Apprenticeship Physicist Jobs

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Helping you find a career in the physicist industry

Jobs in physics require you to have a burning desire to keep learning, or teaching, science. Could you see yourself thinking logically to solve problems and advance scientific thinking? Or maybe becoming an educator and enthusing the next generation with a passion for Physics?

There is a range of roles in physics but you will need an enquiring mind and the ability to solve the problem logically and efficiently. You are also likely to need a degree, in most cases.

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FAQs

FAQs

What does a Physicist do?

There are many roles for physicists and depending on your role you will have different tasks, here are some examples:

Developing and testing new theories
Using computer simulation and mathematical modelling to practically test theories
Teaching or carrying out academic research
Conducting laboratory experiments
Writing reports and articulating findings
Investigating artificial intelligence and its potential uses
Investigating new ways to generate power
Using your knowledge as a science communicator to enthuse others

Skills & interests required for a Physicist

It goes without saying that aspiring physicists need to be passionate about physics (and science in general). Technical skills and experience of working in a laboratory setting will also be key. Some experience teaching may also be beneficial, depending on your exact role.

What hours does a Physicist typically do?

Typically a physicist could work 37-40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. There are needs for physicists in a range of environments and industries though, and various things may affect the length of your working week, including your employer and the specifics of your role.

What environment is a Physicist based in?

Between laboratories, the field, educational institutions, businesses, workshops and offices, a physicist can work in many environments.

How much does a Physicist travel?

The amount of travel involved in a role in physics is very much dependent on your employer and the nature of your role. A secondary school physics teacher may have very little travel (except class trips), while an academic or professional researcher may be required to travel extensively and internationally to attend conferences, seminars or to meet with colleagues in other offices.

How much does a Physicist get paid?

A wide range of roles means a wide range of salaries, but depending on role and experience a physicist can expect to earn anything from £14,000 to £70,000 and above. Physicists involved in academic research will likely be dependent on research grant funding, too.

Perks & benefits

Field work can be an exciting bonus in some roles and in others there can be engaging opportunities to be at the forefront of scientific advancement - you may even be nominated for a Nobel prize!

What qualifications does a Physicist need?

Employers will, by and large, expect a degree in physics and some will expect a postgraduate degree.

Some employers offer degree apprenticeships which allow you to achieve a degree-level qualification in physics or a related subject while working in a paid position.

Working in an academic setting, at a university, could require years of field experience or a PhD.