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Summary Job Description | Tasks | |||
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories. | Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers. | |||
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Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. | ||||
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Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena. | ||||
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Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences. | ||||
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Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood. | ||||
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Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures. | ||||
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Direct testing and monitoring of contamination of radioactive equipment, and recording of personnel and plant area radiation exposure data. | ||||
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Observe the structure and properties of matter, and the transformation and propagation of energy, using equipment such as masers, lasers, and telescopes, in order to explore and identify the basic principles governing these phenomena. | ||||
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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. | ||||
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Teach physics to students. | ||||
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Develop manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication processes of lasers, masers, infrared, and other light-emitting and light-sensitive devices. | ||||
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Conduct application evaluations and analyze results in order to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military, or other uses for electro-optical devices. | ||||
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Develop standards of permissible concentrations of radioisotopes in liquids and gases. | ||||
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Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development in order to determine licensing qualifications. | ||||
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Advise authorities of procedures to be followed in radiation incidents or hazards, and assist in civil defense planning. | ||||
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CompGeo Salary Survey Benchmark Job Summary and Competencies
Physicists
The Benchmark Job Description below represents the specific Position Characteristics of the job used in the Salary Survey. Benchmark Job Descriptions should be inspected carefully to review the degree of matching between an organizations' Job and the Salary Survey Benchmark. Matching internal Jobs to Salary Survey Benchmark Jobs should not be done on Job Title alone. A thorough comparison of Salary Survey Benchmark to Internal Job Descriptions is recommended. A good overlap should exist on any comparisons used on critical Job Dimensions and Competencies.- Job Description
- Knowledges
- Skills
- Abilites
- Tools and Technology
- Education and Experience
- Alternate Job Titles
- Salaries
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Important Knowledge Competencies | Competency Description | |||
Physics | Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes. | |||
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Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. | |||
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English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. | |||
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Engineering and Technology | Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. | |||
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Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. | |||
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Chemistry | Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. | |||
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Telecommunications | Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems. | |||
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Mechanical | Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. | |||
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Important Skill Competencies | Competency Description | |||
Science | Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. | |||
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Mathematics | Using mathematics to solve problems. | |||
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Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. | |||
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Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. | |||
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Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. | |||
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Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. | |||
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Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. | |||
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Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. | |||
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Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. | |||
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Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. | |||
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Learning Strategies | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. | |||
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Instructing | Teaching others how to do something. | |||
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Programming | Writing computer programs for various purposes. | |||
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Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. | |||
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Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. | |||
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Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. | |||
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Social Perceptiveness | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. | |||
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Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. | |||
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Persuasion | Persuading others to change their minds or behavior. | |||
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Systems Evaluation | Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system. | |||
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Service Orientation | Actively looking for ways to help people. | |||
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Technology Design | Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs. | |||
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Operations Analysis | Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design. | |||
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Management of Personnel Resources | Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job. | |||
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Quality Control Analysis | Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. | |||
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Important Ability Competencies | Competency Description | |||
Mathematical Reasoning | The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. | |||
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Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. | |||
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Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. | |||
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Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). | |||
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Number Facility | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. | |||
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Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. | |||
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Originality | The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. | |||
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Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. | |||
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Fluency of Ideas | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). | |||
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Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). | |||
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Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. | |||
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Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. | |||
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Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. | |||
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Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. | |||
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Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). | |||
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Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. | |||
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Visualization | The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. | |||
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Speed of Closure | The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns. | |||
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Flexibility of Closure | The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. | |||
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Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. | |||
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Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. | |||
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Memorization | The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures. | |||
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Far Vision | The ability to see details at a distance. | |||
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Time Sharing | The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources). | |||
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Finger Dexterity | The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. | |||
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Visual Color Discrimination | The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. | |||
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Tools/Technology Example | Product Category | |||
Adobe Systems Adobe Audition | Music or sound editing software | |||
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Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software | Graphics or photo imaging software | |||
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Aptech Systems GAUSS software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Assembler | Development environment software | |||
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Autodesk AutoCAD software | Computer aided design CAD software | |||
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C | Development environment software | |||
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CERN Physics Analysis Workstation PAW | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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CERN ROOT | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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COMSOL Multiphysics | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Criss Software XRF11 | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Dose modeling software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System EPICS | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Formula translation/translator FORTRAN | Development environment software | |||
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GNU Image Manipulation Program GIMP | Graphics or photo imaging software | |||
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GNU Octave | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Gnuplot | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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JavaScript | Web platform development software | |||
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Lenox Softworks VideoPoint | Video creation and editing software | |||
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Maplesoft Maple | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Mathsoft Mathcad | Computer aided design CAD software | |||
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Microsoft Access | Data base user interface and query software | |||
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Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | |||
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Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | |||
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Microsoft Visual Basic | Development environment software | |||
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Microsoft Visual C++ | Object or component oriented development software | |||
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Microsoft Visual J++ | Development environment software | |||
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Microsoft Word | Word processing software | |||
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MySQL software | Data base user interface and query software | |||
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National Instruments LabVIEW | Development environment software | |||
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OriginLab Origin | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Pascal | Development environment software | |||
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Ploticus | Graphics or photo imaging software | |||
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Practical extraction and reporting language Perl | Object or component oriented development software | |||
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Python | Object or component oriented development software | |||
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REDUCE | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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RSI interactive data language IDL software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Radiation dose calculation software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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RibbonSoft QCad | Computer aided design CAD software | |||
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SQLite | Data base management system software | |||
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SciGraphica | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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SciLab | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Scribus software | Desktop publishing software | |||
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Spectral Dynamics STAR | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Spectroscopy software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Statistical software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Sun Microsystems Java | Object or component oriented development software | |||
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Synergy Software KaleidaGraph | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Systat Software SigmaPlot | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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The MathWorks MATLAB | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Vector Fields OPERA-3d | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Video analysis software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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Wolfram Research Mathematica | Analytical or scientific software | |||
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XV | Graphics or photo imaging software | |||
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Xfig | Graphics or photo imaging software | |||
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Accelerometers | Accelerometers | |||
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Analog frequency analyzers | Frequency analyzers | |||
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Analog sound level meters | Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter | |||
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Analytical balances | Analytical balances | |||
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Annealing furnaces | Laboratory safety furnaces | |||
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Arbitrary function generators | Signal generators | |||
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Argon ion lasers | Lasers | |||
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Atomic absorption AA spectrometers | Atomic absorption AA spectrometers | |||
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Atomic emission detectors AED | Chromatographic detectors | |||
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Atomic force microscopes | Scanning probe microscopes | |||
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Betatrons | Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators | |||
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Big G torsion balances | Laboratory balances | |||
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Capacitance bridges | Capacitance meters | |||
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Cavity dumpers or drivers | Laser filters | |||
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Charge-coupled device CCD cameras | Photo attachments for microscopes | |||
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Computed tomography CT scanners | Medical computed tomography CT or CAT scanners or tubes | |||
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Conditioning amplifiers | Amplifiers | |||
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Cryostats | Cryostats | |||
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Cyclotrons | Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators | |||
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Desktop computers | Desktop computers | |||
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Diffusion pumps | Laboratory vacuum pumps | |||
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Diffusion-pumped vacuum systems | High vacuum equipment | |||
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Digital multimeters | Multimeters | |||
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Digital oscilloscopes | Oscilloscopes | |||
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Digital plotters | Plotter printers | |||
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Digital sound level meters | Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter | |||
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Digital voltmeters DVM | Voltage or current meters | |||
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Diode lasers | Lasers | |||
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Double monochromators | Monochromators | |||
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Electron microscopes | Electron microscopes | |||
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Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectrometers | Infrared spectrometers | |||
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Friction-force microscopes | Scanning probe microscopes | |||
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Function generators | Signal generators | |||
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Galvanostats | Galvanometers | |||
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Gamma ray spectrometers | Spectrometers | |||
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Gas chromatography GC injectors | Injectors | |||
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Gas chromatography equipment | Gas chromatographs | |||
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Gaussmeters | Magnetometer geophysical instruments | |||
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Geiger-Muller counters | Geiger counters | |||
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Grating monochromators | Monochromators | |||
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Headspace autosamplers | Autosamplers | |||
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Helium lasers | Lasers | |||
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Helium refrigerators | Cryogenic or liquid nitrogen freezers | |||
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High intensity UV sources | Ultraviolet UV lamps | |||
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High vacuum equipment | High vacuum equipment | |||
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High-energy accelerators | Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators | |||
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High-resolution semiconductor detectors | Photosensitive diodes | |||
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High-resolution spectrometers | Spectrometers | |||
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High-speed video cameras | Digital camcorders or video cameras | |||
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Interferometers | Interferometers | |||
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Ionization chambers | Ionization chambers | |||
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Isotope ratio mass spectrometers | Mass spectrometers | |||
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Laboratory box furnaces | Laboratory box furnaces | |||
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Laboratory centrifugal pumps | Laboratory centrifugal pumps | |||
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Laboratory electromagnets | Electromagnets | |||
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Laboratory tube furnaces | Tube furnaces | |||
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Laptop computers | Notebook computers | |||
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Laser power meters | Laser beam analyzers | |||
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Leak detection equipment | Leak testing equipment | |||
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Light scattering devices | Light scattering equipment | |||
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Linear accelerators | Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators | |||
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Liquid helium level sensors | Single gas monitors | |||
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Magnetic force microscopes | Scanning probe microscopes | |||
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Magnetic resonance imaging MRI systems | Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners | |||
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Mass spectrometers | Mass spectrometers | |||
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Measuring microscopes | Binocular light compound microscopes | |||
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Mickelson interferometers | Interferometers | |||
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Microwave interferometers | Interferometers | |||
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Monochromators | Monochromators | |||
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Multiple diode lasers | Lasers | |||
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Nanovoltmeters | Voltage or current meters | |||
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Neutron detectors | Radiation detectors | |||
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Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectroscopes | Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectrometers | |||
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Optical beamsplitting devices | Optical beamsplitters | |||
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Optical choppers | Optical choppers | |||
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Optical detectors | Signal generators | |||
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Optical tables | Optical breadboards | |||
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Optical tweezers | Tweezers | |||
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Particle counters | Electronic counters | |||
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Personal computers | Personal computers | |||
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Photodetectors | Chromatographic detectors | |||
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Photometers | Photometers | |||
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Photon counting systems | Frequency counters or timer or dividers | |||
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Pinhole filters | Visual filters | |||
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Pistonphones | Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter | |||
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Portable fast Fourier transform FFT analyzers | Frequency analyzers | |||
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Positive ion accelerators | Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators | |||
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Power amplifiers | Signal conditioners | |||
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Prism spectrometers | Spectrometers | |||
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Programmable phase modulators | Polarizers | |||
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Pulsed nitrogen lasers | Lasers | |||
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Radiation detecting film badges | Medical radiation films or badges | |||
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Radiofrequency RF generators | Signal generators | |||
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Safety goggles | Goggles | |||
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Scanning electron microscopes SEM | Scanning electron microscopes | |||
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Scanning monochromators | Monochromators | |||
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Scanning tunneling microscopes STM | Scanning probe microscopes | |||
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Scintillation probes | Radiation detectors | |||
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Semiconductor parameter analyzers | Semiconductor testers | |||
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Signal generators | Signal generators | |||
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Single frequency dye lasers | Lasers | |||
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Sound intensity probes | Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter | |||
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Spectrophotometers | Spectrophotometers | |||
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Spectrum analyzers | Frequency analyzers | |||
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Spring scales | Pull spring balances | |||
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Surface profilometers | Roughness measuring instruments | |||
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Telescopes | Telescopes | |||
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Thermoluminescent dosimeters | Radiation detectors | |||
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Transmission electron microscopes TEM | Transmission electron microscopes | |||
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Turbo-pumped vacuum systems | High vacuum equipment | |||
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Two-channel dynamic signal analyzers | Frequency calibrator or simulator | |||
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Two-channel fast Fourier transform FFT analyzers | Frequency analyzers | |||
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Two-channel network analyzers | Network analyzers | |||
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Vacuum stations | Pneumatic vacuum equipment | |||
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Vernier force sensors | Force or torque sensors | |||
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Vibrating sample magnetometers | Magnetometers | |||
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Vibration exciters | Laboratory vibrators | |||
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Visible spectrometers | Spectrometers | |||
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X ray crystallography equipment | X ray diffraction equipment | |||
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X ray photoemission spectrometers | Spectrometers | |||
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Zeeman split lasers | Lasers | |||
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Prerequisite Qualification Category | Education and Experience Level | |||
On-the-Job Training | Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months | |||
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On-Site or In-Plant Training | None | |||
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Alternate Job Title(s) | |||
Aerodynamicist | |||
Aerophysicist | |||
Astrophysicist | |||
Atmospheric Physicist | |||
Atomic Spectroscopist | |||
Biophysics Scientist | |||
Cloud Physicist | |||
Consultant Electronics | |||
Electro Optical Engineer | |||
Electro-Optical Engineer | |||
Electrodynamicist | |||
Experimental Physicist | |||
Fluid Dynamicist | |||
Health Physicist | |||
Laser Engineer | |||
Mass Spectroscopist | |||
Mathematical Physicist | |||
Medical Physicist | |||
Molecular Physicist | |||
Molecular Spectroscopist | |||
Nanotechnologist | |||
Nuclear Physicist | |||
Nuclear Scientist | |||
Nuclear Spectroscopist | |||
Optical Instrument Specialist | |||
Optical Scientist | |||
Physical Aerodynamicist | |||
Physicist | |||
Physics Professor | |||
Radiation Control Health Physicist | |||
Radiation Protection Technician | |||
Research Consultant | |||
Research Physicist | |||
Research Professor | |||
Research Scientist | |||
Rheologist | |||
Rocket Scientist | |||
Scientist | |||
Scientist Electronics | |||
Space Physicist | |||
Theoretical Physicist | |||
Thermodynamic Physicist | |||
Thermodynamicist | |||
Weapons Designer | |||
Weapons Engineer | |||
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