As a physical scientist, your research would include conducting experiments, along with designing. You would have to gather physical evidences of natural phenomenon. This information would then be used for creating practical applications, which are subsequently used for making devices and gadgets.
Some of the basic skills that you require here is to excel in mathematics, and have a good hand at designing. Both of these are mandatory to select a career in physical sciences, along with organizational skills. Having a good memory is also required because this science involves a lot of studying, application procedures and graphics.
Career Options Available In Physical Sciences
Some of the career options that you can seek as a physical scientist include:
Technology related work: In this field, you can make the next smart phone, or even devise a security system. Technology related jobs are preferred by a lot of physical science students. Some of the career options here include studying engineering, photonics, nanotechnology, and other related options. Engineering job options range from civil engineering to aerospace engineering.
Applied Physics: Physics career options include applied physics, which is a sub field of careers that are related to scientific discoveries. These are focused on current requirements and problems pertaining to elaborate researches and laboratory studies. Physical scientist jobs for this field include weapon designing and architecture.
Meteorology: This branch of physical science deals with the weather, including an elaborate study of the atmosphere, land and ocean. Observing, understanding and predicting the weather are the three main aspects of this science. Unlike geology, physical science dealing with weather focuses on instruments like thermometers to record temperature. Creating satellites and monitoring weather at a global level are some of the major requirements in this field.
Astronomers: The physical scientists studying astronomy or celestial objects are called astronomers. This field includes elaborate study of the galaxies, stars, planets, comets, etc. Hence, all phenomena originating outside the atmosphere, including the development of the universe, are a part of this field of study.
Environmental scientist: Their responsibility is to prevent land, water, or air pollution, or look into our environmental threats. Also known as environmental ecologists, they design monitoring systems for analyzing the relationship between organisms and their environment.
Responsibilities
Being involved in laboratory and field work includes extensive planning to conducting experiments and analyzing other scientific phenomena. However, responsibilities might vary depending on the field of study. Here are a few broadly classed responsibilities:
- You have to operate various complex instruments and extrapolate data to explain their related reactions. Physical scientists have to test products and materials for writing reports and scientific papers.
- If you are involved in industrial physical science, you need to ensure that large scale manufacturing is implemented without problems.
- Those who are interested in research related tasks also have to manage the research team, including technicians and other support staff.
- Collaborating with scientists of other disciplines is also a responsibility of physical scientists for developing their subject specific skills.
- The physical scientist should also be informed about the developments made by researchers on a global scale. This includes collecting data through the internet, scientific papers, seminars, discussions, etc.
To commence any of the above careers you should have an undergraduate degree in physics, which is usually about 4 years. Higher studies and PhD degrees of 8 or more years are required for extensive work in these areas. A doctoral degree can also be pursued with experience. However, the choice of subjects selected during the course would determine your choice of physical science career.
A technology scientist needs to be qualified in the earth sciences, computers, chemistry and biology. If you are looking for a career in applied physics, go for a doctorate in the subject, or in material sciences, math or engineering. Meteorology aspirants require being qualified in the subject, their focus being on forecast and weather analysis. Astronomers must know astrophysics and astronomy well. An environmental scientist should be educated in biology, geology and chemistry.
Salary
The pay packages in the diverse fields of physical sciences also vary due to an array of career opportunities that are available. Pay packages range from $50,000 to $110,000 for beginners and crosses millions of dollars depending on the career path chosen and field of expertise.
- Technology related work: $80,000
- Applied Physics: $50,000
- Meteorology: $70,000
- Astronomers: $97,000
- Environmental scientist: $70,000
