Profession physicist

Physicists and astronomers conduct research and improve or develop concepts, theories and operational methods concerning matter, space, time, energy, forces and fields and the interrelationship between these physical phenomena. They apply scientific knowledge relating to physics and astronomy in industrial, medical, military or other fields.

Would you like to know what kind of career and professions suit you best? Take our free Holland code career test and find out.

Personality Type

Related professions research, consultancy

  • Bacteriologist
  • Biologist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Chemist
  • Civil engineer
  • Climatologist
  • Clinical research associate
  • Environmental inspector
  • Environmental scientist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Geographer
  • Geologist, geophysicist
  • Metallurgist
  • Meteorologist
  • Physical or engineering science technician, all other
  • Physical scientists, all other
  • R&D department manager
  • Social scientist, all other
  • Sociologist, anthropologist or related professional
  • Tax consultant

Knowledge

  • Statistics

    The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.

  • Laboratory techniques

    Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

  • Scientific research methodology

    The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

  • Mathematics

    Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

  • Physics

    The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.

Skills

  • Operate scientific measuring equipment

    Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.

  • Use measurement instruments

    Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.

  • Perform scientific research

    Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

  • Execute analytical mathematical calculations

    Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.

  • Analyse experimental laboratory data

    Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings

  • Apply scientific methods

    Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

  • Gather experimental data

    Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

  • Apply statistical analysis techniques

    Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.

  • Perform laboratory tests

    Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

Optional knowledge and skills

intellectual property law quantum mechanics operate telescopes provide information on geological characteristics perform lectures observe matter acoustics calibrate laboratory equipment teach physics petroleum pharmaceutical technology astronomy design scientific equipment forensic physics thermodynamics analyse telescope images geology general medicine nuclear physics economics remote sensing techniques interpret geophysical data biology operate remote sensing equipment write research proposals write scientific papers geophysics develop scientific theories apply teaching strategies communicate with external laboratories medical laboratory technology aerodynamics collect samples for analysis assist with geophysical surveys

Source: Sisyphus ODB