Physicists
Astrophysicist, Health Physicist, Research Physicist, Scientist
What they do:
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
On the job, you would:
- 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.
- Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
Knowledge
Math and Science
- physics
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Engineering and Technology
- computers and electronics
- product and service development
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Education and Training
- teaching and course design
Skills
Basic Skills
- using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
- thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
- measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
Abilities
Math
- choose the right type of math to solve a problem
- add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Verbal
- read and understand what is written
- communicate by writing
Ideas and Logic
- come up with lots of ideas
- make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Visual Understanding
- see hidden patterns
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Innovation
- Achievement Orientation
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
- The MathWorks MATLAB Hot Technology
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
Development environment software
- Eclipse IDE Hot Technology In Demand
- Microsoft Visual Studio Hot Technology
Education
Education: (rated 4 of 4)
doctoral degree or
post-doctoral training
usually needed
post-doctoral training
usually needed
Job Outlook
Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Explore More
- Astronomers
- Biochemists & Biophysicists
- Data Scientists
- Mathematicians
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
You might like a career in one of these industries:
See more details at O*NET OnLine about Physicists.