Physicist studies matter, space, time, energy, forces and fields and the interrelationship between these physical phenomena to further understanding of the laws governing the behaviour of the universe, and seeks to apply these laws to solve practical problems and discover new information about the earth and the universe.
Job Duties:
In Australia, the job duties of Physicist include:
Observesand measures phenomena in the physical world, from the smallest subatomic particle through to the universe as a whole
Proposes theories and models to explain phenomena
Develops analytical methodologies and techniques to investigate the structure and properties of matter, the relationships between matter and energy, and other physical phenomena.
Tests the reliability of these methodologies and techniques by performing tests and experiments under various conditions.
Prepares scientific papers and reports, or supervises their preparation.
Supervises and co-ordinates the work of technicians and technologists.
May specialise in one or more branches of physics such as electrical, luminescent, mechanical, magnetic, radioactive, molecular, nuclear, ionospheric, atmospheric physics and signal analysis.
Develops new materials, products and processes for use in industry, medicine, defence and other areas of research and development.
Employment Prospects
Physicists are employed in universities, laboratories and government organisations such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Australian Antarctic Division and Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
Physicists also work in private industry, hospitals, schools and small high-tech companies.They may work as research scientists, medical and health physicists, meteorologists, technologists, scientific programmers, technical salespeople, geophysicists, technical managers, health scientists and teachers.
They may also be employed in areas where they are responsible for sophisticated equipment, such as bioscience and space science, or in areas such as paper manufacturing or minerals exploration, or high-tech equipment sales.
The Employment Facts of Physicists in Australia:
FutureGrowth: Very strong
Full Time Share:88%
Average Full-Time: 43hours
Weekly Pay: AUD $2,094
Employment By State:
ACT: 14%
NSW: 27.9%
NT: 1.4%
QLD: 10.2%
SA: 12.9%
TAS: 1.3%
VIC: 24.3%
WA: 8.1%
EducationRequirement
Many physicists hold an honours or higher research degree, such as a PhD, astheir employment and promotional opportunities often depend on the highest qualification gained. Research positions are highly sought after and a PhD obtained by research in a branch of physics is usually required for these jobs. Much of physicists' training is concerned with the development of advanced skills in analytical and problem-solving techniques, which are valuable in many other fields of employment, including management and administration, financial modelling, instrumentation, industrial research and development, and modelling in other scientific fields.
Education Level
Postgraduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate:74.5%
Bachelor:19.8%
Advanced Diploma/Diploma:1.9%
Certificate III/IV: 1.1%
Year 12 and below:2.7%
Related Courses: A doctoral degree in science majoring in physics
https://joboutlook.gov.au/occupations/other-natural-and-physical-science-professionals?occupationCode=2349
