• Question: how many jobs are there in the world of physics

    Asked by sawyerbean to Mark, Matthew, Mike, Paul, Sabina on 10 Mar 2014.
    • Photo: Sabina Hatch

      Sabina Hatch answered on 10 Mar 2014:

      This is difficult to quantify, there are so many different fields of physics and jobs all over the world in both industry and academia. I can’t put a number on it but I would say that if you are not restricted geographically, then it is relatively easy to get a job in science.

    • Photo: Matthew Malek

      Matthew Malek answered on 10 Mar 2014:

      It depends what you want to do, and what field you want to work in. Jobs like lectureships at universities are somewhat scarce; a lot of people consider this the ultimate job and so competition is fierce. Not everyone who wants one of these will get one.

      However, a degree in physics — especially a PhD — opens a lot of doors, and you will almost certainly be able to find a job if you pursue a physics doctorate. There are jobs in industry, jobs in academia, jobs in teaching, jobs in programming, jobs in government policy. There are even jobs you wouldn’t naturally think of, like in finance or as a patent attorney.

      Basically, having a degree in physics (esp. a doctorate) shows that you are not only intelligent, but also motivated and highly trained. Employers like that! 😀

    • Photo: Mike Lee

      Mike Lee answered on 10 Mar 2014:

      To become a full time, permanent science is quite difficult, with only a few percent of students becoming a professor or lecture. However, Most people who are good enough and want to can work in physics up to a PhD level.

    • Photo: Mark Jackson

      Mark Jackson answered on 11 Mar 2014:

      Fewer than there should be.

      If you have a medical degree and want to be a doctor, you know you will get a job somewhere. It might not be the ideal job, it might not be at the best place, but you will definitely be able to find a job using your medical knowledge somewhere.

      This is not the case in physics. There are a number of amazing students who get Ph.D.’s in physics, then struggle to find a research job. There are then a number of fantastic researchers who struggle to find permanent faculty positions. Some leave of their own decision, of course, but many wish to continue to physics but can’t. The funding for physics research has dramatically decreased over the past several years. Despite the amazing recent accomplishments – including the Higgs Boson discovery and Planck satellite results elucidating the Big Bang – such fundamental research has been increasingly marginalized. Even support that was already promised to researchers has now been indefinitely delayed under the excuse of “sequestering” or other restrictive budget constraints. While at first this funding shortfall was believed to be a temporary setback, it now appears to be a long-term disaster.

      This is why I am starting the first physics fundraising agency. My goal is that every competent physicist should be able to find a job. Modern culture is becoming increasingly physics-savvy: The Big Bang Theory sitcom is the most-watched show on television; the upcoming movie Interstellar is based on the theories of Caltech physicist Kip Thorne; and Neil deGrasse Tyson is hosting an upcoming remake of Carl Sagan’s epic series Cosmos. The names Stephen Hawking, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Brian Greene, and Brian Cox are as recognized as many movie stars. I believe that the setting is perfect for the public to begin sponsoring the physics they encounter in popular culture.

    • Photo: Paul Coxon

      Paul Coxon answered on 11 Mar 2014:

      There are many jobs in physics, and even more which make use of the skills you develop as a physicist.

      If you like doing research, there are lots of positions around the world where you can join really interesting cutting edge projects. The energy industry are always keen on people who study physics because of our superior critical thinking and problem solving abilities.

      During a physics degree you might take a course in computer programming, which can open up options in software or computer games industries which are now form an important part of the UK’s knowledge economy.

      Physics is a great degree leading to many career opportunities. Thinking back on my graduating class of physicists back in 2005 I have friends working in areas like:

      Trader in the NY Stock Exchange,

      Government research at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, working on how to safely dispose nuclear fuel,

      Nuclear power industry (he’s even called Homer – I’m not making this up),

      Government spy (seriously, he’s like James Bond),

      Teaching physics at a great school,

      One is now one of the UK’s leading radiographers,

      Another one designs satellites for the European space Agency,

      One founded a software startup and made an absolute fortune (I’m not jealous, no way)

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