Physicist with Research Analysis Skills Salary in Los Angeles, California

Job Description for Physicist

Humanity's understanding of the mechanical workings of reality is, relative to our history, in its infancy. Only in the last two centuries have scientists been able to directly observe and manipulate matter and energy at microscopic levels, and new discoveries and applications have skyrocketed in that time-frame, all while our technology continually enhances our ability to understand these things. Physicists are scientists who study the properties of matter and energy and perform experiments, often using extremely advanced equipment, to discover how these mysterious properties work and interact.

The physicist's work exists at the cutting edge of human science. Large areas of physics remain theoretical or hypothetical, so physicists must find ways to apply existing techniques and technology to solve these new and often enormous mysteries. This involves applying universal scientific principles in structured experiments, recording the data, and collating it into a report, as well as more specific tasks depending on the specialization or particular area of physics. Some focus entirely on theoretical physics, while others remain experimental physicists and still others become teachers.

Aspiring physicists should have must have very strong aptitude for mathematics, trigonometry, and calculus, and a master's degree in physics may be a minimum requirement. Educational credits in areas such as mathematics and engineering are also helpful, and required in some cases, by employers. (Copyright 2019 PayScale.com)

• Design, conduct and evaluate the results of experiments, methodologies, and quality control tests.
• Provide technical support and calculations to non-scientists, students, and other groups.
• Maintain and use equipment and lab space.
• Communicate results in writing and in presentations to researchers, students, funders, the public, and other audiences.

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