Physicists
19-2012.00
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.
- 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.
- Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications.
- 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.
- Develop standards of permissible concentrations of radioisotopes in liquids and gases.
- Conduct application evaluations and analyze results to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military, or other uses for electro-optical devices.
- Develop manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication processes of lasers, masers, infrared, and other light-emitting and light-sensitive devices.
- Advise authorities of procedures to be followed in radiation incidents or hazards, and assist in civil defense planning.
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 π₯; Vector Fields OPERA-3d; Video analysis software; Wolfram Research Mathematica
- Cloud-based management software - OpenStack
- Clustering software - VMware
- Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD π₯; Mathsoft Mathcad; RibbonSoft QCad
- Configuration management software - Puppet π₯
- Data base management system software - SQLite
- Data base user interface and query software - Amazon Web Services AWS software π₯; Microsoft Access π₯; MySQL π₯; Oracle Database π₯; Structured query language SQL π₯
- Desktop publishing software - Scribus
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Development environment software -
C π₯; Canu; Eclipse IDE
; Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; Microsoft Azure software π₯; Microsoft Visual Basic π₯; Microsoft Visual J++; Microsoft Visual Studio π₯; National Instruments LabVIEW; Pascal; Software development tools
- Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML π₯
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Enterprise resource planning ERP system
- Expert system software - Ansible software π₯
- File versioning software - Git π₯
- Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Photoshop π₯; GNU Image Manipulation Program GIMP; Ploticus; Xfig; xv
- Music or sound editing software - Adobe Audition
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Object or component oriented development software -
C++ π₯; Oracle Java π₯; Perl π₯; Python ; Sun Microsystems Java
- Office suite software - Microsoft Office software π₯
- Operating system software - Linux π₯; Microsoft Windows π₯; UNIX π₯
- Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint π₯
- Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel π₯
- Video creation and editing software - Lenox Softworks VideoPoint
- Web platform development software - JavaScript π₯
- Word processing software - Microsoft Word π₯
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- 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.
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- 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.
- Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
- Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
- Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
- Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
- Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Communicating with People Outside the 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.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
- Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
- Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
- Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Detailed Work Activities
- Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.
- Analyze geological or geographical data.
- Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
- Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.
- Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
- Operate laboratory or field equipment.
- Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
- Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
- Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
- Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
- Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials.