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Physicists - 19-2012.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Biophysics Scientist
  • Health Physicist
  • Medical Physicist
  • Physicist
  • Research Consultant
  • Research Physicist
  • Research Scientist
  • Scientist

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Advise authorities of procedures to be followed in radiation incidents or hazards, and assist in civil defense planning.
  • Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
  • Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
  • Conduct application evaluations and analyze results to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military, or other uses for electro-optical devices.
  • Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications.
  • Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
  • Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
  • Develop manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication processes of lasers, masers, infrared, and other light-emitting and light-sensitive devices.
  • Develop standards of permissible concentrations of radioisotopes in liquids and gases.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
  • Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
  • Teach physics to students.
  • Write research proposals to receive funding.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials.
  • Analyze geological or geographical data.
  • Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
  • Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.
  • Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
  • Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
  • Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
  • Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
  • Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
  • Operate laboratory or field equipment.
  • Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Chemist/Nuclear Chemist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Chemist/Nuclear Chemist, Airlift (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Chemist/Nuclear Chemist, Bomber (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Chemist/Nuclear Chemist, C2ISREW (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Chemist/Nuclear Chemist, Fighter (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Chemist/Nuclear Chemist, General (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Chemist/Nuclear Chemist, Helicopter or EWO (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Chemist/Nuclear Chemist, Nuclear (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Chemist/Nuclear Chemist, RPA (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Chemist/Nuclear Chemist, Special Operations (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Chemist/Nuclear Chemist, Tanker (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Chemist/Nuclear Chemist, Trainer (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Engineering Physics (Coast Guard - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Naval Observatory Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Nuclear Engineer (Marine Corps - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Nuclear Medical Science (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist, General (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Physicist, Nuclear (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Physicist/Nuclear Engineer (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, ABM (if Prefix N) (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, Airlift (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, Bomber (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, C2ISREW (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, Fighter (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, General (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, Helicopter or EWO (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, Nuclear (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, RPA (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, Special Operations (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, Tanker (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, Trainer (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Weapons Technical Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Electro-Optical Engineer
  • Health Physicist
  • Physicist
  • Physicist, Theoretical