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Physicists

Careers / Physicists

Summary Description


	Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Aerodynamicist

2.	Aerophysicist

3.	Astrophysicist

4.	Atmospheric Physicist

5.	Atomic Spectroscopist

6.	Biophysics Scientist

7.	Cloud Physicist

8.	Consultant Electronics

9.	Electro Optical Engineer

10.	Electro-Optical Engineer

11.	Electrodynamicist

12.	Experimental Physicist

13.	Fluid Dynamicist

14.	Health Physicist

15.	Laser Engineer

16.	Mass Spectroscopist

17.	Mathematical Physicist

18.	Medical Physicist

19.	Molecular Physicist

20.	Molecular Spectroscopist

21.	Nanotechnologist

22.	Nuclear Physicist

23.	Nuclear Scientist

24.	Nuclear Spectroscopist

25.	Optical Instrument Specialist

26.	Optical Scientist

27.	Physical Aerodynamicist

28.	Physicist

29.	Physics Professor

30.	Radiation Control Health Physicist

31.	Radiation Protection Technician

32.	Research Consultant

33.	Research Physicist

34.	Research Professor

35.	Research Scientist

36.	Rheologist

37.	Rocket Scientist

38.	Scientist

39.	Scientist Electronics

40.	Space Physicist

41.	Theoretical Physicist

42.	Thermodynamic Physicist

43.	Thermodynamicist

44.	Weapons Designer

45.	Weapons Engineer

Job Tasks

	Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.

	Direct testing and monitoring of contamination of radioactive equipment, and recording of personnel and plant area radiation exposure data.

	Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.

	Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena. Analyze geological or geographical data.

	Observe the structure and properties of matter, and the transformation and propagation of energy, using equipment such as masers, lasers, and telescopes to explore and identify the basic principles governing these phenomena.

	Develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology. Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.

	Teach physics to students. Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.

	Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences. Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

	Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood. Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.

	Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures. Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.

	Develop manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication processes of lasers, masers, infrared, and other light-emitting and light-sensitive devices. Develop new or advanced products or production methods.

	Conduct application evaluations and analyze results to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military, or other uses for electro-optical devices.

	Develop standards of permissible concentrations of radioisotopes in liquids and gases. Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.

	Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications. Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.

	Advise authorities of procedures to be followed in radiation incidents or hazards, and assist in civil defense planning. Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Physicists and Astronomers
	Physicists and astronomers study the ways in which various forms of matter and energy interact. Theoretical physicists and astronomers may study the nature of time or the origin of the universe. Some physicists design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Physicists and Astronomers
	Physicists and astronomers spend much of their time working in offices, but they also conduct research in laboratories and observatories. Most physicists and astronomers work full time.

	Read More >>

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Interesting Fact

Uncle Sam, long-time symbol of the U.S., was originally a butcher from the state of New York named Samuel Wilson.

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