Physicists
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Sample of reported job titles:
Biophysics Scientist, Health Physicist, Medical Physicist, Physicist, Research Consultant, Research Physicist, Research Scientist, Scientist
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
- Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
- Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
- Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
- Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software:Aptech Systems GAUSS,CERN Physics Analysis Workstation PAW,CERN ROOT,COMSOL Multiphysics,Criss Software XRF11,Dose modeling software,Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System EPICS,GNU Octave,Gnuplot,Maplesoft Maple,OriginLab Origin,Radiation dose calculation software,REDUCE,RSI interactive data language IDL software,SciGraphica,SciLab,Spectral Dynamics STAR,Spectroscopy software,Statistical software,Synergy Software KaleidaGraph,Systat Software SigmaPlot,The MathWorks MATLAB,Vector Fields OPERA-3d,Video analysis software,Wolfram Research Mathematica
- Cloud-based management software:OpenStack
- Computer aided design CAD software:Autodesk AutoCAD,Mathsoft Mathcad,RibbonSoft QCad
- Configuration management software:Puppet,VMware
- Data base management system software:SQLite
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Analyzing Data or Information:Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Working with Computers:Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- 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.
Detailed Work Activities
- Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials.
- Analyze geological or geographical data.
- Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
- Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.
- Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
Work Context
- Electronic Mail:92% responded"Every day"
- Freedom to Make Decisions:75% responded"A lot of freedom"
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled:68% responded"Every day"
- Structured versus Unstructured Work:67% responded"A lot of freedom"
- Spend Time Sitting:65% responded"Continually or almost continually"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- Science:Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Mathematics:Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Speaking:Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Knowledge
- Physics:Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
- Mathematics:Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Engineering and Technology:Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Computers and Electronics:Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 49%Doctoral Degree
- 39%Post-Doctoral Training
- 8%Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level.
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- Mathematical Reasoning:The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
- Number Facility:The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
- Written Comprehension:The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Deductive Reasoning:The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Fluency of Ideas:The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Interests
- Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Work Values
- Recognition:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
- Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
- Achievement:Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Work Styles
- Innovation:Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
- Achievement/Effort:Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Initiative:Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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