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- NOC 2016 Version 1.3
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2111 – Physicists and astronomers
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.
Profile
Example titles
- 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
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
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.
Physicists may specialize in fields such as aeronomy and space, acoustics, atomic and molecular physics, biophysics, condensed matter or solid state physics, electromagnetics, fluids and aerodynamics, health physics, medical physics, metrology, particle physics, optics and laser physics, nuclear physics and plasma physics.
Astronomers may specialize in fields such as astrophysics, observational or optical astronomy and radio astronomy.
Employment requirements
- Physicists usually require a master's or doctoral degree in a field of physics, engineering physics, or in a related discipline.
- Astronomers usually require a master's or doctoral degree in astronomy or in a related discipline.
Additional information
- Mobility between specializations within physics and within astronomy is possible with experience.
- Mobility is possible to the fields of meteorology, geophysics and other fields of science.
- Physicists may work closely with and perform some of the duties of engineers.
- Progression to management positions is possible with experience.
Exclusions
- Architecture and science managers (0212)
- Atmospheric physicists (in 2114 Meteorologists and climatologists)
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (2147)
- Geophysicists and physical oceanographers (in 2113 Geoscientists and oceanographers)
Breakdown summary
- Broad occupational category
- 2 – Natural and applied sciences and related occupations
- Skill level
- A – Occupations usually require university education.
- Major group
- 21 – Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences
- Minor group
- 211 – Physical science professionals
- Associated Career Handbook profiles
- 2111.1 – Physicists 2111.2 – Astronomers
- Version
- NOC 2016 Version 1.3