Physicist - Career Advice - Research and Development

Skill Level 5

Physicists study the nature of all matter and energy, including structures, behaviour, formation/generation and the interactions between the two. Physics can broadly be divided into theoretical physics and experimental physics. Theoretical physics involves developing models, or Future Growth Very Strong theories, which attempt to explain and predict how and why certain aspects of the world work and behave. Experimental physics involves testing these theories, determining their limits and using the results to amend or strengthen the theory as appropriate. All physicists will generally work in both of these areas to some degree. Physicists working at universities will also be required to spend time teaching students.

ANZSCO ID & Description: 234914: Studies matter, space, time, energy, forces and fields and the interrelationship between these physical phenomena to further understanding of the laws governing the behaviour of the universe, and seeks to apply these laws to solve practical problems and discover new information about the earth and the universe.

Alternative names: Physical Scientist

Specialisations: Astronomer, Astrophysicist, Biophysicist, Condensed Matter Physicist, Health Physicist, Medical Physicist, Nanotechnologist, Nuclear Physicist, Optical Physicist, Petrophysicist, Quantum Physicist (Michelle Simmons)

(Source: Curiosity)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A physicist needs:

the ability to make accurate and detailed observations
a methodical and analytical approach to work
strong communication skills
the ability to think clearly and logically
good problem solving skills
patience

Working Conditions

Physicists usually work in laboratories, offices or workshops, though some may also carry out fieldwork in various environments, depending on the nature of their research. Many physicists work in universities, where they split their time between teaching and research work, however there are also opportunities to work in government organisations or private industry. They may work with radioactive substances and other restricted and/or potentially harmful materials, which require strict safety and control procedures to be followed to minimise danger. Physicists usually work standard business hours, however overtime or weekend work may be required when setting up and carrying out experiments or when conducting fieldwork.

Tools and technologies

Physicists use a variety of highly specialised instruments and laboratory equipment to conduct, record and analyse experiments. Depending on the nature of the experiment, this equipment may be used to heat or cool materials to extreme temperatures, generate and measure electrical currents, examine the atomic structure of matter, and carry out many other highly technical and specialised tasks. They must also be familiar with computers to control equipment, run simulations and to write reports based on their findings.

Educational Requirements
To become a physicist you usually need to study a degree in science with major in physics or nanotechnology. To improve your employment prospects, you may need to complete further postgraduate study.

Did You Know?

There have been two Australians who have been awarded a Nobel Prize for Physics:

2011 Brian P. Schmidt

"for the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the Universe through observations of distant supernovae"

1964 Alexander M. Prokhorov
[born in Australia but went back to Russia with his parents when he was 7]

"for fundamental work in the field of quantum electronics, which has led to the construction of oscillators and amplifiers based on the maser-laser principle" shared with Charles H. Townes and Nicolay G. Basov.
(Source: Wikipedia)

Skill Level 5

Petrophysicists study and analyse the chemical and physical properties of oil and gas deposits, including the surrounding rocks and soil. Future Growth Decline

They collect and examine data about these reservoirs including, rock density, pore pressure, electrical and acoustic properties of the rock and the level of radioactivity. The data they collect can be used to estimate how porous the rocks are, the volume of oil and/or gas present and whether it can be extracted.

Petrophysicists play a vital role in the search for and recovery of new oil and gas reserves, and are involved in the management of mineral resources from initial exploration right through the appraisal of deposits to development and production management.

ANZSCO ID: 234999

Specialisations include: Mud Engineer, Petroleum engineer, Petrophysical Engineer

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Bachelor of Science degree in Geosciences or related discipline;
Ability to promote open and effective communication;
Propensity for undertaking tasks before being asked to or forced by events;
Ability to coach others to help their development;
Ability to work as part of a team;
Ability to facilitate and leverage knowledge transfer within and between the exploration,
development and production business units;
Ability to integrate a variety of data and information into an exceptional interpretation of the
subsurface.

(Source: Geonaft)

Duties and Tasks

Designing, supervising and evaluating data acquisition programmes

Managing and interpreting petrophysical data

Quantifying and characterizing reservoir properties, including uncertainties

Ensuring optimal design and suitable technologies are selected for data acquisition

Working in multidisciplinary integrated teams to build subsurface static and dynamic models

Working conditions

Petrophysicists usually work for oil and gas mining companies, either in offices or in the field. Fieldwork is frequently in remote locations, particularly in the state's North-West, or on offshore drilling platforms. When conducting fieldwork, the hours of work can be long and often include working evenings and on weekends, in most weather conditions. Petrophysicists working in an office environment generally work standard business hours, though overtime may be required, particularly during operations. A large part of their work is done on computers.

Tools and technologies

Petrophysicists use rock samples and electrical measuring equipment, inserted into boreholes, to collect data. This data is then analysed and integrated using computers, often with specialised software. The techniques for analysing and interpreting data are constantly developing, and most petrophysicists will develop new techniques, or modify existing ones, that are best suited to the particular reservoir being examined. When in the field they must follow strict safety guidelines, which includes wearing personal protection equipment at all times. This may include overalls, boots, safety goggles, a hard hat and gloves.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a petrophysicist or petrophysical engineer, you usually need to complete a science degree with a major in petroleum geoscience, geology or physics, or a degree in engineering with a major in oil and gas, or petroleum engineering. You may need to complete further postgraduate study to specialise in petroleum geoscience, oil and gas or petroleum engineering.

Petrophysicist or petrophysical engineers generally have to gain significant practical experience in oil and gas exploration and development.

Many major oil and gas industry employers offer petrophysics to engineering graduates during their initial graduate program, thus providing on the job training within the organisation.

Professor Michelle Simmons - Quantum Physicist