Careers

Careers Advice

Career links

Physicist

Interested in Physicist? Click on the links below.

Physicist Career Details

Physicists are involved in experimental investigation and theoretical analysis of matter, energy and force, in areas ranging from telecommunications to medicine and environmental monitoring. They work in a wide range of settings which include:

researching conditions on earth and other planets, and building satellites
forecasting the weather
working with doctors and computing specialists in medicine to help diagnose or treat patients
inspecting factories or other places of work to monitor radiation emissions and ensure safe disposal of radioactive waste
designing, creating and testing new materials and products
identifying new ways to generate power
developing new internet or other communications technology
improving performance and safety in transport industries
teaching in schools, colleges or universities
using knowledge in the media, in broadcasting or journalism.

Physicists devise simulations and models, design and conduct experiments, and write up their observations and findings in reports and scientific papers. They occasionally present their work at scientific meetings or conferences.

The role may include supervision of support staff and administrative work. Much of the work involves using computers. Those working in a university or a teaching hospital will be involved in teaching and supervising students.

Working Environment

Physicists normally work 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday; evening and weekend work is common. Academics working in universities and researchers in industry regularly work extra hours. Those jobs providing a round-the-clock service such as in the NHS may involve shifts, nights, or on-call work.

Physicists work in laboratories and workshops, in offices, factories and out in the field. There is much work with complex and expensive electronic equipment. Protective clothing is worn to prevent contamination and avoid contact with hazardous substances. Fieldwork may involve travel and periods away from home.

Physicist Related Skills

To be a physicist, you should:

have an enquiring mind, and be able to think clearly and logically
be good at problem solving, with a methodical and analytical approach to the work
be able to work to a high degree of accuracy
be able to work in and lead a team of professionals
have excellent communication skills to make presentations and write reports, scientific papers and grant applications
understand statistics and relevant computer packages.

Physicist Career Opportunities

Physicists are employed by government research establishments and in industries such as communications, transport, aerospace, opto-electronics, robotics, semiconductors, computing and power generation. Others work for the NHS (as clinical scientists/medical physicists), the National Radiological Protection Board, the Health and Safety Executive, and the Meteorological Office. Some physicists move into technical sales and marketing, information science and patent work.

Some physicists work in education, the media, in museums and interactive science centres, and in administration.

Relocation may be necessary for career progression.

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Physicist related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

Not quite sure about a career as a Physicist? Try our step-by-step career guide to reaching your chosen career.

Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a Physicist? Take a look at Postgraduate Physicist courses, Undergraduate Physicist courses, Adult learning Physicist courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.

What would you like to learn?