Work Environment
Particle Physicists typically work in the following Career Sectors:
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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.
The Work
Particle physicists study the elementary constituents of matter and radiation. This work is heavily involved in ascertaining what exactly lies beyond the ‘Standard Model’ which is the fundamental structure used by physicists which describes only 4% of the universe.
Particle physicists tend to choose one of two main career paths: experimental particle physics, and theoretical particle physics.
The work involves striving to discover things such as higher energies, extra dimensions, reasons for the levels of matter in space and the answer as to why is gravity so weak?
As a particle physicist, you will work with pioneering technologies such as high-energy colliders to investigate the inner workings of quantum mechanics and more high-energy physics. Also, you may incorporate other fields such as astronomy into your research, working with cosmic rays from outer space and solar radiation.
Research in this field can lay down the foundations for many other disciplines of science, including chemistry, quantum mechanics, and general relativity.
Particle physicists who have drawn the interest of other scientists and the media may be invited to give presentations or proposals at annual conferences and seminars around the globe in order to communicate their research.
Career opportunities for Particle Physicists are generally in academia and research. Employment can also be found in laboratories with facilities for creating high energy collisions.
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.
Qualities - Particle Physicist
To become a particle physicist it is necessary to be strong willed, inquisitive and determined in your work into developing and broadening the current research in this area.
Excellence in critical thinking and experimental methods along with dedication are vital.
Excellent communication skills both written and oral are essential in order to convey your findings to team members or possibly in a lecturing capacity.
An aptitude for maths and specifically statistics is required for this area of work.
Particle physicists must possess the ability to work within a team environment but also work independently on research projects.
Interests - Particle Physicist
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.
Entry - Particle Physicist
A background in physics is necessary for a career in particle physics. A minimum of a masters degree is required in order to enter the workforce as a particle physicist.
Training & Development
FET PLC Courses: Applied Laboratory Science, Applied Science, Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques, at NFQ Levels 5 Search FET PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO Entry: Physics (Applied), Physics & Instrumentation, Industrial and Environmental Physics, Physics (General Entry) Physics Technology, Physics with Data Analytics, Physics with Medical Physics and Bioengineering NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses
Professional Development
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.
Postgraduate Study Options Physics, Physics - Applied Physics, Experimental Physics - Research, Medical Physics, Physiscs-Computational Physics NFQ level 9-10.
Irish Association of Physicists in Medicine
In order to progress and become a particle physicist, you need extensive knowledge of the quantum field theory, gauge theory, and the Higgs mechanism.
A Ph.D. is required in order to reach a high level position in this field such as lecturing. UCD School of Physics provides supervised doctoral studies in particle physics.
Last Updated: April, 2023
Pay & Salary - Particle Physicist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €44k - €130k
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.com
Last Updated: August, 2024
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available
Labour Market Updates - Particle Physicist
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.
Useful Contacts - Particle Physicist
-
Institute of Physics in Ireland
- Department of Physics, University of Limerick, Limerick
- +44 (0) 20 7470 4845
- [email protected]
- Click Here
