Unit Group
2111 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.
Example Titles
acoustics physicist
aerodynamicist
astronomer
astrophysicist
atmospheric physicist
biophysicist
cosmologist
experimental physicist
health physicist
medical physicist
metrologist
nuclear physicist
optics physicist
plasma physicist
radio astronomer
research scientist, aerospace
research scientist, electronics
research scientist, physics
research scientist, remote sensing
solid-state physicist
View all titles
Main duties
Physicists perform some or all of the following duties:
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 perform some or all of the following duties:
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.
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.Astronomers may specialize in fields such as astrophysics, observational or optical astronomy and radio astronomy.
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
Mobility between specializations within physics and within astronomy is possible with experience.
Physicists may work closely with and perform some of the duties of engineers.
Mobility is possible to the fields of meteorology, geophysics and other fields of science.
Progression to management positions is possible with experience.
Classified elsewhere
Architecture and science managers (0212)
Atmospheric physicists (in 2114 Meteorologists and climatologists )
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (2147)
Geophysicists and physical oceanographers (in 2113 Geoscientists and oceanographers )
Classification Structure – 2
