Staff role
Physicist
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Astrophysicist; Biophysics Scientist; Health Physicist; Medical Physicist; Research Physicist; Scientist
Tasks
- 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.
- Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
- Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
- Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
- 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.
- Write research proposals to receive funding.
- Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
- Teach physics to students.
- 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.
- Perform peer reviews of scientific papers.
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Chemistry
Skills
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
Abilities
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Number Facility
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Fluency of Ideas
- Inductive Reasoning
- Originality
- Deductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Problem Sensitivity
- Category Flexibility
- Speech Clarity
- Near Vision
- Speech Recognition
- Visualization
- Flexibility of Closure
- Speed of Closure
- Selective Attention
- Perceptual Speed
- Memorization
- Time Sharing
- Far Vision
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.