19-2012.00

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Career Cluster:Public Service & Safety
Job Family:Life, Physical, and Social Science
Job Zone:Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
Industry:Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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Technology Tools

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Key Tasks

  • Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
  • Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
  • Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
  • Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
  • Write research proposals to receive funding.
  • Teach physics to students.
  • Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
  • Perform peer reviews of scientific papers.

Skills

Science
91%
Mathematics
81%
Reading Comprehension
81%
Speaking
78%
Critical Thinking
78%
Active Learning
75%
Writing
75%
Active Listening
75%
Complex Problem Solving
72%
Learning Strategies
72%
Judgment and Decision Making
69%
Instructing
66%
Systems Analysis
60%
Programming
60%
Systems Evaluation
60%
Social Perceptiveness
56%
Monitoring
56%
Time Management
53%
Persuasion
53%
Operations Analysis
53%
Coordination
50%
Management of Personnel Resources
50%
Service Orientation
50%
Negotiation
44%
Technology Design
44%
Quality Control Analysis
41%
Operations Monitoring
35%
Management of Financial Resources
31%
Management of Material Resources
28%
Troubleshooting
25%
Equipment Selection
22%
Operation and Control
16%
Installation
3%
Repairing
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Physics
98%
Mathematics
96%
Engineering and Technology
89%
Computers and Electronics
85%
English Language
67%
Education and Training
60%
Chemistry
55%
Administration and Management
41%
Communications and Media
40%
Design
37%
Production and Processing
33%
Administrative
32%
Personnel and Human Resources
32%
Law and Government
30%
Customer and Personal Service
29%
Public Safety and Security
29%
Mechanical
27%
Psychology
25%
Economics and Accounting
25%
Telecommunications
19%
Sales and Marketing
18%
Biology
16%
Therapy and Counseling
15%
Philosophy and Theology
13%
Sociology and Anthropology
11%
Transportation
10%
Building and Construction
9%
Geography
8%
History and Archeology
7%
Foreign Language
6%
Medicine and Dentistry
5%
Fine Arts
2%
Food Production
0%

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Abilities

Mathematical Reasoning
94%
Written Comprehension
81%
Number Facility
81%
Originality
78%
Deductive Reasoning
78%
Oral Expression
78%
Fluency of Ideas
78%
Oral Comprehension
78%
Inductive Reasoning
78%
Problem Sensitivity
75%
Information Ordering
75%
Written Expression
75%
Speech Clarity
72%
Near Vision
72%
Category Flexibility
72%
Speech Recognition
72%
Visualization
66%
Flexibility of Closure
60%
Speed of Closure
60%
Selective Attention
56%
Far Vision
50%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Memorization
47%
Visual Color Discrimination
44%
Time Sharing
41%
Depth Perception
35%
Finger Dexterity
35%
Auditory Attention
31%
Hearing Sensitivity
25%
Trunk Strength
16%
Wrist-Finger Speed
3%
Spatial Orientation
3%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Reaction Time
0%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
0%
Night Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Multilimb Coordination
0%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Control Precision
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Rate Control
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Response Orientation
0%
Manual Dexterity
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Analyzing Data or Information
90%
Working with Computers
89%
Getting Information
88%
Processing Information
85%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
84%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
84%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
82%
Thinking Creatively
79%
Documenting/Recording Information
79%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
76%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
71%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
70%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
69%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
68%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
67%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
66%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
64%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
64%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
59%
Training and Teaching Others
59%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
58%
Scheduling Work and Activities
55%
Coaching and Developing Others
52%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
50%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
47%
Developing and Building Teams
47%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
45%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
42%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
40%
Selling or Influencing Others
36%
Assisting and Caring for Others
35%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
33%
Performing Administrative Activities
33%
Controlling Machines and Processes
33%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
27%
Handling and Moving Objects
23%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
23%
Staffing Organizational Units
18%
Performing General Physical Activities
17%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
15%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
9%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

98%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

91%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

88%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

86%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

84%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

78%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

71%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

70%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

68%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

65%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

63%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

60%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

58%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

57%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

53%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

51%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

48%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

47%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

40%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

38%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

37%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

29%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

28%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

28%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

27%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

26%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

25%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

20%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

19%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

19%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

14%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

13%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

12%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

11%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

10%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

10%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

9%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

5%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

5%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

5%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

5%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

4%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

4%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

3%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

3%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

3%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

3%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

3%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

3%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

3%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

2%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

2%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

2%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

2%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

1%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

0%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

0%

Education

Doctoral degree

49%

Post-doctoral training

39%

Post-master's certificate

8%

Interests

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

100

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

66

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

64

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

29

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

19

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

14

Work Styles

Intellectual Curiosity
100%
Innovation
87%
Attention to Detail
84%
Achievement Orientation
72%
Dependability
71%
Integrity
70%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
64%
Perseverance
62%
Self-Confidence
53%
Initiative
51%
Cautiousness
50%
Adaptability
45%
Stress Tolerance
32%
Cooperation
23%
Leadership Orientation
21%
Self-Control
19%
Sincerity
18%
Social Orientation
15%
Humility
8%
Optimism
4%
Empathy
1%

Work Values

Recognition
89%
Working Conditions
86%
Achievement
83%
Independence
83%
Support
45%
Relationships
28%

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