Physicist
Other Titles
Biophysics Scientist, Health Physicist, Research Consultant, Research Physicist, Research Scientist, Scientist
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Physicists are concerned with the study and research of the various fields of physics. They may invent things, conduct lab experiments, develop new theories and find new insights towards understanding the physical world and the universe. In this role, they may be employed in a variety of industries. As a lab physicist, they may conduct experiments and tests to determine whether various hypotheses are correct or to seek new discoveries. A part of their job is to make use of advanced mathematical models as well as computer technologies when processing relevant data. They also publish their findings in journals and other publications.
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.
Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
Direct testing and monitoring of contamination of radioactive equipment, and recording of personnel and plant area radiation exposure 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.
Teach physics to students.
Develop manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication processes of lasers, masers, infrared, and other light-emitting and light-sensitive devices.
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.
Science→ Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Mathematics→ Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension→ Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening→ Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Learning Strategies→ Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Writing→ Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Instructing→ Teaching others how to do something.
Programming→ Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Systems Analysis→ Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Coordination→ Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Persuasion→ Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Social Perceptiveness→ Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Systems Evaluation→ Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Service Orientation→ Actively looking for ways to help people.
Technology Design→ Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
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.
Getting Information→ Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems→ Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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.
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.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events→ Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others→ Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing Objectives and Strategies→ Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
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.
Analyze geological or geographical data.
Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials.
Mathematical Reasoning→ The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Number Facility→ The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Oral Comprehension→ The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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.
Oral Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Originality→ The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
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).
Information Ordering→ The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g. , patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Category Flexibility→ The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Problem Sensitivity→ The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Speech Clarity→ The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Near Vision→ The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Recognition→ The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Visualization→ The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Speed of Closure→ The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Flexibility of Closure→ The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Perceptual Speed→ The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Memorization→ The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Far Vision→ The ability to see details at a distance.
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.
Language→ Knowledge of the structure and content of a language - English, French, Swahili et cetera - including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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.
Analytical or scientific software -- Statistical software; Spectroscopy software; Video analysis software; The MathWorks MATLAB
Computer aided design CAD software -- e.g., Autodesk AutoCAD; Mathsoft Mathcad etc
Configuration management software -- e.g., VMware
Database management system software -- e.g., OpenStack; SQLite
Database user interface and query software -- e.g., Microsoft Access; MySQL; Structured query language SQL; Oracle software;
Desktop publishing software -- e.g., AfroLingo; Scribus
Development environment software -- Software development tools e.g., C; Microsoft Visual Basic; Pascal etc
Enterprise application integration software -- Extensible markup language XML
Expert system software -- e.g., Ansible software
File versioning software -- e.g., Git
Graphics or photo imaging software -- e.g., Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Music or sound editing software -- e.g., Adobe Systems Adobe Audition
Object or component oriented development software -- e.g., C++ ; Oracle Java; Practical extraction and reporting language Perl ; Python etc
Office suite software -- e.g., Microsoft Office
Operating system software -- e.g., Linux; Microsoft Windows; UNIX
Presentation software -- e.g., Google Slides; Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Google Sheets; Microsoft Excel
Video creation and editing software -- e.g., Lenox Softworks VideoPoint
Web platform development software -- JavaScript
Word processing software -- e.g., Google Docs; Microsoft Word
Accelerometers
Amplifiers→ Conditioning amplifiers
Analytical balances
Atomic absorption AA spectrometers
Autosamplers→ Headspace autosamplers
Binocular light compound microscopes→ Measuring microscopes
Capacitance meters→ Capacitance bridges
Chromatographic detectors→ Atomic emission detectors AED; Photodetectors
Cryogenic or liquid nitrogen freezers→ Helium refrigerators
Cryostats
Desktop computers
Digital camcorders or video cameras→ High-speed video cameras
Electromagnets→ Laboratory electromagnets
Electron microscopes
Electronic counters→ Particle counters
Force or torque sensors→ Vernier force sensors
Frequency analyzers→ Analog frequency analyzers; Portable fast Fourier transform FFT analyzers; Spectrum analyzers; Two-channel fast Fourier transform FFT analyzers
Frequency calibrator or simulator→ Two-channel dynamic signal analyzers
Frequency counters or timer or dividers→ Photon counting systems
Galvanometers→ Galvanostats
Gas chromatographs→ Gas chromatography equipment
Geiger counters→ Geiger-Muller counters
Goggles→ Safety goggles
High vacuum equipment→ Diffusion-pumped vacuum systems; Turbo-pumped vacuum systems
Infrared spectrometers→ Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectrometers
Injectors→ Gas chromatography GC injectors
Interferometers→ Mickelson interferometers; Microwave interferometers
Ionization chambers
Laboratory balances→ Big G torsion balances
Laboratory box furnaces
Laboratory centrifugal pumps
Laboratory safety furnaces→ Annealing furnaces
Laboratory vacuum pumps→ Diffusion pumps
Laboratory vibrators→ Vibration exciters
Laser beam analyzers→ Laser power meters
Laser filters→ Cavity dumpers or drivers
Lasers→ Argon ion lasers; Diode lasers; Single frequency dye lasers; Zeeman split lasers etc
Leak testing equipment→ Leak detection equipment
Light scattering equipment→ Light scattering devices
Magnetometer geophysical instruments→ Gaussmeters
Magnetometers→ Vibrating sample magnetometers
Mass spectrometers→ Isotope ratio mass spectrometers
Medical computed tomography CT or CAT scanners or tubes→ Computed tomography CT scanners
Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners→ Magnetic resonance imaging MRI systems
Medical radiation films or badges→ Radiation detecting film badges
Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators→ Cyclotrons; High-energy accelerators; Linear accelerators; Positive ion accelerators etc
Monochromators→ Double monochromators; Grating monochromators; Scanning monochromators
Multimeters→ Digital multimeters
Network analyzers→ Two-channel network analyzers
Notebook computers→ Laptop computers
Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectrometers→ Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectroscopes
Optical beamsplitters→ Optical beamsplitting devices
Optical breadboards→ Optical tables
Optical choppers
Oscilloscopes→ Digital oscilloscopes
Personal computers
Photo attachments for microscopes→ Charge-coupled device CCD cameras
Photometers
Photosensitive diodes→ High-resolution semiconductor detectors
Plotter printers→ Digital plotters
Pneumatic vacuum equipment→ Vacuum stations
Polarizers→ Programmable phase modulators
Pull spring balances→ Spring scales
Radiation detectors→ Neutron detectors; Scintillation probes; Thermoluminescent dosimeters
Roughness measuring instruments→ Surface profilometers
Scanning electron microscopes→ Scanning electron microscopes SEM
Scanning probe microscopes→ Atomic force microscopes; Friction-force microscopes; Magnetic force microscopes; Scanning tunneling microscopes STM
Semiconductor testers→ Semiconductor parameter analyzers
Signal conditioners→ Power amplifiers
Signal generators→ Arbitrary function generators; Function generators; Optical detectors; Radiofrequency RF generators
Single gas monitors→ Liquid helium level sensors
Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter→ Analog sound level meters; Digital sound level meters; Pistonphones; Sound intensity probes
Spectrometers→ Gamma ray spectrometers; High-resolution spectrometers; Prism spectrometers; Visible spectrometers etc
Spectrophotometers
Telescopes
Transmission electron microscopes→ Transmission electron microscopes TEM
Tube furnaces→ Laboratory tube furnaces
Tweezers→ Optical tweezers
Ultraviolet UV lamps→ High intensity UV sources
Visual filters→ Pinhole filters
Voltage or current meters→ Digital voltmeters DVM; Nanovoltmeters
X ray diffraction equipment→ X ray crystallography equipment
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.
Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work 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.
Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.
Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
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.