Summary for:
Physicists
Description:
Conduct research into the phases of physical phenomena, develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply laws and theories to industry and other fields.
Sample of reported job titles:
Sample of reported job titles: Health Physicist, Scientist, Research Scientist, Physicist, Research Consultant, Research Physicist, Biophysics Scientist
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.
- 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, in order 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.
Knowledge:
| Physics ó 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 ó Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| English Language ó Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
| Engineering and Technology ó 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 ó Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
Skills:
| Science ó Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
| Reading Comprehension ó Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. |
| Mathematics ó Using mathematics to solve problems. |
| Critical Thinking ó Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
| Complex Problem Solving ó identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| Active Learning ó Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
| Writing ó Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
| Speaking ó Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| Active Listening ó 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. |
| Programming ó Writing computer programs for various purposes. |
Abilities:
| Mathematical Reasoning ó The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. |
| Inductive Reasoning ó The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
| Number Facility ó The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. |
| Oral Comprehension ó The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
| Written Comprehension ó The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
| Deductive Reasoning ó The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
| Oral Expression ó The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
| Originality ó 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 ó 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 ó 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). |
Work Activities:
| Thinking Creatively ó Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| Interacting With Computers ó 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 ó Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
| Processing Information ó Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| Getting Information ó Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Making Decisions and Solving Problems ó Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge ó Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Analyzing Data or Information ó identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates ó 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 ó Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
Work Experience:
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Work Examples:
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include librarians, lawyers, aerospace engineers, physicists, school psychologists, and surgeons.
Education Requirements:
A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Work Style:
| Attention to Detail ó Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
| Analytical Thinking ó Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
| Initiative ó Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
| Persistence ó Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
| Integrity ó Job requires being honest and ethical. |
| Adaptability/Flexibility ó Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
| Dependability ó Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
| Independence ó 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 ó Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
| Innovation ó Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
Work Values:
| Recognition ó 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 ó 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 ó 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. |
Median Wage 2008:
$49.47 hourly, $102,890 annual
Estimated Employment Total 2008:
17,000 employees
Projected Growth 2008:
Average (7% to 13%)
Projected Need 2008:
5,000 additional employees
