Job description Physicist in the Thompson–Okanagan Region

Find out what work is like for a physicist in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Physicists and astronomers (NOC 21100).

Physicists and astronomers

Description

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.

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Physicists and astronomers have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • 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.
  • 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.

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 21100), and a list of similar occupations:

  • acoustics physicist
  • aerodynamicist
  • aerospace research scientist
  • astronomer
  • astrophysicist
  • atmospheric physicist
  • biophysicist
  • cosmologist
  • electronics research scientist
  • experimental physicist
  • health physicist
  • medical physicist
  • metrologist
  • nuclear physicist
  • optics physicist
  • physics research scientist
  • plasma physicist
  • radio astronomer
  • remote sensing research scientist
  • solid-state physicist

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Physicists and astronomers in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
Date modified: