Physicists and Astronomers

Nature of work

Physicists investigate why and how our physical world behaves the way it does. They use physics to support process or product development in fields like electronics, communications, power generation and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, remote sensing, biotechnology, medicine, and health. They work for electronic, electrical and aerospace manufacturers, telecommunications companies, power utilities, university and government research laboratories, hospitals, and a wide range of other processing, manufacturing, and research and consulting firms.

Astronomers do observational and theoretical research to extend knowledge of the universe. They work for government and universities.

Job duties

Physicists:

• Design and carry out research in experimental and theoretical physics.
• Analyze research data and prepare research reports.
• Participate as a member of a research or development team in the design and development of experimental, industrial or medical equipment, instrumentation and procedures.
• Physicists may specialize in fields like aeronomy and space, acoustics, atomic and molecular physics, biophysics, condensed matter or solid state physics, electromagnetics, fluids and aerodynamics, health physics, medical physics, metrology, particle physics, optics and laser physics, nuclear physics and plasma physics.

Astronomers:

• Design and carry out observational surveys, conduct detailed analyses and develop numerical models to extend knowledge of celestial bodies and cosmic radiation.
• Develop or participate in the development of instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
• Astronomers may specialize in fields like astrophysics, observational or optical astronomy and radio astronomy.

Sample job titles

• aerospace research scientist
• astronomer
• biophysicist
• communications research scientist
• cosmologist
• electronics research scientist
• molecular biophysicist
• nuclear physicist
• physicist
• physics research scientist

Skills

• You should be imaginative, patient, persistent, and curious. Mathematical, analytical, and mechanical abilities are essential. You must be able to carry out research, use computers, and perform complex calculations. Communication skills are also important, as scientists often work in teams.

Job requirements

• Physicists usually need a master's or doctoral degree in a field of physics, engineering physics, or in a related discipline.
• Astronomers usually need a master's or doctoral degree in astronomy or in a related discipline.

Other considerations

• Although the number of job openings for physicists and astronomers is likely to remain limited, the supply of new people qualified to work in these jobs is also limited by the significant investment in education that is required. Physicists may work closely with and perform some of the duties of engineers. Mobility between specializations within physics and within astronomy is possible with experience as is mobility to the fields of meteorology, geophysics and other fields of science. Movement to management positions is possible with experience. Travel may be required.

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