What does a computational physicist do?
Computational physicists are professionals who implement numerical analysis and physics functionals in solving problems. The physicists apply knowledge from different disciplines like mathematics, computer science, and statistics for a theory test. They prepare and issue management, technical, and administrative policies for the safety program of directorate radiation. Their job includes the scientific validation of atmospheric dispersion equations. Also, they conduct collection site simulations such as thermal transfer, effluent release, and radiometry.
Computational physicist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computational physicist resumes:
- Develop training PowerPoint materials to teach core elements to soldiers using web-base and SharePoint applications.perform site assistance visits to subordinates.
- Service on review panels for projects at DARPA and NSF.
Computational physicist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 37% of Computational Physicists are proficient in C++, Technical Support, and DOE. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Computational Physicists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- C++, 37%
Write C++ and Root code to extract and analyze particle physics data Present weekly PowerPoint updates on research progress
- Technical Support, 19%
Performed safety screenings/micro shield calculations and provided technical support for the Radiation Protection Unit specializing in training and procedure development.
- DOE, 18%
Served as member of DOE NV Environment, Safety, and Health Standards Identification Team for the Necessary and Sufficient Group.
- MATLAB, 14%
Developed algorithms for analyzing data from existing nuclear well logging tools in MATLAB.
- RF, 5%
Monitored RF depositions of TCO layers finding that controlled target power offered better optical transmission stability compared to controlled deposition rate.
- Model Validation, 2%
Designed and conducted the experiments for product performance evaluation, materials characterization and model validation.
"c++," "technical support," and "doe" are among the most common skills that computational physicists use at work. You can find even more computational physicist responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform computational physicist duties is communication skills. Computational physicists responsibilities require that "physicists and astronomers present their research at conferences, to the public, and to others." Computational physicists also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "project included oi, data collection, communication with 4 computers and a plc safety system. "
Math skills. This is an important skill for computational physicists to perform their duties. For an example of how computational physicist responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "physicists and astronomers do calculations involving calculus, geometry, algebra, and other areas of math." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a computational physicist: "measure and read x-ray films, and apply mathematical calculations. ".
Problem-solving skills. computational physicist responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "physicists and astronomers use scientific observation and analysis, as well as creative thinking, to solve problems." This resume example shows what computational physicists do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "assessed criticality safety issues for dimethyl sulfoxide dissolution & high explosive removal process and pantex zone & safety analysis report. "
The three companies that hire the most computational physicists are:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory4 computational physicists jobs
- Booz Allen Hamilton3 computational physicists jobs
- System One2 computational physicists jobs
Compare different computational physicists
Computational physicist vs. Nuclear scientist
A research physicist's job is to conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories based on observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories. Their duties and responsibilities include describing observations, developing simulations, and advising authorities on procedures to be followed.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, computational physicist responsibilities require skills like "c++," "technical support," "doe," and "numerical simulations." Meanwhile a typical nuclear scientist has skills in areas such as "data acquisition," "r," "nuclear power," and "emergency procedures." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Nuclear scientists tend to reach higher levels of education than computational physicists. In fact, nuclear scientists are 8.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 16.7% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Computational physicist vs. Optical instrument specialist
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, computational physicist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "c++," "technical support," "doe," and "numerical simulations." Meanwhile, an optical instrument specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "fiber optic," "customer service," "schedule appointments," and "insurance benefits." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Optical instrument specialists tend to reach lower levels of education than computational physicists. In fact, they're 8.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 16.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computational physicist vs. Optical scientist
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a computational physicist is likely to be skilled in "technical support," "doe," "numerical simulations," and "matlab," while a typical optical scientist is skilled in "system design," "zemax," "optical design," and "prototyping."
Optical scientists typically earn higher educational levels compared to computational physicists. Specifically, they're 22.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computational physicist vs. Research physicist
Even though a few skill sets overlap between computational physicists and research physicists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a computational physicist might have more use for skills like "technical support," "doe," "numerical simulations," and "matlab." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of research physicists require skills like "data analysis," "laser," "python," and "data collection. "
The average resume of research physicists showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to computational physicists. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 8.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 5.5%.Types of computational physicist
Updated January 8, 2025
