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ESCO occupation

physicist

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Physicists are scientists who study physical phenomena. They focus their research depending on their specialisation, which can range from atomic particle physics to the study of phenomena in the universe. They apply their findings for the improvement of society by contributing to the development of energy supplies, treatment of illness, game development, cutting-edge equipment, and daily use objects.

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Competences
94
Groups
4
Essential
50
Optional
44

Competences and skills

94 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 12 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

5 competences
computational physics

The interdisciplinary field between physics, applied mathematics and computer science. It refers to the use of physics formulas and numerical algorithms to make computations at a large scale.

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quantum computing

The branch of computer science that follows the principles of quantum theory. It uses subatomic particles which are allowed to exist under more than one state thanks to quantum bits, or qubits.

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quantum technology

The technology that works through principles of quantum mechanics such as quantum entanglement and quantum superposition.

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spectroscopy

The scientific field that focuses on investigating and measuring spectra that are produced through electromagnetic radiation either in the form of materials interaction with radiations or their emission.

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supercomputing

The process of dealing with complex data-related problems through multiple computers working in parallel (i.e., a supercomputer). It is used in several fields such as quantum mechanics, molecular modeling, aerodynamics and nuclear fusion research.

digital
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Cross-sector

7 competences
laboratory techniques

Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

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mathematical modelling

The process of establishing a mathematical representation problem, such as equations, of a real-word to provide insights, discover new features about the problematic scenario, better understand the original problem or to make predictions about it.

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mathematics

Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

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physics

The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.

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scientific literature

The medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of scientific research in various fields and at any point in time.

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scientific research methodology

The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

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statistics

The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.

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Essential skills and competences 38 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
analyse experimental laboratory data

Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings

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manage intellectual property rights

Deal with the private legal rights that protect the products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.

research
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operate open source software

Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.

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Cross-sector

35 competences
apply for research funding

Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.

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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities

Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

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apply scientific methods

Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

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apply statistical analysis techniques

Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.

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communicate mathematical information

Use mathematical symbols, language and tools to present information, ideas and processes.

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communicate with a non-scientific audience

Communicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of methods for different target groups, including visual presentations.

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conduct research across disciplines

Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.

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demonstrate disciplinary expertise

Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research activities within a specific discipline.

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develop professional network with researchers and scientists

Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovations. Develop your personal profile or brand and make yourself visible and available in face-to-face and online networking environments.

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disseminate results to the scientific community

Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.

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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation

Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.

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evaluate research activities

Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.

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execute analytical mathematical calculations

Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.

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gather experimental data

Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

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increase the impact of science on policy and society

Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.

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integrate gender dimension in research

Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).

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interact professionally in research and professional environments

Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.

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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data

Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.

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manage open publications

Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional repositories. Provide licensing and copyright advice, use bibliometric indicators, and measure and report research impact.

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manage personal professional development

Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.

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manage research data

Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.

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mentor individuals

Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the individual and heeding their requests and expectations.

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operate scientific measuring equipment

Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.

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perform laboratory tests

Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

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perform project management

Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.

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perform scientific research

Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

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promote open innovation in research

Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.

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promote the participation of citizens in scientific and research activities

Engage citizens in scientific and research activities and promote their contribution in terms of knowledge, time or resources invested.

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promote the transfer of knowledge

Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector.

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publish academic research

Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.

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speak different languages

Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.

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synthesise information

Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.

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think abstractly

Demonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.

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use measurement instruments

Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.

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write scientific publications

Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.

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Optional knowledge 26 competences

Occupation specific

2 competences
densiometry

Diagnosis procedure that measures the degree of mineralisation and calcium in a bone by passing x-rays, to determine its thickness or strength. Densiometry is used to diagnose osteoporosis and monitor its evolution, predicting whether there is a risk of certain bones breaking

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forensic physics

The physics involved in crime solving and testing such as ballistics, vehicle collisions, and fluid testing.

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Sector-specific

7 competences
computational mechanics

The use of modelling and simulation to predict complex physical behaviours in science and engineering. It interacts with other areas in mechanics including solid mechanics and fluid mechanics, but also material science, mathematics and numerical methods.

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continuum mechanics

The study of the behaviour of materials disregarding their specific nature. It aims to create mathematical models to predict this behaviour particularly in relation to material deformation and motion.

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mathematical physics

The interdisciplinary field between mathematics and physics that deals with the mathematical foundations of theoretical physics. It addresses issues in quantum mechanics and atomic and molecular physics.

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nuclear physics

Field of physics in which protons and neutrons and their interactions inside atoms are analysed.

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petroleum

The various facets of oil: its extraction, processing, constituents, uses, environmental issues, etc.

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quantum mechanics

The field of research concerning the study of atoms and photons in order to quantize these particles.

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solid mechanics

The subfield in physical science that is interdisciplinary between physics, chemistry, materials science, computational science, and engineering. It studies the motion of solid materials and their deformation under action of forces such as external load.

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Cross-sector

17 competences
acoustics

The study of sound, its reflection, amplification and absorption in a space.

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aerodynamics

The scientific field that deals with the way gases interact with moving bodies. As we usually deal with atmospheric air, aerodynamics is primarily concerned with the forces of drag and lift, which are caused by air passing over and around solid bodies.

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astronomy

The field of science that studies the physics, chemistry, and evolution of celestial objects such as stars, comets, and moons. It also examines phenomena that happen outside Earth's atmosphere such as solar storms, cosmic microwave background radiation, and gamma ray bursts.

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biology

Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

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computer simulation

A programme run on a computer that represents dynamic responses of a system to explore a mathematical model behaviour, using a model of a real system, composed of mathematical equations.

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economics

Economic principles and practices, financial and commodity markets, banking and the analysis of financial data.

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general medicine

General medicine is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

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geology

Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.

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geophysics

The scientific field that deals with the physical processes and properties of, and spatial environment surrounding Earth. Geophysics also deals with the quantitative analysis of phenomena such as magnetic fields, the internal structure of Earth, and its hydrological cycle.

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intellectual property law

The regulations that govern the set of rights protecting products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.

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materials engineering

The study of existing materials and substances properties to produce new materials or enhance several existing properties such as chemical or physical ones. It involves knowledge on the structure, on the performance of diverse materials and on the transferability of the new or improved materials to different industries.

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medical laboratory technology

The various types and uses of technology and equipment employed in medical laboratories to perform tests on samples in order to identify possible disease-related substances.

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Monte Carlo simulation

A mathematical technique used to predict, estimate, and analyse a range of future possible outcomes for an uncertain event. The process is performed through a simulation to estimate a range of values.

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multidisciplinary research

The research technique where a common issue is investigated using approaches from different disciplines with the aim of finding a comprehensive solution to it.

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pharmaceutical technology

Pharmaceutical technology is the branch of pharmaceutics which deals with the technological design, development, manufacture, and evaluation of drugs and medicinal products.

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remote sensing techniques

The different techniques to obtain information on objects and phenomena on Earth's surface without having physical contact with them, such as electromagnetic radiation, radar imaging, and sonar imaging.

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thermodynamics

The branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy.

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Optional skills and competences 18 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

5 competences
assist with geophysical surveys

Assist with a range of specific, geophysical surveys, using diverse methods such as seismic, magnetic and electromagnetic methods.

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develop scientific theories

Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.

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interpret geophysical data

Interpret data of a geophysical nature: Earth's shape, its gravitational and magnetic fields, its structure and composition, and geophysical dynamics and their surface expression in plate tectonics.

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perform lectures

Present lectures to various groups.

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provide information on geological characteristics

Provide information on geological structures, host rock quality, groundwater implications and details on the mineralogical and textural composition of ores to enable mining and processing to be planned efficiently. The geological model is used to design the mine workings for minimum dilution and maximum ore extraction.

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Cross-sector

13 competences
analyse telescope images

Examine images taken by telescopes in order to study phenomena and objects outside Earth's atmosphere.

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apply blended learning

Be familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.

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apply teaching strategies

Employ various approaches, learning styles, and channels to instruct students, such as communicating content in terms they can understand, organising talking points for clarity, and repeating arguments when necessary. Use a wide range of teaching devices and methodologies appropriate to the class content, the learners' level, goals, and priorities.

Scope note
This includes the use of teaching devices such as diagrams and other visual aids.
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calibrate laboratory equipment

Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.

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collect samples for analysis

Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.

Scope note
Follow the procedures required for the collection of materials and products for laboratory analysis.
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communicate with external laboratories

Communicate with the external analytical laboratories in order to manage the required external testing process.

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design scientific equipment

Design new equipment or adapt existing equipment to aid scientists in gathering and analysing data and samples.

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observe matter

Study the structure and characteristics of matter in order to identify the basic principles ruling these phenomena.

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operate remote sensing equipment

Set up and operate remote sensing equipment such as radars, telescopes, and aerial cameras in order to obtain information about Earth's surface and atmosphere.

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operate telescopes

Set up and adjust telescopes in order to look at phenomena and objects outside Earth's atmosphere.

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teach in academic or vocational contexts

Instruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.

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teach physics

Instruct students in the theory and practice of physics, and more specifically in topics such as the characteristics of matter, creating energy, and aerodynamics.

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write research proposals

Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.

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