Physicist Career Description

In the career as physicist, they study and research the basic principles and laws related to motion, energy, matter, and structure of matter. Theoretical physicists study the areas and concepts such as the nature and origin of nature. Their main job is to perform experiments and study structure of matter, formation and transfer of energy, and relationship between energy and matter. These experiments are usually conducted by using equipments like lasers, electron microscopes, telescopes, cyclotrons, mass spectrometers, and other related equipments.

Physics is a part of science and is very broad. Thus, the physicists can specialize in one or more branches of physics and can be designated as Physicists, Acoustics physicists, Nuclear Physicists, Light and optical physicists, Astrophysicists, Atomic physicists, Plasma physicists, Astrophysicists, Solid-state and Fluids physicists.

Tasks:-

They carry out following tasks:-

Study the data from the research work and measure physical phenomena.
Make observations and conclusions using scientific and mathematical knowledge.
Study and observe the structure and properties of matter, the formation and transfer of energy, using lasers, telescopes, electron microscopes, mass spectrometers, and other equipments.
Develop new ways to manufacture, fabricate and assembly of lasers, infrared, masers and other light-emitting devices.
Other physicists working as faculty members teach physics and conduct experiments in physics labs for students.
Some of them give support services for activities like radiation therapy, seismology, or diagnostic imaging.
Conduct instrumental analysis to derive physical properties of materials.

Qualification:-

In the career as physicist, as most of the jobs are related to research and development, a doctoral degree in physics is usually needed. A Ph. D in physics or related subjects is mostly needed for most of the research work (independently or in an industry), faculty positions, or for achieving a managerial level. A master's degree may sometimes qualify for research work. However, a Bachelor's degree in physics or related subjects is rarely accepted for research positions. Those with a bachelor's degree and strong knowledge of physics, and mathematics can be considered for research assistants or technicians and are given training under senior researchers. In addition they can get into related occupations. Some of them may become teachers in secondary schools.

Other necessary skills:-

The skills that are needed are as follows:-

Good oral and written communication skills, as most of the times they need to work as a team. Written skills are needed for writing research papers or proposals, or to have contact with clients and customers
Analytical and problem solving skills
Imaginative and scientific skills
Patience and hardworking in work

Place of work:-

They spend most of their time in research work in labs. Thus they work in clean, hygienic labs and classrooms. Some of the physicists may work in hospitals of factories. Others might have to work outdoors for research. The physicist job includes work for 40 hours a week. However, long hours of work, overtime on weekends is common for physicists.

Job Opportunities:-

They have a wide scope in getting jobs in industries, research centers, government laboratories, hospitals, colleges and institutes, and universities. The best jobs are available for college professors and consultant or advisor. A physicist can also apply in private companies and agencies.

Related occupations:-

The career as physicist is similar to occupations like engineers, chemists, hydrologists, geoscientists, computer scientists, and computer system analyst.

Remuneration:-

The average annual salary is comparatively better than that of the other scientists. However, the salary also depends on many factors like education, location, type of job, and experience. The average annual salary for those in research work and with a Ph.D. or master's degree in physics can expect a good salary package. Benefits that are given commonly include paid holidays, vacations, pension and retirement plans, and medical insurance.

Job Progress:-

In the career as physicist, those with a doctoral degree qualify for managerial levels. Those working in teaching profession can be promoted to senior professor or full-time professor after being an assistant professor. The physicists working in research centers as research assistants or technicians can be promoted to senior researchers or supervisors. Many physicists may specialize in specific field after some years of experience. Those with a bachelor's degree have less chance to get promoted in research centers, but can advance in field related to engineering and computer science.

Employment forecast:-

The employment growth is expected to grow slower as compared to other occupations. However, there will be a demand in applied sciences like information technology and semiconductor technology. In addition, those with a Ph.D. and mater's degree in physics would be in great demand for research and development, designing and manufacturing. However those with a bachelor's degree may qualify for non-research jobs related to engineering, computer science, mathematics and environmental science. Thus, employment growth depends on the type of qualification and the industry needs.