Senior Level Physics Jobs
Senior level physics jobs place experienced professionals in charge of research direction, experimental design, and the technical teams or programs that deliver results. Most roles are 0% remote or hybrid, concentrated across Education and Science & Research, with employers like Old Dominion University, University of Rochester, and University of South Florida hiring at this level now.
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The Department of Physics at the University of South Florida, Tampa, invites applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-earning faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. We seek a theorist or computational physicist developing innovative methods and applications in quantum information science, artificial intelligence and machine learning for physics, data-driven physics, or closely related areas. The anticipated starting date is August 7, 2027. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Candidates working in one or more areas—including quantum computation and algorithms, quantum simulations, quantum many-body theory, quantum machine learning, physics-informed machine learning, computational quantum science, and data-intensive approaches to physical systems—are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose research is at the intersection of these approaches or develop their applications to important problems in physics are welcome.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with research groups and interdisciplinary initiatives within the Department of Physics and across USF. Areas of potential synergy include quantum materials, nanomagnetism and spintronics, ultrafast dynamics, quantum optics, quantum sensing, biomedical physics, computational and data-driven materials physics. Research connecting fundamental advances in quantum information science or AI/ML with applications in healthcare, environmental sensing, secure communications, and information science is also of interest.
The successful candidate will be expected to conduct high-impact research, pursue extramural funding, teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and mentor students in research at all levels.
Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in physics or a closely related field from an accredited institution by the time of appointment. Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in academia, a national laboratory, or industry is required. Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of research accomplishments and the potential to establish an independent, externally funded, and nationally recognized research program. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor.
Information for Applicants:
Applicants should submit the following documents with their application:
- Cover Letter
- CV
- Teaching Philosophy
- Evidence of successful research
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for letters of recommendation at a later date.
Position is open until it is filled, with initial review of applications beginning on December 1, 2026.
Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. For disability accommodations, contact Edwin Perez Jr. at edwinperez@usf.edu , a minimum of five working days in advance.
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
The Department of Physics at the University of South Florida, Tampa, invites applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-earning faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. We seek a theorist or computational physicist developing innovative methods and applications in quantum information science, artificial intelligence and machine learning for physics, data-driven physics, or closely related areas. The anticipated starting date is August 7, 2027. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Candidates working in one or more areas—including quantum computation and algorithms, quantum simulations, quantum many-body theory, quantum machine learning, physics-informed machine learning, computational quantum science, and data-intensive approaches to physical systems—are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose research is at the intersection of these approaches or develop their applications to important problems in physics are welcome.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with research groups and interdisciplinary initiatives within the Department of Physics and across USF. Areas of potential synergy include quantum materials, nanomagnetism and spintronics, ultrafast dynamics, quantum optics, quantum sensing, biomedical physics, computational and data-driven materials physics. Research connecting fundamental advances in quantum information science or AI/ML with applications in healthcare, environmental sensing, secure communications, and information science is also of interest.
The successful candidate will be expected to conduct high-impact research, pursue extramural funding, teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and mentor students in research at all levels.
Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in physics or a closely related field from an accredited institution by the time of appointment. Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in academia, a national laboratory, or industry is required. Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of research accomplishments and the potential to establish an independent, externally funded, and nationally recognized research program. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor.
Information for Applicants:
Applicants should submit the following documents with their application:
- Cover Letter
- CV
- Teaching Philosophy
- Evidence of successful research
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for letters of recommendation at a later date.
Position is open until it is filled, with initial review of applications beginning on December 1, 2026.
Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. For disability accommodations, contact Edwin Perez Jr. at edwinperez@usf.edu , a minimum of five working days in advance.
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
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Top Industries Hiring
- Education
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Senior Level Physics Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level physics job?
Employers hiring at the senior level look for demonstrated ownership of complex research programs, published or patented work, and the ability to guide junior scientists or engineers. Candidates who can connect their physics expertise to measurable outcomes, whether in product development, defense systems, or fundamental research, stand out most. Leadership experience, even informal mentorship, signals readiness for this tier.
Which companies hire senior level physicists?
Companies hiring senior level physicists right now include Old Dominion University, University of Rochester, and University of South Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level tends to concentrate among national laboratories, defense contractors, semiconductor manufacturers, and technology companies with active research and development divisions.
Are there remote senior level physics jobs?
Yes, though availability varies by specialization. About 0% of senior level physics openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with computational, data-heavy, and modeling roles offering the most flexibility. Roles requiring lab access, specialized equipment, or classified clearances are typically on-site.
What makes a physics role senior level?
Senior level physics roles are defined by scope, ownership, and influence. Professionals at this stage design and lead research programs rather than executing tasks assigned by others, make independent decisions on methodology, and are accountable for technical outcomes. Mentoring junior staff, representing projects to stakeholders, and driving cross-functional collaboration are standard expectations at this level.
Which industries hire the most senior level physicists?
Senior level physics roles concentrate in Education and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they rely on advanced modeling, materials science, optics, or quantum research to develop next-generation products, defense systems, and scientific instrumentation.