What does an experimental physicist do?
Experimental physicist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real experimental physicist resumes:
- Conduct simulation and modeling using ALEGRA-MHD and CTH computational codes to study non-ideal plasma and penetration.
- Produce detailed solid models of components and systems that are used for both parametric analysis (FEA).
- Hire as part of a team of physicists and engineers testing specific theories relating to IEC fusion energy.
- Specialize in performing and evaluating radiation shielding calculations for radiation oncology facilities under the guidance of a qualify health physicist.
- Service on review panels for projects at DARPA and NSF.
Experimental physicist skills and personality traits
We break down the percentage of Experimental Physicists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Image Analysis, 91%
Developed image analysis commercial software in Matlab for laser pulse analysis.
- LabVIEW, 9%
Modified LabVIEW program routines to aid in this testing and evaluation.
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling experimental physicist duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "physicists and astronomers present their research at conferences, to the public, and to others." According to an experimental physicist resume, here's how experimental physicists can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "project included oi, data collection, communication with 4 computers and a plc safety system. "
Math skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of experimental physicists is math skills. This skill is critical to many everyday experimental physicist duties, as "physicists and astronomers do calculations involving calculus, geometry, algebra, and other areas of math." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "measure and read x-ray films, and apply mathematical calculations. "
Problem-solving skills. experimental 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 experimental physicists do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "facilitate the collaboration with federal police to incorporate solutions to safeguard operations. "
The three companies that hire the most experimental physicists are:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory13 experimental physicists jobs
- Applied Materials1 experimental physicists jobs
- University of Maryland, Baltimore1 experimental physicists jobs
Compare different experimental physicists
Experimental physicist vs. Optical scientist
Physicists explain the effect of structures, phenomena, and forces on the natural world. Physicists determine and explore the primary principles governing the behavior and structure of matter. They study energy generation and transfer as well as the interaction between matter and energy. Their job involves the development of theories on the properties of matter, time, space, and energy. The position requires extensive research for technical papers and reports contributing to the industry. Physicians teach and lecture students on the laws associated with physics.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, experimental physicist responsibilities require skills like "image analysis," "labview," "spectrometers," and "rev." Meanwhile a typical optical scientist has skills in areas such as "system design," "zemax," "optical design," and "prototyping." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
On average, optical scientists reach higher levels of education than experimental physicists. Optical scientists are 13.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 10.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Experimental physicist vs. Optical instrument specialist
Each career also uses different skills, according to real experimental physicist resumes. While experimental physicist responsibilities can utilize skills like "image analysis," "labview," "spectrometers," and "rev," optical instrument specialists use skills like "fiber optic," "customer service," "schedule appointments," and "insurance benefits."
In general, optical instrument specialists achieve lower levels of education than experimental physicists. They're 16.7% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 10.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Experimental physicist vs. Nuclear scientist
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, experimental physicists are more likely to have skills like "image analysis," "labview," "spectrometers," and "rev." But a nuclear scientist is more likely to have skills like "data acquisition," "r," "nuclear power," and "emergency procedures."
When it comes to education, nuclear scientists tend to earn similar degree levels compared to experimental physicists. In fact, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 8.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Experimental physicist vs. Physicist
Even though a few skill sets overlap between experimental physicists and physicists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an experimental physicist might have more use for skills like "image analysis," "rev," "lab safety," and "phys." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of physicists require skills like "patients," "radiology," "oncology," and "radiation safety. "
Physicists reach higher levels of education compared to experimental physicists, in general. The difference is that they're 8.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of experimental physicist
Updated January 8, 2025
