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

Physicists study the Earth and the universe, in terms of matter, force and energy. They explain the world around us, for example, by finding out more about the particles we are made of. Physicists also develop the use of science and technology in everyday life.  
 
Research into energy is increasingly important to the environment. Physicists may study and develop alternative ways to produce energy, for example, from solar, tidal or wind power. Some physicists make sure nuclear energy is produced safely. Research into energy sources involves fieldwork, for example, to measure wave energy. They work in medicine and engineering.  
 
Most opportunities for physicists are in manufacturing, technology and engineering. For example, in the transport industry, some physicists develop cars that make better use of fuel, or are safer and quieter. In the aerospace industry, physicists research and develop lighter, stronger and safer aircraft, spacecraft and satellites. They may work on commercial or military equipment.  
 
Physicists play an important role in health services. Medical physicists prevent, diagnose and treat disease. They use calculated and measured doses of radiation to treat cancer, avoiding damage to healthy tissue. They may work with lasers to treat blindness, cancer, or to support surgery.  
 
Some physicists work with universities to develop computer models of parts of our bodies, for example, the heart, using their knowledge of biophysics to design new materials to be used in 'spare part' surgery.

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.

Further Information

• Physicist - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Physicist - from: GradIreland

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.

Most careers in physics require graduate-level education, especially in theoretical physics. Degrees in relevant disciplines such as astronomy, astrophysics, medical physics or geophysics may also be acceptable.

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

Inst Of Physics

Irish Association of Physicists in Medicine

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €43k - €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 & TUI Scales/ Payscale/ Indeed/ EPSO

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

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.

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here

• Institute of Physics in Ireland

  • Department of Physics, University of Limerick, Limerick
  • +44 (0) 20 7470 4845
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Research Council

  • Brooklawn House, Crampton Avenue, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
  • (01) 231 5000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here

• Tyndall National Institute

  • Lee Maltings Complex, Dyke Parade, Cork City, Ireland
  • 021 2346177
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Association of Physicists in Medicine

  • 4 WATERLOO ROAD, DUBLIN, IRELAND
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here