21100 – Physicists and astronomers
21100 – Physicists and astronomers
Physicists conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of natural phenomena and to develop new processes and devices in fields such as electronics, communications, power generation and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, remote sensing, biotechnology, medicine and health. They are employed by electronic, electrical and aerospace manufacturing companies, telecommunications companies, power utilities, university and government research laboratories, hospitals and by a wide range of other processing, manufacturing, and research and consulting firms. Astronomers conduct observational and theoretical research to extend knowledge of the universe. They are employed by government and universities.
Profile
Index of titles
Acoustics physicist
Aerodynamicist
Aerophysicist
Aerospace research scientist
Astronomer
Astrophysicist
Atmospheric physicist
Biophysicist
Chemical physicist
Communications research scientist
Cosmic ray physicist
Cosmologist
Cryogenics physicist
Crystal physicist
Electricity and magnetism physicist
Electronics physicist
Electronics research scientist
Elementary particle physicist
Elementary particle theorist
Experimental physicist
Fluid physicist
Health physicist
High-temperature physicist
Laser physicist
Low-temperature physicist
Magnetism physicist
Mathematical biophysicist
Mechanics physicist
Medical biophysicist
Medical engineering biophysicist
Medical physicist
Metal physicist
Metrologist
Microwave physicist
Molecular biophysicist
Nanotechnology physicist
Nuclear physicist
Nuclear reactor physicist
Optics physicist
Particle accelerator physicist
Particle physicist
Photonics physicist
Physicist
Physics research scientist
Plasma physicist
Radiation biophysicist
Radio astronomer
Reactor physicist
Remote sensing research scientist
Rheologist
Semiconductor physicist
Solid-state physicist
Space physicist
Theoretical nuclear physicist
Thermal physicist
X-ray physicist
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Physicists
Design and conduct research in experimental and theoretical physics
Carry out analysis of 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.
Astronomers
Design and conduct 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.
Employment requirements
Physicists usually require a master's or doctoral degree in a field of physics, engineering physics, or in a related discipline.
Astronomers usually require a master's or doctoral degree in astronomy or in a related discipline.
Additional information
Astronomers may specialize in fields such as astrophysics, observational or optical astronomy and radio astronomy.
Mobility between specializations within physics and within astronomy is possible with experience.
Mobility is possible to the fields of meteorology, geophysics and other fields of science.
Physicists may specialize in fields such as 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.
Physicists may work closely with and perform some of the duties of engineers.
Progression to management positions is possible with experience.
Exclusions
Architecture and science managers (20011)
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (21311)
Geophysicist; physical oceanographer (in 21102 Geoscientists and oceanographers)
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