Physicists

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Life, Physical & Social Science
• O*NET-SOC code: 19-2012
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 10
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
• Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
• Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
• Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
• Write research proposals to receive funding.
• Teach physics to students.
• Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
• 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.
• Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.

Tools and technology

Adobe Photoshop, Amazon Web Services AWS software, Ansible software, Autodesk AutoCAD, C, C++, Eclipse IDE, Extensible markup language XML, Git, JavaScript, Linux, Microsoft Access

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Mathematicians
• Astronomers
• Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
• Data Scientists
• Biochemists and Biophysicists
• Chemists
• Nanosystems Engineers
• Materials Scientists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Physicists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.