jobs? The most popular types of Spectroscopy jobs are:
What states have the most Spectroscopy jobs? States with the most job openings for Spectroscopy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Spectroscopy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 51% Physical, and 49% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,957 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Section Head - Spectroscopy

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 105 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16739 

Overview:  

We are seeking a Section Head for Spectroscopy in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) of the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

The Spectroscopy Section leads the development of neutron spectroscopy methods across 10 instruments at both the High Flux Isotope Reactor and Spallation Neutron Source enabling research in areas such as quantum materials, energy-related materials, soft matter, complex fluids, and biology. The section currently comprises three groups (Chemical Spectroscopy, Direct Geometry, and Triple-Axis) and oversees the instruments BASIS, CNCS, HYSPEC, VISION, SEQUOIA, ARCS, PTAX, VERITAS, TAX, and CTAX.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Lead the development and execution of a world-class scientific vision for the Spectroscopy Section, including instrument capabilities and user program strategy.
  • Partner with the Division Director and section Group Leaders to establish priorities, allocate resources, and drive scientific excellence across all three groups.
  • Oversee a leading user program, ensuring users benefit from the highest quality research capabilities and scientific support across all section instruments.
  • Manage section Group Leaders, including hiring, performance evaluation, succession planning, and career development.
  • Actively pursue and communicate funding and proposal opportunities; support staff in proposal development and budget preparation.
  • As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • A PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry, or a related field with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated experience leading R&D teams and supporting a user program at a national or international user facility.
  • Established track record of performing neutron scattering research or closely related work using large-scale user facility instrumentation.

 Preferred Qualifications:

  • Expertise in neutron spectroscopy methods, including data analysis techniques and the use of advanced sample environments.
  • Experience managing multiple research groups or cross-functional scientific teams.
  • Strong record of external scientific recognition, proposal success, and engagement with professional societies or advisory boards.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.  Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.  This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.  Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. 

About ORNL:  

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


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