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Engineering ServicesISCO 3111

Physics technician

A physics technician is a person who monitors physical processes and carries out tests for production, educational or scientific purposes, working in laboratories, schools and manufacturing plants in support of physicists.

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Rate 5 of the 13 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

perform laboratory tests

execute analytical mathematical calculations

maintain laboratory equipment

apply statistical analysis techniques

gather experimental data

About physics technician

The technician collects experimental data, analyses experimental laboratory data, applies laboratory techniques and statistical analysis techniques, and performs the analytical mathematical calculations that turn a set of readings into a result. Reports on the results of the work are then produced, which the physicist or the plant uses.

The technician assists with scientific research: sets up the experiment, calibrates the apparatus, runs and repeats the measurements and, understanding the method, can notice when a result is an artefact of the apparatus.

The technician also knows scientific research methodology. In a school, the technician prepares demonstrations and experiments that have to work in front of a class the first time. Laboratory safety procedures govern the work, and in physics they cover radiation, lasers, high voltages, vacuum and cryogenics depending on the laboratory. Entry is through technical or physics education, and detailed requirements are set by the employer.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (13)

physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.laboratory techniqueslaboratory techniquesTechniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.execute analytical mathematical calculationsexecute analytical mathematical calculationsApply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.maintain laboratory equipmentmaintain laboratory equipmentClean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.apply statistical analysis techniquesapply statistical analysis techniquesUse models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.apply safety procedures in laboratoryapply safety procedures in laboratoryMake sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.gather experimental datagather experimental dataCollect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.analyse experimental laboratory dataanalyse experimental laboratory dataAnalyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.use measurement instrumentsuse measurement instrumentsUse different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.report analysis resultsreport analysis resultsProduce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods which led to the results, as well as...assist scientific researchassist scientific researchAssist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.
Optional (20) — show
acousticsacousticsThe study of sound, its reflection, amplification and absorption in a space.mathematicsmathematicsMathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to pr...statisticsstatisticsThe study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of ...geophysicsgeophysicsThe scientific field that deals with the physical processes and properties of, and spatial environment surrounding Earth. Geophysics also deals with the quantitative analysis of phenomena such as magn...thermodynamicsthermodynamicsThe branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy.geologygeologySolid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.quantum mechanicsquantum mechanicsThe field of research concerning the study of atoms and photons in order to quantize these particles.densiometrydensiometryDiagnosis procedure that measures the degree of mineralisation and calcium in a bone by passing x-rays, to determine its thickness or strength. Densiometry is used to diagnose osteoporosis and monitor...quantum computingquantum computingThe branch of computer science that follows the principles of quantum theory. It uses subatomic particles which are allowed to exist under more than one state thanks to quantum bits, or qubits.astronomyastronomyThe field of science that studies the physics, chemistry, and evolution of celestial objects such as stars, comets, and moons. It also examines phenomena that happen outside Earth's atmosphere such as...operate remote sensing equipmentoperate remote sensing equipmentSet up and operate remote sensing equipment such as radars, telescopes, and aerial cameras in order to obtain information about Earth's surface and atmosphere.analyse scientific dataanalyse scientific dataCollect and analyse scientific data resulting from research. Interpret these data according to certain standards and viewpoints in order to comment on it.communicate with external laboratoriescommunicate with external laboratoriesCommunicate with the external analytical laboratories in order to manage the required external testing process.collect samples for analysiscollect samples for analysisCollect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.apply scientific methodsapply scientific methodsApply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.calibrate laboratory equipmentcalibrate laboratory equipmentCalibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment....operate telescopesoperate telescopesSet up and adjust telescopes in order to look at phenomena and objects outside Earth's atmosphere.interpret geophysical datainterpret geophysical dataInterpret data of a geophysical nature: Earth's shape, its gravitational and magnetic fields, its structure and composition, and geophysical dynamics and their surface expression in plate tectonics.write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.observe matterobserve matterStudy the structure and characteristics of matter in order to identify the basic principles ruling these phenomena.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

physicist9 shared essential skillsagronomist6 shared essential skillsanalytical chemist6 shared essential skillsbacteriology technician6 shared essential skillsbiochemistry technician6 shared essential skillsbiology technician6 shared essential skillsbotanical technician6 shared essential skillsoceanographer6 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a physics technician do?

Physics technicians monitor physical processes and perform tests for manufacturing, educational or scientific purposes. They work in laboratories, schools or production facilities where they assist physicists in their work. Physics technicians perform technical or practical work and report about their results.

What skills does a physics technician need?

A physics technician needs 13 essential skills, including physics, laboratory techniques, scientific research methodology, perform laboratory tests, execute analytical mathematical calculations.

Will AI replace physics technician jobs?

The AI disruption score for physics technician is 31/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: densiometry, execute analytical mathematical calculations, report analysis results. Most resilient: quantum computing, apply safety procedures in laboratory, operate telescopes.

Quick Facts

SectorEngineering Services
ISCO GroupScience and engineering associate professionals
Essential Skills13

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