Discover physicist jobs that match your expertise in scientific research, experimentation, analysis, and problem-solving. Ladders features vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, including roles across research institutions, technology companies, engineering organizations, healthcare, and government.
Physicists investigate the fundamental properties of matter and energy, develop models, analyze complex data, and apply scientific principles to real-world challenges. Depending on the role, you might conduct experimental or theoretical research, design instruments, build simulations, or translate scientific findings into new technologies and products.
Many physicist positions require an advanced degree in physics or a related discipline, particularly for research-focused work. Employers may also seek expertise in computational modeling, programming, statistical analysis, laboratory methods, technical communication, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. Requirements vary by position and industry.
Physicists work in academia, national laboratories, aerospace, energy, semiconductors, medical technology, software, and other science-driven fields. Their quantitative and analytical skills can also transfer to roles in data science, quantitative finance, engineering, and technology development.
Browse physicist jobs on Ladders to explore high-level opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Review each listing for responsibilities, qualifications, location, and compensation details, then tailor your resume to highlight relevant research achievements, technical skills, and measurable impact.
$78K - $130K *
Drive innovation by transforming engineering concepts into precise mechanical designs. Collaborate with senior engineers to develop next-gen centrifuge components, ensuring accuracy and manufacturabil...
1 week ago
Research Engineer, Scientific Data & Workflow Infrastructure
$148K - $240K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing drug discovery through advanced ML and physics-based infrastructure. Collaborate with scientists to build a robust provenance system that enhances reproducibility an...
Reposted 5 days ago
$204K - $306K *
Lead the charge in integrating AI with scientific workflows, mentoring engineers, and delivering innovative applications that enhance research collaboration. Drive technical strategy and foster a high...
Reposted 5 days ago
$204K - $306K *
Champion groundbreaking solutions by leading engineers who integrate AI with scientific workflows, driving innovation for life-changing breakthroughs in research while fostering a collaborative enviro...
Reposted 5 days ago
$110K - $135K *
Unlock potential by collaborating with a dynamic team to design and deploy advanced orbit determination systems, guiding projects from architecture to operational deployment while making a tangible im...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $190K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge signal processing algorithms for quantum technology. Collaborate with a diverse team to design, implement, and optimize solutions for precision sensors in em...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Innovate research strategies in neuroscience, focusing on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Collaborate with clinical teams and enhance educational initiatives within the medical and graduate p...
3 weeks ago
Quantum and Optical Communications-Assistant Staff
$100K - $150K *
Grow your skills by contributing to innovative quantum networking and optical communication technologies. Collaborate with experts on integration, testing, and field deployment of cutting-edge systems...
Reposted 4 days ago
$77K - $100K *
Unlock potential by ensuring compliance with safety regulations, interpreting results, and providing technical advice. Collaborate on design tasks and special projects while fostering strong interpers...
Yesterday
Member of Technical Staff, Research Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in empirical AI research, designing experiments and developing systems for task generation. Optimize agent models through real-world data analysis, benchmarking, and continuous iterati...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$135K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team as an Electronic Trading Analyst, focusing on analyzing execution performance and improving trading outcomes across diverse asset classes while mastering transaction cost analysis...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$86K - $138K *
Join a team that's tackling complex challenges in marine geophysics. This role involves overseeing oceanographic data analysis, developing geo-acoustic models, and presenting findings to advance Navy...
1 week ago
$196K - $240K *
Lead the charge in building and directing a high-performing electrical engineering team, overseeing electrical delivery across nuclear power generation and distribution, while ensuring safety and tech...
4 days ago
Principal Optical Process Engineer
$180K - $225K *
Transform optical alignment processes by developing automated solutions that enhance production efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and optimize systems, ensuring robust, r...
1 week ago
Senior Quantitative Researcher - Interest Rates
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative initiatives in mid-frequency quantitative research and trading, developing predictive models and signals to adapt to market dynamics. Join a collaborative tea...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Space Science Institute Graduate Intern - Summer 2027
$81K - $98K *
Join a team that's advancing research in astronomy and planetary science. Engage in hands-on projects, collaborate with leading scientists, and contribute to innovative studies that shape our understa...
2 weeks ago
Space Science Institute Graduate Intern - Summer 2027
$81K - $98K *
Explore cutting-edge research in astronomy and planetary science through hands-on projects at a leading institute. Collaborate with experts, analyze data, and contribute to innovative scientific advan...
2 weeks ago
Staff Research Engineer, Model Efficiency
$150K - $180K *
Unlock the potential of AI models by innovating efficiency techniques for Large Language Models, supporting cutting-edge improvements in inference performance and resource optimization across diverse...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Research Engineer, Model Efficiency
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in optimizing large language model inference efficiency, developing breakthrough techniques and collaborating with a world-class team to enhance model performance while ensuring produc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Research Engineer, Model Efficiency
$160K - $190K *
Manage the development and deployment of innovative techniques to optimize LLM inference efficiency, driving breakthroughs in model execution and enhancing performance without sacrificing quality in a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Research Engineer, Model Efficiency
$130K - $160K *
Advance your career by optimizing Large Language Model inference efficiency. Join a dynamic team focused on innovative solutions across model architecture and software/hardware co-design to revolution...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$200K - $250K *
Transform investment insights through independent credit research, driving actionable recommendations and contributing to a high-performing global team managing over $70 billion in assets across diver...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Portfolio Manager, Government Partnerships (DARPA & ARPA-H)
$168K - $272K *
Manage government partnerships by driving funding initiatives, building trusted relationships with programs like DARPA and ARPA-H, and shaping compelling narratives that connect groundbreaking science...
Reposted 4 days ago
Research Scientist, World Model Post-Training
$213K - $263K *
Join a team that's advancing deep learning by conducting world model research, implementing large-scale AI systems, and innovating through experimental design to transform the future of autonomous veh...
4 weeks ago
Research Scientist, World Model Post-Training
$213K - $263K *
Empower innovation by leveraging advanced AI techniques to conduct applied world model research and transform findings into impactful results, driving evolution within the software engineering landsca...
4 weeks ago
What does a physicist do?
Physicists study matter, energy, and physical systems. Their work may involve conducting research, designing experiments, developing mathematical or computational models, analyzing data, and applying scientific principles to practical problems.
What qualifications are commonly required for physicist jobs?
Requirements depend on the role. Research positions often require a Ph.D. in physics or a related field, while some applied, industry, or technical positions may accept a bachelor's or master's degree alongside relevant experience and specialized skills.
Where do physicists work?
Physicists work in universities, government and national laboratories, aerospace, energy, semiconductor manufacturing, healthcare and medical technology, software, and other industries that rely on scientific research or quantitative analysis.
Can physicists work outside academic research?
Yes. Physicists may pursue careers in industry, engineering, data science, quantitative finance, product development, instrumentation, and technical consulting, applying their modeling, programming, and analytical expertise.
How can I find physicist jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse Ladders listings for vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Compare the required expertise, experience, location, and compensation in each job description, and emphasize relevant accomplishments in your application.