Occupation information for

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

Currently Employed: 661

Yearly Projected Openings: 30

Typical Hourly Wage: $50.35 - $74.75

Typical Annual Salary: $104,700 - $155,500

• Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
• Direct testing and monitoring of contamination of radioactive equipment, and recording of personnel and plant area radiation exposure data.
• Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
• Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
• 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.
• 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.
• Teach physics to students.
• Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
• Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
• Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.

• Lasers
• Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators
• Scanning probe microscopes
• Signal generators
• Spectrometers

• Analytical or scientific software
• Computer aided design CAD software
• Development environment software
• Graphics or photo imaging software
• Object or component oriented development software