---
name: physicist
description: "Occupational skill for the role 'physicist' (also: physics scholar, forensic physicist, neurologist, physics analyst, physics scientist, physics researcher). Use when the user asks for typical physicist work such as: Maintain and repair laboratory equipment.; Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.; Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as quantum mechanics, particle physics, and optics."
---

# Physicist

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.

## Core workflow

1. Maintain and repair laboratory equipment.
2. Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
3. Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as quantum mechanics, particle physics, and optics.
4. Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
5. Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
6. Supervise students' laboratory work.
7. Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
8. Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.

## How to use this skill

- Read [references/profile.md](references/profile.md) for the occupation profile and scope.
- Consult [references/tasks.md](references/tasks.md) for the full task and activity inventory.
- Check [references/skills.md](references/skills.md) for essential vs. optional competences.
- Check [references/tools.md](references/tools.md) for the software commonly used in this role.
- See [references/ai-skills.md](references/ai-skills.md) — matched external AI agent skills (per-source attribution).

## Key competences (essential)

- analyse experimental laboratory data
- apply for research funding
- apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
- apply scientific methods
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- communicate mathematical information
- communicate with a non-scientific audience
- computational physics
- conduct research across disciplines
- demonstrate disciplinary expertise
- develop professional network with researchers and scientists
- disseminate results to the scientific community
- draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
- evaluate research activities
- execute analytical mathematical calculations

## Hot technologies

- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C
- Microsoft Outlook
- C++
- Perl
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel

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*Sources: ESCO v1.2.1 (http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/7f2761eb-4edc-48ad-9fbf-eed0a0db9a21), O*NET 30.3 (25-1054.00). See manifest.json for licensing/attribution.*