Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Working Life

Computational physicists focus a large portion of their time doing research in fundamental mathematics, and developing computer models of physical processes or phenomena in order to find scientific solutions to incredibly complex problems.

As a Computational Physicist, your work revolves around physics, computer science, mathematics and theories about how systems in each of those areas might behave. The work of a computational physicist directly contributes to real-life, relevant applications such as environmental modeling, groundwater transport, medical imaging, and energy management.

This occupation requires you to be an expert not only on computers and science, but also on how computer algorithms and the simulations that connect the two fields.

A computational physicist’s work involves developing and implementing algorithms for massively-parallel computer architectures.

Generally employment in this field can be found within the energy and aerospace sectors, chemical and pharmaceutical companies, and the field of environmental management.

Tasks and Activities

• Develop algorithms and physics models to advance the state of the art in multi-physics simulation for a variety of physics process in 2D and 3D.

• Develop, release, and maintain models and algorithms using advanced physics simulation tools to support the physics capabilities based on requirements from a diverse user community.

• Developing and supporting multi-dimensional numerical simulation.

• Converting theory into models or algorithms appropriate for numerical simulation.

• Provide technical support, informal training, and guidance to code users in the application of simulation tools developed.

• Conduct research for the development of simulation tools as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

• Present and disseminate research results at to colleagues and possibly in a lecturing capacity.

Work Activities

Analysing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events —

Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
• Analyse data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
• Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
• Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
• Write research proposals to receive funding.
• Teach physics to students.
• Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
• Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications.
• Observe the structure and properties of matter, and the transformation and propagation of energy, using equipment such as masers, lasers, and telescopes, to explore and identify the basic principles governing these phenomena.
• Develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

A background in the STEM subjects are essential to pursuing a career as a computational physicist.

Predominant disciplines include computer science, physics, maths and engineering. Relevant degrees degree programmes are available from a range of universities and Colleges.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: applied laboratory science, applied science, laboratory techniques.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: applied laboratory science, applied science, laboratory techniques.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: physics, computational thinking, physics technology, physics with data analytics, arts, mathematical physics, physics with data science.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: physics, applied physics, experimental physics, research, computational physics, complex systems, computational social science, data, computational science, theoretical physics, mathematics.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Employers may expect candidates to have a postgraduate qualification. Within the field of Physics there are various specialism you may look to pursue after graduating. Continuing professional development (CPD) is expected throughout your career.

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €36k - €130k

Computational physicists possess highly transferable skills and work in a wide range of areas, including academia, research and development and finance, as such no single salary band could be accurate but generally salary prospects are very good.

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Salary expert/ IUA Scales/ Payscale/ Salary Explorer

Last Updated: August, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists; Biological scientists; Biochemists; Physical scientists; Social and humanities scientists; Natural and social science professionals n.e.c.; Conservation professionals; Environment professionals; Research and development managers.  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.

In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.

This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.

• Institute of Physics in Ireland

  • Department of Physics, University of Limerick, Limerick
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