Physicist Job Description
The job of a Physicist involves investigating gravity, motion, gas and matter behavior, generation or transfer of energy and other basic forces and laws of nature. They are responsible for conducting research, developing theories based on experiments and observations, as well as developing methods to apply laws and theories of physics into practical use. They usually find work in defense, medicine, industrial and other fields.
Education/Experience Requirements for the job of a Physicist: A successful candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in physics or a related science. To be able to teach at college level, a master’s degree and teaching certification are required. Those who want to work in research must obtain a Ph.D. in physics.
Skills of a Physicist include but are not limited to: Effective verbal and written communication skills, extensive research skills, organizational and time management skills, interpersonal skills and knowledge of mechanical and electronic equipments, rules and regulations related to health physics; and responding to radiation emergency situations. Physicists must also be detail-oriented, persevere, patient, precise, self-motivated and able to work with research teams.
Specific work elements of the job as a Physicist include but are not limited to: Participating in committees involving radiation safety, providing engineering services; developing, modifying, testing and evaluating instrumentation, equipments, computer programs and operating procedures; preparing written guidelines on radiation control practices and standards; providing information about environmental stresses; reviewing projects; summarizing data and preparing reports; as well as taking actions in emergencies to avoid health physics problems, among others.
