Physicists

Overview

Physicists

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Physicists

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Astronomers may specialize in fields such as astrophysics, observational or optical astronomy and radio astronomy.

Job titles

  • acoustics physicist
  • aerodynamicist
  • aerophysicist
  • aerospace research scientist
  • astronomer
  • astrophysicist

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2023 edition
The labour market information for this career is aggregate data for Physicists and astronomers

Annual salary

Low

$61,546

Median

$104,906

High

$183,825

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

87

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

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.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

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